Why Choose Nazareth for Italian?

The study of Italian at Nazareth College is not simply about conjugating verbs or sitting in language labs. It is an immersive experience in the culture, literature, art, and people of Italy. The study of Italy's urban culture, its 20th century literature, the Italian cinema, classical works such as the Divine Comedy, study abroad, and of course, learning the language are just a few of the ways we visit Italy from all perspectives.

Study abroad is a requirement for all foreign language majors. Nazareth College has an overseas affiliation with the Universita degli Studi 'G. D'Annunzio' in Pescara, Italy. The program is for students interested in spending a year or a semester abroad to study Italian culture. Nazareth students take courses with Italian students, and are hosted by Italian families for a genuine experience of life in Italy. Additional excursions in Italy include Venice, Florence, Rome, and Aquila.

Program Highlights

• Study abroad program in Pescara, Italy.
• Study abroad program in Florence, Italy.
• Gamma Kappa Alpha Italian Honor Society member.
  
• The Casa Italiana, the center for all Italian studies where some classes, art exhibits, some dinners, and events are held.
• Award-winning faculty; small classes.
• Many opportunities for meaningful cultural exchanges between the United States and Italy.
• Many on-campus Italian-themed events—dinners, festivals, art exhibits, concerts, talks, and more.
• The SITE (Student Internship Teaching Experience) Program of Lombardy Italy would like to remind you of the possibility for recent Italian graduates to apply as English teaching assistants in the schools of the region on Lombardy Italy. The Program, which consists of three, six and eight month periods of English teaching assistant-ship in Italian high schools is an enriching both cultural and academic experience.
  
• More detailed information can be found in the official SITE program website: http://siteprogram.pacioli.net/.
  
• This year Nazareth Had two students who were awarded the Teaching Internship: Kirstin Perez, who taught in Saronno and Alexandra Vattimo, who will be teaching in Salo.

Casa Italiana

The Casa Italiana is a center for the study of Italian language, literature, and culture. Whether you are of Italian ancestry yourself or are a "citizen of the world" interested in learning more about this dynamic country and its people, the Casa Italiana has something to offer you. Learn more.

Program Director

Maria Rosaria Vitti-Alexander
mvittia6@naz.edu
585-389-2688
GAC - 393

A native speaker of Italian, Dr. Vitti-Alexander has been teaching since 1978. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor in 1983, with a thesis on Italian playwright Luigi Pirandello. She believes in closely associating with her students for a fuller appreciation of the language and culture of Italy.