Overall, amazing experience that i will cherish for the rest of my life.

For future participants: The unfamiliarity of a foreign country can seem scary, but in Cortona, you have a group of your American peers to talk to, and it helps mitigate the culture shock. I really enjoyed having a small group of people who all did at least one thing together every day—it made it easy to make friends fast, since you had a lot in common. Be considerate of the locals, because the city is their home. Also, talk to the program directors and ask questions! They have a wealth of interesting information about the history of the city, events you might want to attend, the history of UGA’s program and buildings, and Italian culture in general. When you first apply for your study abroad program, apply for all the scholarships you can! Don’t let the idea that you’re less likely to get funding for western European travel stop you from pursuing it. Despite going to Italy, I got the Experiential learning scholarship, the Cortona-specific Foundation Incentive scholarship, the Honors International Scholars Program scholarship, and the UGA passport initiative scholarship. Together they covered the entire cost of my trip, and most of the other students I spoke to had received some scholarship to support their study abroad.

A cultivated atmosphere that fosters personal growth, curiosity and memory making.

There is no place better to study wine than in the heart of Tuscany!

I have already had opportunities open up for me in Napa Valley because of my time in Italy with this program! First step, graduate college. Next step, own a vineyard!

From trellis systems to fermentation process, this program will give you complete insight on the complexity of wine making. I enjoyed learning about the intricacy of each wine bottle and the amount of work put into a good glass of wine. I gained greater appreciation for the horticulture and food science aspects of viticulture and enology. This program enabled me to gain more knowledge on grapes growing and wine production in different regions of the world. I am excited to use this unique education in the professional world and in future gardening endeavors.

I learned more about wine than I ever thought I would know. The professors are very kind and want all students to understand the material. Studying didn't feel like studying because the material was so interesting. Cortona is the best small Italian town to visit because the locals are there to help you with whatever you need.

Gives you an opportunity to truly allow you to see what it feels like to live in a small town in Tuscany

Studying viticulture and enology was a grape experience! Italy was the classiest classroom and the educational experience was intoxicating.