BU’s Padua programs take place in a lively town that’s home to one of the oldest universities in the world. The Padua Mediterranean Diet: Food, Culture & Health program will immerse students in the food, agriculture, culture, cuisine, and lifestyle of the Mediterranean region while studying the evidence-based research on the Mediterranean diet and health outcomes. Students will participate in hands-on activities, learn from expert guest lecturers, and take field trips to vineyards, farms, and marketplaces. The course will be taught in English at the BU Padua Academic Center.
Requirements & Considerations
Curriculum
Undergraduate Curriculum
- SAR HS 408 Mediterranean Diet: Food, Culture and Health (4 credits)
- This course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas:
- Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy
- Individual in Community
- Creativity/Innovation
- Pre-requisite: An introductory Nutrition course such as SAR HS 251 Human Nutrition Science or SAR HS 201 or MET HS 201 Introduction to Nutrition.
- This study abroad course immerses students in the Mediterranean lifestyle to study its relationship to health promotion and disease prevention. Students gain exposure to Italian food culture and industry, agriculture and sustainability, health policy and communications, and the scientific evidence demonstrating the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet.
- Syllabus
Graduate Curriculum
- SAR HS 608 Mediterranean Diet: Food, Culture and Health (4 credits)
- Pre-requisite: An introductory 4-credit Nutrition course such as SAR HS 551 Human Nutrition Science or the equivalent
- This graduate study abroad course immerses students in the Mediterranean lifestyle to study its relationship to health promotion and disease prevention. Students gain exposure to Italian food culture and industry, agriculture and sustainability, health policy and communications, and the scientific evidence demonstrating the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet.
- Syllabus
Housing & Student Services
Undergraduate Program
Local Homestay
- 1 student per household, 2 occasionally.
- Students will have a single or double room with shared bathroom and living spaces.
- Kitchen available for occasional use with permission from host.
- Partial board included - four dinners with host family per week, breakfast included. All other meals are paid for by the student, out of pocket.
- No dining hall at the BU Padua Center.
- Laundry facilities available in host homes
- Study facilities available at BU Padua Center and libraries around University of Padua.
- Athletic facilities available for an extra charge locally
Graduate Program
University Dormitory
The Collegio Don Mazza Residence is a private college and has 3 main residence halls in close proximity to each other.
- All students live in furnished double rooms with en suite bathroom
- Students will room with another student from the program or an Italian student.
- Partial board included: 5 dinner meals a week (Monday – Friday)
- Communal coffee rooms and possibility to use communal kitchen for breakfast preparation
- Weekly cleaning service
- Wi-Fi, study halls with air conditioning, library, conference room, information center, music room, newspaper and TV room, gym for residents only.
- Irons and coin operated laundry facilities
Program Dates
- Summer Term: late May to late June
Application Deadlines
This program is rolling admissions; applications are reviewed once all application materials are received, prior to all deadlines. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all required materials are received by the BU Study Abroad office. Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible as some programs and internship tracks have limited space and may fill up before the deadline. Submitting a complete application prior to the application deadline, does not guarantee acceptance. Students will be emailed an admissions decision within three weeks of a completed application.
Information for BU Students Awaiting an Admissions Decision and exceptions to the standard admission calendar for all students can be found here.
Cost & Financial Considerations
Undergraduate - Summer 2023 Tuition & Fees: $4,950
Cost includes tuition, housing, partial board, field trips, overseas medical insurance, and emergency evacuation coverage.
Graduate - Summer 2023 Tuition & Fees: $7,737
Cost includes tuition, housing, partial board, field trips, overseas medical insurance, and emergency evacuation coverage.
Grants and Scholarships available
BU Study Abroad arranges a transatlantic group flight that is not included in the program fee. We recommend that students take this flight.
