BU’s Padua programs take place in a lively town that’s home to one of the oldest universities in the world. The Padua Mediterranean Diet: Food, Culture & Health program will immerse students in the food, agriculture, culture, cuisine, and lifestyle of the Mediterranean region while studying the evidence-based research on the Mediterranean diet and health outcomes. Students will participate in hands-on activities, learn from expert guest lecturers, and take field trips to vineyards, farms, and marketplaces. The course will be taught in English at the BU Padua Academic Center.
Requirements & Considerations
- The course carries a prerequisite
- Priority will be given to Nutrition Science, Dietetics, Nutrition & Health, Health Science, Human Physiology, Behavior & Health, Health Studies majors or the equivalent
- Prior Italian language study is not required
- Admissions requirements for all
Curriculum
- SAR HS 408 Mediterranean Diet: Food, Culture and Health (4 credits)
- This course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas:
- Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy
- Individual in Community
- Creativity/Innovation
- Pre-requisite: An introductory Nutrition course such as SAR HS 251 Human Nutrition Science or SAR HS 201 or MET HS 201 Introduction to Nutrition.
- This study abroad course immerses students in the Mediterranean lifestyle to study its relationship to health promotion and disease prevention. Students gain exposure to Italian food culture and industry, agriculture and sustainability, health policy and communications, and the scientific evidence demonstrating the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet.
- Syllabus
Housing & Student Services
Local Homestay
- 1 or 2 student(s) per household.
- Students will have either a private or shared bedroom with another student in the program.
- Living spaces will be shared with the host family, and the bathroom may be shared.
- Kitchen available for occasional use with permission from host.
- Partial board included - four dinners with host family per week, breakfast included. All other meals are paid for by the student, out of pocket.
- No dining hall at the BU Padua Center.
- Laundry facilities available in host homes
- Study facilities available at BU Padua Center and libraries around University of Padua.
- Athletic facilities available for an extra charge locally
Program Dates
- Summer Term: late May to late June
Application Timeline
This program follows
rolling admissions and
may fill before the official deadline.
Summer Semester
- Applications Open December 1
- Applications Deadline March 1
Priority will be given to Nutrition Science, Dietetics, Nutrition & Health, Health Science, Human Physiology, Behavior & Health, Health Studies majors or the equivalent. These students will follow the rolling admissions cycle. Other students will have their applications held and will receive an admissions decision after the application deadline pending space in the program.
This program is rolling admissions; applications are reviewed once all application materials are received, prior to all deadlines. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all required materials are received by the BU Study Abroad office. Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible as some programs and internship tracks have limited space and may fill up before the deadline. Submitting a complete application prior to the application deadline, does not guarantee acceptance. Students will be emailed an admissions decision within three weeks of a completed application.
Information for BU Students Awaiting an Admissions Decision and exceptions to the standard admission calendar for all students can be found here.
Cost & Financial Considerations
