MU Nutritional Sciences

Study Abroad in Italy:
The Mediterranean Diet and Lifestyle

MU Summer Study Abroad in Italy - 2010 Summer Semester
Tentative Dates:
May 17-June 5, 2010 (section 1)
May 17-June 12, 2010 (section 2)

What does the program offer?
The program will focus on the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet and physically active lifestyle, and both sections will be led by MU Nutritional Sciences instructors Dale Brigham and Ann Cohen.

Students will study the components of the Mediterranean diet and lifestyle, and compare food, nutrition and physical activity patterns and influences in Italy with those in the U.S. The course will help students gain a greater understanding of how cultural food choices and physical activity opportunities impact health.

The program offers two sections:
Section 1: Monday, May 17 to Saturday, June 5, 2010
Credit: 3 hours
Description: This section is a three-week overview course of the Mediterranean diet and lifestyle. Students will earn three credit hours by participating in food tastings and preparations, food and activity related-excursions, and lectures provided by Apicius International School of Hospitality in Florence, Italy. Students will turn in a final project after returning from Italy.

Section 2: Monday, May 17 to Saturday, June 12, 2010
Credit: 6 hours
Description: This section is a four-week course. Like the three week course, students will participate in food tastings and preparations, food and activity related-excursions, and lectures provided by Apicius International School of Hospitality in Florence, Italy. Students will also complete a course taught by MU faculty and one of two additional courses from Apicius, either sports nutrition or Mediterranean food products and preparations. With this course section, students will complete all of their course work in Italy.

What makes the diet and lifestyle of Italy special?
The Mediterranean diet is rich in whole grains, fruits, nuts, legumes, fish and olive oil. The Mediterranean lifestyle is infused with a culture of walking, bicycling and other physical activities. These two components of health have been linked to longer life, decreased risk of heart disease, and a lower prevalence of cancer and other chronic diseases in the Mediterranean population.

To maintain a healthy balance between eating and activity, many Italian families take a walk through town before and after dinner. Walking and riding bikes is very common, especially in the cities. The environment in Italy seems to be conducive to an active lifestyle, which, when combined with a wholesome diet, contributes to overall good health.

What will I study?
Students will experience food and activity-related excursions, like visits to fresh food markets, producers of olive oil, balsamic vinegar and cheese, vegetable farms and cooking classes. Additionally, students will take a daylong hike through the celebrated Cinque Terre, a string of five coastal villages on the Mediterranean Sea connected by walking paths. Students will have the opportunity to travel throughout the region, visiting a variety of Italian cities and towns.

Where will I live?
Students will be housed in apartments in historic Florence, the capital city of Tuscany and the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance.

Will I get academic credit?
Students will register for three or six MU credits of NS 3001 Topics in Nutritional Sciences (course number subject to change). Because this is an MU course, the grade received will be calculated into the student’s MU GPA.

Can I get financial aid?
The financial aid that is typically available for regular classes at MU should apply to the cost of the program. Additional grants, loans or scholarships may be available to offset the extra costs incurred on this program. Please see the advisor for study abroad financing at the MU Financial Aid Office for more complete information.

Am I eligible?
Yes! There are no prerequisites or class-standing requirements to enroll in the course.

How much will it cost?

¹Based on fees for the Fall 2009 semester. Summer 2010 fees may vary.

² The program fee is based on applications received before December 11, 2009. If application is received after December 11, 2009, an extra $250 will be added to program fee. The program fee is an estimate based on 15 students participating in the program, and may increase if the final number goes below 15.

How do I apply for the program?
Students should submit the following application materials to Carole Braun by December 11, 2009 to receive the early application fee:

1. A completed application form (Word doc)
2. A nonrefundable $100 deposit should be made out to University of Missouri to hold a place in the program. The deposit will be applied toward the student’s payment for the program fee.

Submit application materials to:
Carole Braun, administrative assistant
Nutritional Sciences Extension
308 Gwynn Hall
Columbia, MO 65211
573-882-0698

Course Proposal
You will also need to get approval to study abroad from your college or school’s dean’s office. Submit the course proposal form to the International Center (N52 Memorial Union) before February 22, 2010. Please begin this process at least two weeks prior to the February 22, 2010 deadline.

Where can I find out more information?
View the PowerPoint presentation and/or contact: