Bryn Mawr in Pisa is a six-week summer program in the language, literature, and culture of Italy offered under the auspices of Bryn Mawr College. Classes are offered at the University of Pisa, one of Europe's oldest universities, and are tailored toward beginning, intermediate, or advanced students. The program is open to all students in good academic standing and to Bryn Mawr Alumnae. Courses are taught by Bryn Mawr faculty and by faculty of the University of Pisa. The class schedule is Monday through Thursday between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm, thus allowing students to plan long week-end excursions to destinations of their choice. Through the combination of academic study and the opportunity to enjoy Italian culture, Summer Study in Pisa provides a unique learning experience for undergraduate students.
Located in the North-West Tuscany region of Italy, Pisa is characterized by narrow streets, picturesque piazzas, and many historic and artistic monuments such as the Leaning Tower, symbol of the city. As a famous university city, Pisa is very lively. Its center is full of all types of meeting places: cafeterias, restaurants, pizzerias, inns, discos, and live music venues. Along the Lungarni or in the adjacent streets of Piazza Garibaldi, you can 
immerse yourself in the Pisan dolce vita, making a stop for a beverage and a chat in one of the many caffés packed with students.
Lying a few kilometers from the sea, Pisa enjoys a Mediterranean climate with sunny days and average summer temperatures ranging between 65-82 degrees F. The beach of Marina di Pisa is about 15 minutes away, and bus transportation makes it an easy commute. The famous Viareggio and Forte de Marmi beaches, considered among the best in Europe, are accessible by a short train ride.
Pisa also offers visitors a series of summer folk events such as the Festa di San Ranieri. On the night of June 16th, the Luminara begins the festivities in honor of Pisa's patron saint, San Ranieri. The banks of the Arno river are lined with over 70,000 torches, and the palaces and buildings along the riverfront are illuminated creating a spectacular sight. Four boats representing the most ancient districts of the city 
compete in the Regatta of Saint Ranieri. The night ends with a splendid fireworks display.
On the last Sunday in June, Pisans reenact the annual Gioco del Ponte (Battle of the Bridge), a historic event first recorded in 1568. The contest is preceded by a huge procession in medieval costume through the city.
Students can take advantage of Pisa's proximity to other major cities in Italy. It is connected to Florence with frequent train service linking the two cities in about an hour. Pisa is also on the Rome-Genoa line with frequent trains in both directions. In addition, there is daily shuttle ferry service from nearby Livorno to Elba, Capraia, and other islands in the Mediterranean sea.
Galileo Galilei International Airport is located in Pisa. It is the most important airport in Tuscany, connecting the city with major Italian and European destinations. The airport is just one kilometer from the city. Connections are both by train or bus. The train goes directly to Pisa Central Station, situated near the historic center, on the south side of the Arno. The bus line passes through the main city streets and arrives at Piazza dei Miracoli.
Students participating in the program can make their own living arrangements. Students also have the option of having the program make these arrangements for them at the Hotel Leonardo in Pisa. Hotel Leonardo, a building in the historical center of Pisa, was renovated maintaining its ancient characteristics. It is equipped with all modern comforts: elevator, rooms with private bathrooms, telephone, fax, satellite TV, air conditioning, heating, and hairdryer. Hotel Leonardo is located in via Tavoleria, 17, in a quiet area in the center of Pisa, close to the Piazza dei Cavalieri, the Arno River, and the Leaning Tower. It is surrounded by lots of typical restaurants where you can get a taste of Tuscan food.
Accommodations are mostly in double rooms. In the past some students have opted for a single or triple (price will be higher for a single and lower for a triple). The price for a double room from
June 13 to the morning of July 25 will be approximately €1800 (about
$2800 at the current exchange rate). Breakfast is included in the Hotel
price. Students are responsible for other meals.
• Application fee $50 (application fee is waived if you apply on-line)
• Tuition $5200 for 2 units of credit (2010 tuition TBA)
• Lodging $2800*
• Program Fees $400** (2010 fees TBA)
*This an approximate amount based on the current exchange rate (November 5, 2009); exact price will be determined in April
**includes excursions and miscellaneous
expenses (i.e. museum entrance fees, welcome and farewell dinners)
PLEASE NOTE: Fees, including tuition, will be refunded to students who withdraw by April 30th. Half of the tuition will be refunded to students who withdraw between May 1st and June 1st. There will be no refunds after June 1st.
