51³Ô¹Ï

FSC is pleased to offer a Faculty Led Course in Lecce, Italy
(July 5 - August 1, 2026)
 

This 4-week program is an outstanding opportunity in partnership with Libera Universita' Mediterranea. The campus is located in the beautiful city of Lecce in the Puglia region of Italy. You will enroll in two courses (total of 6 credits): Italian language (Intro through Advanced, based upon placement test), taught by a LUM professor, and Sustainable Innovation (STS 391), led by 51³Ô¹Ï professor, Francesca Polo. You will participate with students from other American colleges in cultural activities, like pasta making and tradtional dance and excursions to cities and sites in southern Italy, such as sustainable farms. The most dificult part of the program is choosing the right beach after classes. 

Open to all students from any SUNY institution. Application deadline, February 28, 2026. 

Cost of tuition, housing, excursions, activities, and insurance = $5570

Scholarships:

• Pell awardees should apply for the (early March 2026 deadline). 
• Fava Scholarship - This $1000 scholarship is for FSC students who are accepted into a FSC-administered summer study abroad program in Italy of 3 or more weeks. 
• Other scholarships available at: 

Eligibility:

• For SUNY students in any major
• GPA Requirement: 2.75
• Good disciplinary standing
• Rolling admission until places are filled. Upon acceptance you will be asked for a $500 deposit to guarantee your place (February 15 deadline).  

Francesca Polo is an educator with a passion for making complex topics accessible and exciting. She holds a BA and two MS degrees in engineering from Rochester Institute of Technology and Purdue University and is currently a PhD Candidate in the Department of Technology and Society at Stony Brook University. Since 2005, she has taught across diverse fields like Engineering Technology, Applied Mathematics, and Statistics, and she loves creating hands-on workshops that make electronic art and coding projects fun and approachable. These workshops have been so popular that they consistently have waitlists, and all materials are generously funded by sponsors.

Born in the Friuli region of northeast Italy, Francesca is fluent in Italian and knows just enough Japanese to get around during her travels. She is also nearing completion of an art history degree, combining her love for art with her academic and teaching pursuits. Her diverse interests and global perspective enrich the classroom, making learning an exciting and well-rounded experience for all her students.

For more information, contact FSC's Study Abroad office at studyabroad@farmingdale.edu