For Canadian students in Grades 11 and 12, the path to academic excellence doesn’t have to be confined to a traditional classroom. Imagine earning your Grade 12 English credit after finding inspiration in the very piazzas that inspired the Renaissance, or mastering the complexities of Classical Civilization while walking through a city frozen in time by a volcanic eruption. This is the power of a study abroad program in Italy with Global Summer Academy.
Our program is a curated educational journey across Italy’s most breathtaking regions, designed to align with the Ontario secondary school curriculum. We transform the entire country into a dynamic, living classroom, allowing you to earn crucial university-preparation credits in an environment that fosters deeper understanding and creates lifelong memories.
Why This Italian Journey is Perfect for Grade 11 & 12 Students
The transition to senior-level courses is pivotal. The workload intensifies, and university applications loom. Our study abroad experience offers a powerful advantage: it contextualizes your learning, making abstract concepts tangible and complex subjects unforgettable. This isn’t a vacation from learning; it’s an immersive academic adventure. You return home not only with credits but with a profound understanding and a compelling narrative for your university application.
Earn Your Credits on an Unforgettable Italian Voyage
Our itinerary is your syllabus. From the medieval heart of Tuscany to the ruins of Pompeii and the grandeur of Rome, every destination is a chapter in your academic and personal growth.
For English Scholars (ENG3U & ENG4U):
How does setting shape narrative, voice, and theme? You’ll learn by experiencing it firsthand. The journey from the medieval fan-shaped Piazza del Campo in Siena to the birthplace of the Renaissance in Florence provides a living timeline of Western thought and literature. For ENG4U students, this experience is invaluable. The sophistication and unique perspective gained from discussing power and ambition after standing within the Colosseum, or reflecting on art and society after seeing Michelangelo’s David, will elevate your critical thinking and provide unparalleled material for your culminating assignments and university application essays. You don’t just write about the world; you engage with it on a profound level.
For Classical Civilization Enthusiasts (LVV4U):
For students of Classical Civilization (LVV4U), this program is the ultimate primary source. This course isn’t just about translating texts; it’s about understanding a world. In Italy, you move beyond the page to walk in the footsteps of emperors, gladiators, and citizens.
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In Rome, a visit to the Colosseum becomes a three-dimensional analysis of Roman engineering and social hierarchy, while the Roman Forum offers a tangible connection to the political heart of the empire.
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The day trip to Pompeii from the Sorrentine Peninsula is the program’s capstone experience. Exploring these ash-preserved streets provides a hauntingly intimate look at daily life in the ancient world, making the history you study visceral and real.
This direct engagement fosters a deeper analytical understanding that translates directly to higher achievement in your LVV4U coursework and exam.
A Journey Designed for Discovery and Credit Success
Our program is structured to balance academic rigor with immersive cultural experiences, ensuring you meet your learning objectives while exploring the very best of Italy.
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Siena & Florence: The Cradle of the Renaissance: Begin in Siena, a perfectly preserved medieval city, before traveling to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. Here, the connection between art, philosophy, and history laid the groundwork for the modern world—a perfect context for both English and Classical Civilization studies.
- Venice & Sardinia: Contrast and Continuity: A day in Venice reveals a city of canals, bridges, and unparalleled beauty. Afterwards, the ferry to Sardinia offers a change of pace. The island’s expansive beaches provide the perfect environment for reflection, study sessions, and rest, ensuring you stay on top of your coursework.
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Sorrento & Pompeii: A Window to the Ancient World: Based on the stunning Sorrentine Peninsula, you’ll have a front-row seat to the beauty of southern Italy. The included day trip to the ancient Roman city of Pompeii is an unforgettable LVV4U field study, bringing your curriculum to life in the most dramatic way possible.
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Rome: The Grand Finale: The journey culminates in the Eternal City. Here, you will synthesize your learning while visiting the iconic Colosseum, the historic Roman Forum, and the artistic treasures of Vatican City, including the Sistine Chapel.
Key Benefits for Canadian Grade 11 & 12 Students
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University Application Excellence: Admissions officers at top universities actively seek students with international experience. Successfully completing accredited courses like ENG4U or LVV4U abroad demonstrates maturity, intellectual curiosity, resilience, and cross-cultural competency—traits that make you a standout candidate.
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Deepened Academic Understanding: Contextual learning—discussing literature where it was influenced, touching the history you read about—creates stronger neural connections. You don’t just memorize; you understand. This leads to more confident exam performance and a genuine passion for your subjects.
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Personal Growth and Independence: Navigating a multi-city journey through a new culture fosters a level of self-reliance, time-management, and problem-solving skill that is crucial for success in university and beyond. You will return home more adaptable, mature, and globally aware.
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OSSD Credit Fulfillment: Our programs are accredited, ensuring that the work you do meets the rigorous standards of the Ontario Ministry of Education. You earn the same credits you would at home, but through an unforgettable, enriching journey.
Is This Study Abroad Program in Italy Right for You?
If you are a motivated student with a desire to:
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Elevate your learning beyond the textbook.
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Gain a competitive edge for university applications.
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Develop independence and global awareness.
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Earn your Grade 11 or 12 credits while exploring Italy’s rich history and culture.
Then this is the opportunity for you. It’s for the student who knows that education isn’t just about grades; it’s about understanding the world and your place in it.
Ready to Transform Your Education?
Don’t just read about history and literature—live it. A study abroad journey through Italy with Global Summer Academy is more than a trip; it’s an investment in your academic future and personal development.
Contact Global Summer Academy today to learn how you can earn your ENG3U, ENG4U, or LVV4U credits on the educational journey of a lifetime through Italy. Let us help you turn your Grade 11 or 12 year into an unforgettable academic adventure.
