Participation in the remainder of the program is contingent upon attendance during Orientation. Students meet the staff and other participants and are introduced to the Lexia approach of staggered courses and components. They also become familiar with their new home through lectures, field trips, group discussions, walking tours, selected readings, films and social gatherings. The Resident Director and staff address topics such as housing, health and safety, transportation and recreation in Venice and Italy. General issues concerning living in a foreign culture and being an American or Canadian abroad are considered.
Students discuss the challenges of cross-cultural learning and living.
Students become familiar with the program objectives and are able to share their own academic and personal goals for the coming term with the group. Foreign Language 137, Elementary Italian Foreign Language 237, Intermediate Italian Foreign Language 337, Advanced Italian Since participation in the local culture is one of the main objectives of the Lexia program, acquiring language skills is an essential goal. Understanding at least some of the language also provides the mobility to accomplish personal and academic objectives, particularly during the period of independent research. These objectives are addressed through formal language instruction. Formal classroom instruction takes place from two to four hours daily, supplemented by discussions, films, cultural excursions and field exercises.