ASA: Academic Study Associates 2008 Programs

ciao tutti!
Pisa, Lucca, Cinque Terre, Siena. Quite a feat to have "touched 'em all" during our first week, AND to have fit in a full week of classes! The students are feeling confident making their way around Firenze's winding streets and have by now established at least 2 or 3 favorite gelato stops. The residences are abuzz with the myriad of happenings all around town and in their classrooms. The weekend was packed with optional activities on our excursions such as tower- and castle-climbing, beachcombing, and hearing about why Florence and Siena are STILL at odds after all these years. If you listen closely you could hear the beat of the drums as the neighborhood of the Porcupine in Siena CONTINUES to celebrate their victory in the Palio last Wednesday...
Brad Miller
director, ASA Florence

Ciao tutti!
We had a full first excursion day as we ventured to Pisa last Sunday for a day inside the bustling city centre. The famous tour guide Roberto Bello wowed the kids as he magically kept almost 50 students' attention for an entire hour! Magic, to be sure.
The first few days have seen the students trek around all quandrants of our own eternal city, and enjoy dinners under shaded passageways. The students are signing up frenetically for our three big excursions this weekend: Friday brings bike riding and dinner in the Piazza Ampitheatro in Lucca, then a full Saturday of optional activities such as hiking, castle exploring, and beach combing in Cinque Terre. The weekend comes to a fitting close as we visit the timeless city of Siena on Sunday, still simmering from the running of the Palio tonight.

ciao tutti!
The students had a pleasant dinner at a bustling local trattoria after arriving in their two residences, Convitto dell Calza and Villa Betania. Tomorrow will be orientation and our first excursion to Pisa. Monday will bring the first day of classes and a tour around our beautiful city.
Brad Miller
Director, ASA Florence

Ciao, ragazzi!

Just wanted to make sure you are catching all the great Eurocup 2008 action. Italy will be playing Spain on June 22nd in the quarter finals. Should be exciting atmosphere in Italy if they continue to win.

Forza azzurri! Cristina

ASA Florence students:

As many of you have already inquired, I wanted to share the following information with you regarding access to internet at the ASA residences in Florence.

Question: Should I bring my laptop with me to Florence? Will we have access to internet at the residence?

Answer: Both of the ASA residences are supposed to have wireless internet service. However, last year, wireless internet was not available on a consistent basis so it's not a 100% guarantee. The Convitto della Calza residence (where classes will be held and where about 2/3 of the students will be staying) has a few computers that everyone will have access to and can use to send/receive emails.

Therefore, you will be able to access internet via Convitto della Calza's computers or at the numerous internet cafes in the city if you do not bring a laptop and/or if wireless is not available. You will not need a laptop for ASA coursework.

Hope this is helpful.

A presto, Cristina

Dear ASA Florence:

As we are getting very close to the program start date, I wanted to touch base on a few important items. Please contact me before Friday with any questions, as I will be leaving then for Italy.

All Forms Due
We have now past the due date for all forms. I have sent out reminders today to those who are still missing forms. All students must submit their forms to the NY office as soon as possible: Rules & Regulations, Housing Form, Medical Form, Passport Copy. If you have not yet submitted your ISIC photo, please bring it with you to the program. If you are faxing any forms this week, please also bring a hard copy of those forms with you to the program.

Tshirts
By now, you should have received an ASA t-shirt and luggage tags in the mail. It is very important that you wear your ASA t-shirt when you travel to the program so our staff will be able to easily identify and help you when you arrive. Please note that we are not able to exchange t-shirts for a different size. Shirts were ordered according to sizes given and unfortunately we do not have extras for swapping. If there was a mistake on our end, please bring your t-shirt to the airport / program and we’ll see what we can do.

Magnet Material
You should have also received Before you go/Predeparture travel information, along with airport maps, in the mail by now. Please review this information to prepare you for travel day. Parents, be sure to print out the sheet with summer contact information and stick it on your fridge for easy reference during the summer!

Handbook and Packing List
Be sure to review your Orientation Handbook / Packing List. The Handbook contains important information about the program and guidance as you prepare for the summer. Please read it through promptly, as it holds the answers to many questions, including some you haven’t thought to ask! Please note that you can download the handbook through your MyASA account if you need an extra copy.

I am looking forward to meeting you in Florence in a few weeks.

Cristina

Welcome to ASA News & Updates! As you finish off the school year, ASA will keep you posted with important information through this feature to prepare you for your time in Italy. Once you arrive at program, staff onsite in Florence will post updates to the site regularly, reporting back to those at home on all of our travel and cultural adventures, including photos.

Please make sure you subscribe to 'News & Updates' now so as not to miss any pre-program details. Encourage family and friends to subscribe as well so that they can see all that you're up to in Italy this summer.

Also make sure to complete all of the ASA forms that are due before departure. If you are not sure what is missing from your file, please log on to your MyASA account, where you’ll be able to check the status and download any necessary forms.

Thank you, and look out for the next update!