Student Services

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Student services

Our aim is to respond to the needs of our participants by offering the experience and advice of our faculty and staff, who are at hand 24 hours seven days a week during the program (and throughout the year via email) and available to address any questions or concerns a participant may have, including academic, safety, travel, entertainment, food, etc. We encourage students to organize their own explorations, however, we also organize tours, trips and other educational and fun activities, such as Italian film nights, community festivals, local dinner events, concerts, cooking classes and pot-lucks.

Orientation

In San Gemini, the day before classes begin, we conduct a 2-hour orientation and invite all participants and staff to a welcoming reception. The orientation is designed to help students navigate their stay in San Gemini as smoothly as possible. Issues covered in orientation include: accommodations, linen, laundry, kitchen, electricity, environmental considerations, trash and recycling, the classrooms, the office, class schedules, food, open-market, stores, restaurants, swimming pool, money, telephones, internet, public transport, local laws, safety, local customs and practices, medical services, insurance, etc.

We coordinate Zoom calls with participants and staff members a month before programs begin in order to review the program, travel to San Gemini and answer any questions.

We provide a travel logistics document that covers travel to San Gemini and other issues such as being a safe traveler, what to pack, money exchange, etc.

The first day of class includes an overview of the local history and a tour of San Gemini and the nearby ancient Roman town of Carsulae, both towns being integral to the programs’ field work.

Health and Safety Protocol

  • SGPS requires all students purchase comprehensive study abroad insurance from CISI.

  • Health and safety issues are reviewed during our orientation (see above).

  • Students are also asked to read and sign the rules and regulations and liability release form

Travel Abroad Advice for Participants

Italy is generally a very safe place. Nevertheless, you must be careful in some situations and watch out for pickpockets. This problem exists mostly at large train stations (Rome, Florence, Milan, Naples) and at some major tourist attractions. Unsuspecting tourists are prime targets.

San Gemini is a small, very safe town and you don't have any of these problems. However, you need to follow common sense precautions, such as: lock the doors when you leave the apartment and do not leave expensive equipment lying around unsupervised.

Things to do when traveling:

Always carry your passport and money in the front pocket of pants or inside pocket of jacket (close to your body and hard to reach).

  • Make sure that your luggage is always with you.

  • Do not carry expensive equipment in obvious camera or computer bags.

  • Never take rides from people offering a car service at rail stations, take only official taxi cabs.

  • Keep copies of your passport, credit cards and driver’s license both with you and at home.

  • Shoulder bags: do not put all your valuables in one wallet inside your bag. That is the first thing pickpockets take.

Below are some resources with advice for travelers, including individuals who self-define as BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and female. As many of these websites conclude, the best experiences and most meaningful connections when studying abroad come from having flexibility, an open mind, and a willingness to work to understand each other. Ultimately, it is up to the student to familiarize themselves with the culture and attitudes of a foreign country. Regardless of race, gender identity, or sexual orientation, when we meet new people and share new experiences, it is our similarities that we celebrate, and that help us look out for each other.

COVID 19

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COVID 19 Policy and updates

On May 5, 2023, the World Health Organization Director-General concurs that COVID-19 is now an established and ongoing health issue which no longer constitutes a public health emergency of international concern.

The health and safety of our participants continue to be a priority. IIRPS and SGPS programs monitor and adhere to all requirements maintained by our collaborating organizations (see also WVU Education Abroad COVID-19 Travel Policy) as well as the Italian and US Government agencies.

All SGPS participants must abide by the local health and safety guidelines, including vaccination requirements. IIRPS will update and confirm with all participants COVID regulations one-month prior to the beginning of each program.

SGPS applicants are currently no longer asked to provide COVID vaccination status prior to acceptance to the program.

All SGPS applicants may be asked to provide COVID vaccination status prior to acceptance to the program, in accordance with SGPS adherence to requirements maintained by our collaborating organizations as well as the Italian Government. Applicants requiring exemptions due to documented medical reasons will need to contact Polly Withers.

All SGPS participants are no longer being required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of the orientation day before classes start at the beginning of each session. Participants may be required to fill out a health screener and have their temperatures taken every Monday at the beginning of classes.

COVID Travel Guidelines and Compliances*

All students traveling internationally must comply with Italian expectations for travel, including testing mandates, prior to departure. There is not currently a travel alert for Italy and the US requiring travelers to be fully vaccinated or to be able to show proof of vaccination before flying. Travelers may be required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test prior to departing.

Before departing, it is the participant’s responsibility to know:

  • What test and documentation is needed prior to traveling to Italy

  • Understand and comply with all masking requirements on airlines and local masking ordinances while traveling

COVID-specific Safety Procedures*

  • If a participant is not feeling well and is experiencing flu-like symptoms, please immediately tell a member of the SGPS staff. Put on a mask and keep mindful of others by self-distancing.

  • If you don’t know the vaccination status of the group, mask while indoors

  • Mask while outdoors in large crowds

  • Social distance when you can

  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or hand sanitizer

  • Comply with quarantining regulations during the program

 * For general safety and travel guidelines, please see our Student Services webpage and our Travel Logistics document.

What happens if a participant or member of staff contracts COVID during the Program?

  • If a participant is not feeling well and is experiencing flu-like symptoms, please immediately tell a member of the SGPS staff. Put on a mask and keep mindful of others by self-distancing.

  • The insurance plan SGPS requires for participation covers COVID as any other illness. The policy would cover testing, medication, doctor visits and hospitalization. Testing is only covered if medically necessary, meaning if the participant is sick or showing symptoms. It is not covered for preventative measures like country entry.

  • Participants may be required to quarantine, depending on current local regulations. SGPS will assist in finding accommodations, but this may incur extra housing fees for the participant. Applicants will be required to pay these fees.

  • If a member of faculty becomes sick, we have a virtual option with qualified teaching assistants continuing in-person workshops.

Should you experience any issues with any Italian establishment please refer them to the original Italian-language decrees at the following links: 
Equipollenza certificazioni vaccinali e di guarigione rilasciate dagli Stati Terzi per gli usi previsti dall’ art. 3 del decreto-legge 23 luglio 2021: and
Equivalenza di vaccini anti SARS-CoV-2/COVID somministrati all’estero 

Accommodations

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Shared Housing

Participants stay in apartments or houses that are available in the town of San Gemini. The apartments vary as we renew rental contracts with whatever is available to us every year. The conditions can differ, but all provide basic, comfortable living conditions in the historic center of San Gemini. These shared rooms are priced affordably at $750 per program.

Most of the accommodations are in medieval buildings that have very thick walls, which can keep living quarters cool on hot days, but cold on wet days. Most do not have air conditioning. All accommodations are within walking distance to classrooms and the center of town.

Shared Housing Includes:

  • Shared bedrooms that can vary from two to three beds

  • Shared bathrooms

  • Kitchens with basic cooking utensils

  • Laundry (washing machine and hang-dry)

  • Weekly change of linen (bed sheets and one bath towel)

All-gender housing is available. This allows participants to reside with other participants regardless of sex assigned at birth, gender, gender identity, or gender expression. Participants can choose between Women Only, Men Only and All Gender choices of housing.

Single room accommodations

Private rooms within a shared apartment (sharing bathroom and kitchen) is also available. The fee for this option is an additional $250 per program ($1,000 total), but the cost will also depend on the availability.

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Meals and internet. In town there are several bars and excellent restaurants where students can relax and eat. There is free wireless internet available in Palazzo Vecchio, our main classroom and office. There is also free wireless available in the central piazza and in the 2 main bars/cafes. We cannot guarantee that there is internet available in every apartment.

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Private Apartment or Hotel Room

SGPS staff can assist in arranging for private housing options (minimum cost $1,300 plus $750 per guest per session).

If you are interested in finding out more information about other accommodation options, please contact Polly Withers at pwithers@iirpsemail.org. Please note that a 15% service fee will be charged for any special arrangements.

 

Academic Calendar

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San Gemini Preservation Studies
Calendar academic year 2024-25

Deadline for Application Acceptance - deposit $450 plus $50 application fee
March 15, 2025

Review of applications
March 15 - 20, 2025

Communication of Acceptance
March 16 - 21, 2025

Students payment of Tuition & Housing
April 1st, 2025

Arrival in San Gemini - Session I Saturday May 31, 2024

Orientation Session I & Welcome reception Sunday, June 1, 2025 (4:00 PM)

Classes start Session I (Programs: A, B, & C)
Monday, June 2, 2025

Goodbye dinner Thursday, June 26, 2025

Last day of Class/Exam day Session I
Friday, June 27, 2025 (ends at 6:00 PM)

Departure day Session I
June 28 ,2025

Intersession period
June 28 - July 14, 2025

Intersession Preservation Tour
June 29 - July 9, 2025 (starts in San Gemini and ends in Rome)

Arrival Day Session II
July 12, 2025

Orientation Session II & Welcome Reception
Sunday, July 13, 2025

Classes Start Session II (programs: D&E)
July 14, 2025

Goodbye Dinner
Thursday, August 7, 2025

Last day of Classes/ Exams
Friday August 8, 2025

Departure Day Session II
August 9, 2025

Tuition and Program Fees

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10% Discount

Benefit from our discount on multiple program fees.

Apply for 2 programs we will deduct 10% from your 2nd tuition fee (a savings of $400).

Tuition to programs A, B, C, D, E and F includes:
Academic costs for the equivalent of 6 units, transportation during academic field trips within Italy that are part of that course, materials and tools (not personal tools), buffet reception, welcome packet, and final dinner.

Tuition for the Intersession Preservation Tour to Siena, Florence and Rome includes:
Academic costs, transportation, hotel accommodations and breakfast, museum tickets when part of organized academic tours, academic handouts and final dinner.  This trip is optional and not part of regular programs; students must enroll and pay for this program separately. 

Tuition for Programs or Preservation Tour does not include: Airfare to Italy, food, required insurance.

Deposit due and deadline for applications: March 15, 2025

Common Questions

What is the required insurance?

SGPS coordinates the required insurance through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI). This is not required for Italian or other EU citizens who would be covered by the EU health coverage agreement. The rate is $56 per month for all participants (you would need two months if you are planning to participate in the Intersession Preservation Tour, only one month for one program, and three months for both sessions including the IPT).

For more information please read our full FAQ

Is Financial Aid Available?

We wish we had scholarships available but unfortunately we don’t. However, we’d like to point out that we are one of the less expensive study abroad options out there. Check with your university as some students are able to get financial support to attend our program. Also, some students apply for a loan from a financial institution. We have also had participants fund their trip by crowdfunding.

For a list of other funding possibilities, please read our full FAQ

Are Deposits refundable?

If an applicant withdraws their application before the March 15th deadline, they will be refunded the $450 deposit but not the $50 application fee. Those students that withdraw their application after March 15 will not receive a refund of either the application fee or the deposit. Should the program be cancelled due to low enrollment, or any other SGSP decision, applicants will be fully refunded. If an application is not accepted by SGPS, any fees paid will be refunded.

For more information about payments, please read our full FAQ

What forms of payments are accepted?

BY CHECK OR MONEY ORDER

1. Print out the second page of our Payment Instructions Form, complete the section selecting the fees you are including in the payment, detach it.
2. Include the form with a check* or money order* made payable to the International Institute for Restoration and Preservation Studies (or IIRPS).
3. Mail the form and check or money order to:
Attn: Polly Withers, 203 7th Avenue, 5A, Brooklyn, New York 11215.

* We accept checks from US banks. We do not accept checks from foreign banks, nor do we accept checks or money orders in currency other than US dollars.

By ZELLE OR PAYPAL

If you are interested in finding out how to pay by Zelle or PayPal, or directly from your bank to IIRPS bank, please contact Polly Withers at pwithers@iirpsemail.org.

WIRE TRANSFERS

Wire transfers must be in US Dollars (must include $15 per wire transfer to cover bank fees). This is usually how participants from outside the US pay. For IIRPS bank coordinates, please contact Polly Withers at pwithers@iirpsemail.org.

DIRECT BANK TRANSFER

Direct bank to bank payment (includes an additional administrative processing fee of 1%).

CREDIT CARD

Credit Card payment (includes an additional administrative processing fee of 3%).

If you are interested in finding out how to pay by wire transfer, credit card, or directly from your bank to IIRPS bank, please contact Polly Withers at pwithers@iirpsemail.org.

Base Tuition: Programs A B C D E F

Academic Equivalent of 6 Units of Credit for 4 Weeks
Travel within Italy as part of program
Materials and tools
Buffet Reception
Final Night Dinner
Welcome Packet

Base Tuition $4,000

+ Shared housing for 4 weeks ($750)
+ Application fee ($50)

Total Cost: $4,800


Mandatory fees not included:
Health Insurance $56 per month

Intersession Preservation Tour

Academic Equivalent of 1 Unit Credit for 10 days
Transportation within Italy
Hotel and Breakfast
Academic Museum Tours
Welcome Aperitif and Final Night Dinner
Academic Handouts

Additional $2,800

Recommended Extras Not Included

Food (cooking) $10 to $15 per day
Food (restaurants) $15 to $30 per day
Certificate of Completion $20

Program D Only - Personal Tool Kit $280

important Notes

  1. All fees must be received in US dollars. It is very unlikely, but costs may vary from this estimate according to enrollment, currency fluctuations, or changes in prices. Final costs can be confirmed after March 15th.

  2. Personal tools: SGPS does not provide personal tools for students, such as: work gloves, safety boots, safety glasses, computer laptops or cameras. Please check the requirements of each course.

  3. Mandatory Health Insurance is not included in the program fees. SGPS coordinates this group coverage through CISI (Cultural Insurance Services International). Please do not purchase this individually.

  4. The “units” above are not university or college credits but are the equivalent in student work. Students getting credit from West Virginia University or their own university for participation in our programs may have extra fees to pay directly to the crediting institution.

Accreditation

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SGPS is not an accredited university. Our courses are rated by units (equivalent to credit units). Participants receive a letter-graded evaluation and, if requested, an official certificate of completion ($20 extra fee to cover postage).

Participants that want to receive accredited college or university credit can apply to our program through West Virginia University (see below instructions). Many students are able to get independent study credit through their home universities and applicants should consult their study abroad advisor to see if that option is available to them.

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West Virginia University

In 2018, SGPS established relations with West Virginia University through which students participating in some of our courses are able to receive accreditation through the WVU Art History Department. You can apply online at their WVU Abroad page through this link. You will find there the opportunity to apply for programs A, B or C in Session 1 or programs D or E in Session 2. You can also apply to get credit for participating in the Intersession Preservation Tour. The deadline for applying through WVU is March 1st, 2025 (to be confirmed). The cost is to be determined (around $5,000) per program (not including airfare). This tuition fee covers:

  • WVU Course Credits

  • Lodging

  • Programmatic Academic Excursions

  • Comprehensive International Travel and Health Insurance.

Please contact Polly Withers, SGPS program manager, email: pwithers@iirpsemail.org, or WVU at EducationAbroad@mail.wvu.edu or Tel: (304) 293-7228, with any questions.

You can read about the experience last summer of students from WVU in the following article:
New GPS Program Teaches Restoration, Preservation in Italy

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University of Notre Dame

Also in 2018 we began a new collaboration with the University of Notre Dame School of Architecture on a new research project: the architectural and structural survey of the excavation site of the baths at the ancient Roman city of Carsulae. For more information on this project please visit our page: Program F 2020.

For further information about this collaboration with UND, please contact Polly Withers, IIRPS/SGPS program manager email: pwithers@iirpsemail.org.