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. Courses are taught by Bryn Mawr faculty and by faculty of the University of Pisa. The class schedule is Monday through Thursday between 9 am and 4 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, Bryn Mawr 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, Pisan's 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 a 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 to 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 all in double rooms. The price from
June 7 to the morning of July 19 will be approximately 1650€ (about
$1900 at the current exchange rate). Breakfast is included in the Hotel
price. Students are responsible for other meals
*The program will assist those students wishing to live with host families or in apartments but cannot give any assurance of placement.
Program is open to men and women students in
good academic standing at their institution.
The following are required of all applicants:
• Letter of recommendation from one of their professors.
• For students wishing to continue with their language courses, we require a letter from one of their language instructors.
• Official transcript.
• A $50.00 non-refundable check payable to Bryn
Mawr College.
All requested materials and application should be mailed to:
Program Assistant
Pisa Summer Program
Department of Italian
Bryn Mawr College
101 N Merion Avenue
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
APPLICATION FORMS
Application (PDF)
Application (MS Word)
You may also request that an application be mailed to you by calling
610-526-5198 or by e-mailing pisa@brynmawr.edu
About :: Calendar :: Lodging :: Cost :: Scholarships :: Transportation :: Application 
