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Fran-U Franciscan College- August 2018
Pilgrimage lead by prof. Tammy Louque Vidrine
Kendall College of Art and Design- June 2018
Art program lead by prof. Anne Norcross
University of North Florida - May 2018 (updating)
Engineering program lead by prof. Mark Tumeo
This is a very innovative program activated by agreement with the Building School that works at the Pieve del Vescovo Castle. An amazing opportunity for foreigners students to work on a restoration of an ancient castle of the XIV century.
University of North Florida - May 2018
Nutrition program lead by prof. Catherine Christie
Montana State University - February / April 2018
Art program lead by prof. Michelle Osman and prof. Jade Lowder
Faux Retreat - November 2017
Art and culture program lead by Kathy Boyd
Rocki Mountain University - October 2017
Alumni Tour of Italy
Italy Cultural Immersion Tour - September 2017
Cultural tour lead by Kristine Hipp and Nancy McKinnon
40 people discovering our beautiful region... learning about art, ceramic, italian food and culture.
Our Lady of the Lake College- July 2017
Franciscan College
University of Carolina Greensboro- July 2017
School of Dance and Music
Language, Travel and Culture Exchange - July 2017
Italian Program
15 days intensive program of italian culture and language.
Pro Active Travel - June 2017
Soccers team
We hosted for 3 days a big group of 61 people composed by young soccers and their parents, lead by the team coaches. They also had a cooking lesson to learn how to make handmade pasta!
University of North Florida College of Engineering- May 2017
Engineering Program
This is the start of a collaboration with the College of Engineering of UNF; 3 students were come for a small program based on historical visits of the most important sites and monuments in our area and tecnical lectures.
University of North Florida College of Health- May 2017
Nutrition Program with Prof. Jackie Shank, Prof. Claudia Sealey-Potts, Prof. Laurie Wright
Montana State University - February-April 2017
Art and Ceramic Program with Prof. Josh DeWeese, Prof. Jeremy Hatch, Prof. Regina Gee
Our Lady of the Lake College - August 2016
Franciscan Pelgrimage with Prof. Barbara Napoli and Prof. Tammy Vidrine
Lourdes University - May 2016
MBA Program with Prof. Patricia O' Connell
University of North Florida - May 2016
Nutrition Program with Prof. Catherine Christie, Prof. Jackie Shank, Dr. Claudia Sealey Pott, Dr. Yu
With this wonderful program the partecipants learn about the italian traditions by cooking classes, visits of the most important factory of local products and lectures about the mediterranean diet, recentely recognized as a world heritage for her healtiness.
For the second year, the director of Pieve International School Rossella Vasta was invited by the UNF for a lecture about the program and the italian traditions. The nutrition program became the Flasgship program of UNF who also dedicate it a book.
(HERE IS THE LINK TO BUY THE UNF BOOK: http://unfitaly2016.weebly.com/book.html) .
Washington & Lee University - April 2016
Art Program with Prof. Kathleen Olson
Montana State University - March 2016
Art Program with Prof. Jim Zimpel
Cultural Immersion Trip - 2015
Italy program with Prof. Kris Hipp
University of North Carolina Greensboro - August 2015
Dance program with Prof. Janet Lilly
UC DAVIS - June 2015
Engeneering Program with Prof. Giorgio Monti , Prof. Sashi Kunnath
Rocky Mountain University - October 2014
Art, Music and Photography Program with Prof. Mark Moak, Prof. David Shumway
Montana State University - September 2014
Art and Photography Program with Prof. Jim Baken, Prof. Dave Shumway
University of North Florida - June 2014
Nutrition Program with Prof. Catherine Christie
UC DAVIS - June 2014
Engeneering Program with Prof. Giorgio Monti , Prof. Sashi Kunnath
Washington & Lee University - May 2014
Art Program with Prof. Kathleen Olson
Cardinal Stritch University - 2014
Leadership Retreat with Prof. Kris Hipp
University of Wisconsin Stout - 2014
Art and Photography Program with Prof. Peter Galante
University of North Carolina Greensboro - 2014
Dance program with Prof. Janet Lilly
Rocky Mountain University - September 2013
Art, Music and Photography Program with Prof. Mark Moak, Prof. Jennifer Bratz, Prof. David Shumway
Cardinal Stritch University - July 2013
Leadership Retreat with Prof. Kris Hipp
University of California Davis - June 2013
Engeenering Program with Prof. Sashi Kunnath, Prof. Giorgio Monti
Kendal College of Art & Design - June 2013
Photography Program with Prof. Darlene Kaczmarczyk, Prof. Anne Norcross, Prof. Susanna Engbers
University of Wisconsin Stout - June 2013
Art and Photography Program with Prof. Peter Galante and Prof. Sarah Diebel
University of North Florida - May 2013
Art Program with Prof. Debra Murphy, Prof. Christopher Trice, Prof. Jason John
University of North Florida - May 2013
Nutrition Program with Prof. Catherine Christie, Prof. Judy Rodriguez
The first University of North Florida sponsored Mediterranean Diet study abroad program was conducted at Villa Pieve from May 5-21, 2013.
This 17 day program was an analysis of how social, psychological, historical and cultural factors impact food, nutrition, and society in Umbria and Tuscany, Italy. Classes led by Dr. Catherine Christie and Dr. Judy Rodriguez included lectures and discussions on the Mediterranean Diet and the History of Italian Cuisine as well as guided experiential learning excursions in Umbria and Tuscany where students visited the producers of olive oil, wine, chocolate, sausage, and pecorino cheese. They also visited typical markets where individual purveyors sell fruits and vegetables, bread, nuts, and other elements of the mediterranean diet. Fifteen graduate and undergraduate students completed the program and in addition to learning Italian language skills related to food and nutrition, they participated in ten cooking demonstrations with an Italian chef and learned to prepare dishes from classic Umbrian and Italian cuisine.
Washington & Lee University - April 2013
Art Program with Prof. Kathleen Olson
Montana State University - March 2013
Design Program with Prof. Gesing Jansen
Rocki Mountain University - October 2012
Art and Ceramic Program with Prof. Rhett & Mark Moak, Prof. Jim Bacon
Cardinal Stritch University - July 2012
Leadership Retreat with Prof. Kris Hipp
University of California Davis - July 2012
Engeenering Program with Prof. Sashi Kunnath and Prof. Giorgio Monti
University of Wisconsin Stour - June 2012
Art and Photography Program with Prof. Peter Galante and Prof. Sarah Diebel
Montana State University - May 2012
Atchitecture Program with prof. Peter Kommers
Montana State University - March 2012
Typography Program with Prof. Meta Newhouse
The Montana State University School of Art, Semester in Italy Program
continued the tradition of working together with the Pieve
International School for the tenth time. We had an outstanding group
of 15 students. This year students began their studies focused on Art
History/Italian Renaissance, touring for four weeks in Venice,
Vicenza, Cornuda (at Tipoteca), Florence and Rome before arriving at
the Villa Pieve where courses in Drawing, Experimental Typography and
Italian Language were offered. Students had the opportunity to live
and work together at the Pieve International School and enjoy the
beautiful Umbrian Spring. Professors Harvey Hamburgh (Art History) and
Meta Newhouse (Graphic Design), were the faculty. Some of the
highlights of the semester included asparagus hunting with Michele
Vasta, visiting with Father Teobaldo, participating in a research
project called "Type of Place" which included an exhibition at
DesignMarch in Reykjavik, Iceland, working with visiting artist
Pasquale Volpe, of the Good 50 x 70 Social Communication Project
(Milan), meeting the director of Perugina chocolate and learning the
history behind its award-winning designs and marketing campaigns and
the students having their own posters on exhibit at the Corciano
Primavera Festival. We are very grateful to the Vastas, and the rest
of the Pieve team, for their gracious hospitality and for sharing
their knowledge and passion for the arts with all of us. Grazie mille
per tutto.
Montana Alliance October – December 2011
by Richard B. Helzer
The Montana Alliance Semester in Italy Program just concluded its first year of study with an outstanding group of 22 students. The Montana Alliance is composed of three universities; Rocky Mountain College, the University of Great Falls and the University of Montana-Dillon. This year students began their studies touring for two weeks in Rome and Florence before arriving at the Villa Pieve where courses in Drawing, Printmaking and Italian Language were offered. Students had the opportunity to live and work together at the Pieve International School and enjoy the beautiful Umbrian fall. Professors; Mark Moak, Julia Becker, Eva Mastandrea, and Jim Baken were the faculty for this first year. The program concluded with an exhibition of student work and a Thanksgiving Gala on November 23.
Personal Renewal and Meditation in the Land of St. Francis Tour - October 2011
By Elizabeth Lewis
Members of this year's Personal Renewal and Meditation in the Land of St. Francis Tour met at Villa Pieve as strangers and went home as friends, feeling that they were now part of the Vasta family. Guided by the spirit of St. Francis, topics of pain and loss and the healing power of love and forgiveness were explored through visual journaling, writing, meditation, HeartMath and guided relaxation exercises, bringing participants to new levels of understanding of self and life as seen through the eyes of the soul. "I was able to come to an understanding of things on a deeper level than I ever thought possible," and "I've never laughed so much in my life!" were comments repeated by tour members over and over throughout the week. Tour members were grateful to the Vasta family and Villa Pieve's staff for all the pampering they received - good food. Good wine. Dinner outside under the stars – an unforgettable experience!
Art Program - July 2011
Teri Wagner
Engineering students from University of California - July 2011
Professors: Sashi Kunnath, Giorgio Monti
After 2 weeks of intense study in Rome, students from UC Davis, UC Los Angeles and UC San Diego, welcomed the expedition to notable historic locations in the Umbria region since it not only provided a change of scenery but also a time to reflect and relax. The visit to the Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi exceeded our expectations – particularly the opportunity to see the restoration of the frescos on the dome, up close and personal, as well as the glimpse of the medieval manuscripts in the monastic library.
In Orvieto, we were amazed at the ingenuity of the Etruscan builders as we descended and ascended the well of San Patrizio. The ensuing trip to Pienza was a reminder of the quaintness of so many Italian towns that each has their unique charm and character.
Almost everything about Perugia, the final town in our 4-day tour, was awe-inspiring. The Etruscan underground uncovered the feats of those who preceded the Romans – providing the foundations on which further innovation advanced. The mini-metro project that was conceived with the idea of preserving the ancient town and minimizing the impact of growth and traffic congestion also highlighted the notion of sustainability – a theme that is increasingly relevant in modern times.
Above all, the journey to La Scarzuola was altogether memorable: from the thunder and rain that greeted us upon our arrival to the sunshine and mystery that followed. Some of us were amazed, others bewildered, and yet others uncertain, as we surveyed the insightful architecture of this theatrical "ideal" city.
Ultimately, all of us were affected – in one way or the other as we concluded our tours around Umbria. The stay at the Pieve International School in Corciano provided a perfect backdrop for the sight seeing.
We take this opportunity to thank – Rossella Vasta, whose boundless energy and enthusiasm elevated our spirits; Roberto Ciampi, our tour guide and companion who had the entire program planned and executed flawlessly; and last but not least, Michele Vasta, for sharing his time, wisdom and the secrets of turning fruit into wine!
Montana State University School of Architecture - June 2011
By Prof. Peter Kommers
Villa Pieve, the Vasta family and staff, and the international school once again afforded our students an inspirational experience in this unforgettable setting. Highlights this year included a stimulating introduction to the idea of meaningfulness in landscape through the alchemical garden. Rossella Vasta once again made the medieval mind and spirit come to life for our architecture students by illuminating the transforming power of place. This assimilation was also absorbed through drawing experiences such as those abundant in the hill town of nearby Corciano. Given the warmth and beauty of Villa Pieve, the joys and lessons of our stays have been uncountable.
Washington & Lee University - May 2011
Professor Kathleen Olson
Montana State University Ceramics - April 2011
Professor Josh DeWeese
Students from Montana State University are focusing their attention in the studio in the Pieve International School for the second half of their semester abroad studying ceramics and drawing, developing ideas sparked during the first half of their trip studying the ancient cultures of the Etruscans, Romans, and Greeks. The first project in ceramics is concerned with the idea of how form suggests/implies/dictates a specific use and social context, and includes a study of drinking vessels and serving dishes made in stoneware. The works will be fired in Tuscany in a woodfired kiln. Their second project will embrace the Italian tradition of maiolica and 3-dimensional painting with an earthenware project completed at the historic Grazia Factory in Deruta. Students also are experimenting with gathering local terracotta clays from the area around the villa, learning how to process and work with the indigenous material. Field trips have included visits to the Grazia Factory and the studio of renowned Italian ceramic sculptor Nino Caruso. Drawing projects involve extensive sketchbook/journal work and specific drawing assignments investigating their ceramic projects and drawing from the landscape.
Josh DeWeese is a ceramic artist and educator. He is an Assistant Professor of Art teaching ceramics at Montana State University in Bozeman, where he and his wife Rosalie Wynkoop have recently built a home and studio. DeWeese served as Resident Director of the Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts in Helena, Montana from 1992-2006. He holds an MFA from the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred, and a BFA from the Kansas City Art Institute. DeWeese has exhibited and taught workshops internationally and his work is included in numerous public and private collections.
UC Davis Painting Program - November 2010
Professor Gina Werfel, UC Davis faculty member has team-teach the Painting in class with her colleague and husband, Hearne Pardee and Professor Bryce Vinokurov. She said that this has been one of the most exciting teaching moments for her in her twenty-five years of teaching, as she witnessed her students learning how to live in Italy. Another lovely outcome of this class is getting to know her students well. They have run the class for the last three summers, and all of the students have made lasting friendships with one another and with the professors.
Housed in the beautiful villa in its own park-like setting outside of Corciano, the setting was perfect for new travelers, as the local village is so welcoming to American students. The staff at the Villa also assisted their students in so many ways, everything from how to mail a letter to buying a train ticket and finding hotels for optional travel on weekends.
They have punctuate their daily classes in painting with field trips to such renowned art cities as Florence, Siena, Assisi, Orvieto and Perugia. Students painted four mornings a week and then they would take all day field trips on Fridays.
We fit in other local trips and activities, with the help of our hosts, who introduced us to experiences individual travelers would not have. Weekends were used for optional travel or just relaxing at the Villa.
CulturItaly - July 2010
Italy for many Chinese people, it is a symbol of love, passion, fashion, the cradle of western civilization, food, wine and all the other good things in life…
On July 1, ten Chinese friends from Hong Kong, Beijing and Taiwan followed Ms Lily Li on a special cultural program organized by Pieve International School.
It has been a great six-day vacation which featured tours around Perugia, Ovieto, Assisi and Todi, Cortona, visiting churches, seeing the famous paintings, Renaissance evening, opera concert; intuitive music by famous flute player – Andrea Ceccomori; ceramic class with the international artist Rossella Vasta; Italian language class with a professor of the University for Foreigner of Perugia; wine tasting; Sicilian cooking class, visiting famous Umbrian olive oil mill – Mancianti and Grazia Ceramic Museum in Deruta, Lake Trasimeno, and many other things.
Lily as the tour leader, said that organizing this Culturitaly tour for her friends from China has meant for her to share what she love about Italy, about Umbria.
Terry, one of the participants who works for a financial institute in Hong Kong said "I enjoyed Umbria very much, there are so many interesting activities in the program and I can still smell the thousand years of history. It has been a wonderful program for a culture lover'.
Fiona, a medical doctor from Hong Kong said 'Among all the activities, I liked the Renaissance evening most…It brought me a few hundred years back"
Kitty, who works for an international computer company, said that having stayed with an Italian family has made her feel at home. She truly experienced the warmth of an Italian family. Having stayed with locals has made her understand how Italians live every day.
Healing & Meditation in Umbria - June 2010
Elizabeth Lewis says about the program held at Villa Pieve: "I look forward to coming back to the Umbria region and my Villa Pieve family every year. The experience provides a feast for the senses, as well as a way to delve into the nourishing spiritual waters of meditation and self-discovery in a relaxing and peaceful environment. It was my time in Pieve that inspired me to become certified in Franciscan Studies so that I can share with others the light and guiding spirit of St. Francis".
Kendall Art History Program - June 2010
The study abroad program of 2010 was the first offered through Kendall. Four professors (Ann Norcross, Robert Sheardy, David Greenwood and Suzanne Engbers) held four different classes in subjects of Art History, Literature, and Sculpture. The group of Kendall students was comprised of a nice blend of artistic disciplines. With 3 weeks at the Villa, the group traveled around Italy touring various iconic cities. Among them Assisi, Florence, Venice, Vernezza, Carrara, Urbino, Roma & Perugia. Aided by the staff of the Villa also enjoyed, "self guided" tours all over Italy. Among the Local Highlights the Villa arranged for our group
Perugia's "gems" Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria and the Archaeological Museum.
Private tours of the Castello di Pieve del Vescovo, across from the Villa. (On the lower hill of Corciano overlooking the scenic vistas of the valley.)
Villa del Colle del Cardinale
Montana State University - June 2010
A great group of 14 students of Architecture led by Prof. Peter Kommers has enjoyed the Villa Pieve facility even for just a 3-day stay.
Cardinal Stritch University - June 2010
Leadership Retreat – Prof. Kristine Hipp
During this week, the participant to this program have had the opportunity to share their ideas with entrepreneurs of sustainable businesses intellectuals and university professors. The program included guided tours to Cortona to visit the old town and the Celle Francescane, a visit to Assisi, the town of Saint Francis, Todi.
Chautauqua Institution - May 2010
Our group from Chautauqua Institution was led by artist Don Kimes, Visual Arts director at the renowned Chautauqua Institution since 1986, Kimes previously was Program Director of New York Studio School, and has been a guest artist in numerous internationally respected art progrms. The group enjoyed one week of tours around the major Umbrian towns, cooking and Lemoncello class, wine tasting in Montefalco, museums in Cortona and shopping at the Pardi shop.
Montana State University - April 2010
A great group of 13 students of Design and Photography for an adventure of two months. The study program at the Pieve International School included some unique expericences such as trips to Corciano, Perugia, Assisi, Cortona, San Marino, Bologna and the Ferrari Museum in Maranello. The program was held by Professor Jeffrey Conger, a prominent photographer as well as a journalist for some of the most important car and motors magazines in the US.
University of San Francisco Academy of Art - June 2009
Painting in Umbria- Prof. Mark Reynolds, Kathie Reynolds, Jim Freed
2 week stay for 14 students
U.C. Davis - June 2009
Painting in Umbria- Prof. Gina Werfel, Hearne Pardee, Bryce Vinokurov
Trips to Florence, to visit the Uffizi, a visit to Burri Museum Arezzo Cappella Bacci to see Piero della Francesca "Ciclo della Croce", and a visit to Assisi, the town of Saint Francis, to view Giotto's paintings.
3 week stay for 32 students
University of Washington Seattle - April 2009
Italian Studies – Prof. Guiseppe Leporace, Ruggero Taradel
2 day stay for 32 students
Montana State University - March 2008
Art Program – Prof. Richard Helzer, Regina Gee
In 2009 the School of Art at Montana State University brought 21 students to the Villa Pieve for the spring semester. This is the tenth year that the program has been working at the Pieve International School and over 150 students have enjoyed the opportunity to spend their spring semester at the villa.
In 2009 Professor Regina Gee and Professor Richard Helzer directed programs in Art History, Sculpture and Drawing.
The group traveled to Rome, Pompeii and Sicily for four weeks before landing at the Villa Pieve for the remainder of the semester.
The Art History students studied ancient Roman and Etruscan art and completed individual and group research on women in the Etruscan culture,
In addition to daily drawing assignments, the fine arts group created a banquet table for their final project using the concept of the banquet from the perspective of the ancients and from popular culture. Each student was responsible for designing and making a table setting for a banquet as an artistic interpretation of the social, political and cultural significance of the eating and drinking ritual.
The final project of the banquet table and the art history research was presented at a gala dinner and exhibition at the Villa Pieve.
Saint Bonaventure University Soccer Group - March 2009
A soccer match with the women team of Associazione Calcio Grifo Perugia.
2 day stay for 22 students
Cardinal Stritch University - October 2008
Leadership Retreat- Prof. Kristine Hipp
Trips to Cortona to visit the old town and the Celle Francescane, A visit to Assisi, the town of Saint Francis, to view Giotto's paintings, Deruta Ceramic factory, and Massa martana to visit Angelantoni SPA the largest high tech factory in Italy.
1 week stay for 11 participants
University of Washington - September 2008
Italian Studies- Prof. Cynthia Caci, Curt Labitzke, Meg Labitzke
Visits to the medieval town of Perugia – Corciano
2 day stay for 20 students
Montana State University - September 2008
Photo Program - Prof. John Hooton, Jonathan Long
Trips to Florence to visit Uffizi, Siena, Assisi, and Perugia
2 month stay for 11 students
Cardinal Stritch University - July 2008
Leadership Retreat- Prof. Kristine Hipp
Trips to Cortona to visit the old town and the Celle Francescane, A visit to Assisi, the town of Saint Francis, to view Giotto's paintings, Deruta Ceramic factory, and Massa martana to visit Angelantoni SPA the largest high tech factory in Italy.
9 day stay for 7 participants
Jerusalem School Studio - July 2008
Painting, drawing, and sculpture in Umbria- Prof. Israel Hershberg, Stuart Shills, Ken Kewly
Trips to Florence to visit the Uffizi, Arezzo S. Sepolcro to see Piero della Francesca paintings, Urbino, Assisi, Siena, Rome, and Bologna to visit Morandi Museum.
1 month stay for 18 students
U.C. Davis - June 2008
Painting in Umbria - Prof. Gina Werfel, Hearne Pardee
Trips to Florence to visit Uffizi. – Arezzo Cappella Bacci to see Piero della Francesca "Ciclo della Croce"- A visit to Assisi, the town of Saint Francis, to view Giotto's paintings, and Deruta where at Grazia ceramic factory (one of the oldest factories in Europe) the students realized devotional tiles, than put together in an exhibition at U.C. Davis – Davis (CA)
3 week stay for 21 students
Montana State University - May 2008
Architectural Program - Prof. Peter Kommers
Visits to Perugia and Corciano
3 day stay for 9 students
Montana State University - March 2008
Art Program - Prof. Harold Schlotzhauer, Harvey Hamburg
Trips to Assisi and Cortona
2 month stay for 10 students
Montana State University - August 2007
Photo Program – Prof. John Hooton
The fall study Program at the Pieve Intenational School included some unique experiences such as the participation at the PHOTOCHOCOLATE IN CORCIANO where the MSU students captured images of the chocolate events in Corciano and the best photos selected by a jury of experts were printed in tiles at Bizzirri Ceramic factory in Città di Castello. As a permanent mark of the experience, the photo tiles realized will be situated in a place in Corciano such to realize a photo wall, that every year will have more photo tiles added, as the competition is intended to continue in the following years.
2 month stay for 12 students
Cardinal Stritch University - July 2007
Leadership Retreat – Prof. Kristine Hipp
Trips to Cortona to visit the old town and the Celle Francescane - A visit to Assisi, the town of Saint Francis, to view the Giotto's paintings – Deruta Ceramic factory – Massa Martana to visit Angelantoni SPA the largest high tech factory in Italy.
1 week stay for 7 participants
U.C. Davis - June 2007
Painting in Umbria - Prof. Gina Werfel, Hearne Pardee, Bryce Vinokurov
Trips to Florence, to visit the Uffizi – Rome and the Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum – Fontana di Trevi – Piazza Navona and Trinità dei Monti. Visit to Assisi, the town of Saint Francis, to view Giotto's paintings.
1 month stay for 32 students
Montana State University - May 2007
Architectural Program - Prof. Peter Kommers
Visits to the medieval town of Perugia – Corciano
3 day stay for 15 students
Montana State University - March 2007
Art Program – Prof. Sara Mast, Regina Gee
Trips to Città di Castello- a visit to Burri Museum Arezzo Cappella Bacci to see Piero della Francesca "Ciclo della Croce"- A visit to Assisi, the town of Saint Francis, to view Giotto's paintings.
2 month stay for 16 students
Chapman University - July 2004
Creative Writing Workshop
A great creative group of 12 students for an adventure of two months inspirated to the first one in 2003. The summer study program at the Pieve International School included some unique expericences such as the visit at the prestigious Assisi collection of ancient books (closed to the public) and the creation first edition of the "Torta al Testo Letterario", litterary inspirated by the delicious taste of the typical Corciano's pizza.
Program Director: Martin Nakell
Montana State University Alumni - May 2008
"Passerella Journeys: Seven walks through Italy" is the summer program for Alumni dedicates to history, art, taste and fun. Ten couples explore for one week the contrasting vitality between the Eternal City, Rome, and the inspirational country living of Umbria, living by learning about Italian and Umbrian food, wine and culture. The centerpieces of walking venues is the art and architecture of Italy through the cityscape and landscape, including visits to the absorbing cities of Siena, Florence, Assisi and Orvieto, as well as the charming medieval hill town of Spello and Corciano. Moreover a lunch in a famous restaurant in Assisi, cooking classes in the Villa Pieve kitchen, lectures by noted experts on Italian culture, wine course and several wine testing…
Program Directors: Richard Helzer, Peter Kommers
Montana State University - February 2004
Deparment of Visual Arts
10 weeks of the Pieve International School for a group of 13 artists, concentrating their studies at the Pieve Campus in ceramics and book making, arriving just in time for the festival of Carnivale! Inspired by the Italian masterpieces and by the local ceramics in the nearby city of Deruta, they created wonderful ceramic works and low relief works in terra cotta.
Program Director: Michael Peed
Montana State University - November 2003
School of Architecture
An intensive 20 day program with 18 students led by professor Peter Kommers with a challenging objective. Carefully studying the surroundings of the Pieve Campus, the objective was to design a concept for a new art studio located in the Villa's park. An international Jury of the Pieve International School awarded the first prize to the student Noelle Slevin.
Program Director: Peter Kommers
Master in Business Administration - November 2003
The biggest group ever at the Pieve International School with about 95 participants! This included also the staff and spouses. A great challenge, great expectations to be met, and a great fulfillment. All Pieve International School facilities (more than 1000 square meters of common spaces) were dedicated to the three day event. An outstanding audiovisual set-up allowed for perfect vision and sound to more than 100 participants in the class. Key guest speakers from Maserati (Car Maker), Merloni (home appliances) ,and ENEL (National Electric Utilities) covered top priority strategic issues. Local entrepreneurs were selected amongst the most successful, high-tech, internationally recognized small and medium size companies head-quartered in Umbria. Such as Angelantoni Industrie (Environmental test screening) and Umbra Cuscinetti (Aircraft components). A sunny day magnified the outdoor Maserati car show of the newest models parked between the antique Villa Pieve and the historical medieval castle of Pieve del Vescovo.
The entire program was organized thanks to the precious support of two important economic and strategic consultants, Filippo Martino and Filippo Vasta.
Program Director: Larry Greiner
Chautaqua Foundation - October 2003
15 "Chautuaqua Institution" summer residents, that reside all over the United States, enjoyed a week of Umbrian sight seeing, Italian cooking and cultural courses, cashmere shopping, trips to local towns, and walks in the park or to the local medieval town of Corciano. These Chautauquans truly utilized this one week to do and see as much as possible in the Umbrian countryside, enjoing the historical setting of the Pieve International School facilities in an atmosphere of extreme cordiality.
Program Director: Don Kymes
Chapman University - July 2003
Creative Writing Workshop
We remind to them as the last "Dead Poets Society"… an enthusiastic group of 6 students writing poems and amazing stories having been inspired by the warm Italian scenery during thier summer stay.
The group lived together in the house of the Pieve International School in the center of the medieval town of Corciano, just ten minutes walk down-hill from the Villa, under the guide of Martin and his beautiful wife. Thanks to the holiday atmosphere provided by the amazingly sunny Italian days, even the study time was spent in an easy atmosphere. Rossella helped the program participants by transporting them around Umbria to uncover the last hidden traces of the great Italain poems. And of course, a night at "Umbria Jazz" in Perugia!
A little secret: each one of them slept the enitre time here with the Dante's "Divine Comedy" on thier bedside tables.
Program Director: Martin Nakell
Montana State University - June 2003
Art School Jewelery
The third art program concentrated on Jewelery was led by Professor Richard Helzer, the Director of the Art-School in the Montana State University. Richard and his wife Kathy lived in the house of the Pieve International School in the center of the medieval town of Corciano which is just a ten minute walk away from the Villa down-hill. The program ended with an exhibition, of the works created by the students on the themes of Alchemy and Metaphysics, held at the medieval garden at the house of Rossella Vasta. Her 16th century house, near the church of Migiana, is inside this medieval fortified village overlooking the Pieve International School facility and the Medieval Castle of Pieve del Vescovo.
Program Director: Richard Helzer
Chautaqua Foundation - October 2002
Program Director: Don Kymes
Montana State University - September 2002
Montana State University - October 2001
The art school spent 2 months at the Pieve International School with a group of about 20 students. Time was organized with lectures of art history, studio painting and out-door landscape painting. Courses of Italian language and culture, including cooking, were provided together with visits to sites of historical and artistic interests.
Northern Illinois University - 25 October 2000
A group of about 40 students from Northern Illinois University, Exec-MBA, along with 3 members of their faculty enjoyed a 10 day study program at the Pieve International School meeting with local entrepreneurs, visiting sites of interest such as the Black & Decker plant and the Cucinelli Cashmere manufactureers. They also highly appreciated the representation of the regional associations of small enterprises offering a wine and food tasting from local food and beverage enterprises.
University of Southern California - 10 July 1997
The ties between Pieve International School and USC are becoming stronger every year, and the organization of the programs gets easier and smoother every year. Everything is pre-organized by e-mail and video conference to assure this time will be a success. A well noted experience was the Siena trip to the Montepaschi, the oldest bank in the world, and of course the free time in Siena was also enjoyed! They particularly appreciated the visit to the Nestlé-Perugina Chocolate factory and the speech given by the then general manager of the confectionery division.
Program Director: Larry Greiner
American University - 3 August 1992
Program Director: Don Kymes
University of Southern California - 3 August 1992
Following the 1987 experience the 1992 event exceeded expectations. Between round tables and classes there were also cultural visits included both for students and their spouses. Special events such as the exhibition of newest Alfa-Romeo models, illustrated by the famous Car Designer De Silva, added value to the overall experience. At the closing Gala Dinner of the Pieve International School key regional authorities, entrepreneurs and top managers of major national enterprises were also present to celebrate the fianl night of their time at the Villa Pieve.
Program Director: Larry Greiner
Private student - 6 July 1991
An amazing experience of one week with a "2+2 formula": two professors for two students. An old German oculist and a young Italian woman spent their time attending lectures in Italian Art History, Italian Language, Italian Culture and Italian Cooking Traditions, travelling around Umbria and living the pleasures of the Italian way of life.
Program Director: Rossella Vasta
University of Southern California - 5 September 1987
Every major study of executive education has indicated one part of the curriculum should deal with the "globalization of business". For this reason in September 1989, Class IV visited Italy to deal with issues surrounding "Europe 1992″. The class met at Villa Pieve CEO's and executives from Benetton, Nestlè, Hewlett Packard, Alitalia, IRI and the largest buyout firm in Italy. This provided a first hand perspective of the issues, as seen by European executives. The next years the class visited: Tokyo, Niigata and Kyoto in 1990; Budapest and Vienna in 1991; Switzerland in 1992; Russia in 1993.
Program Director: Larry Greiner
University of Southern California - 10 March 1987
The first event of this type managed by Pieve International School. It was a great challenge for the whole staff but in the end it was a huge success. Among the Exec-MBA faculty, member Professor Larry Greiner and Professor Alan Shapiro both had words of great appreciation for the overall organization of the event and decided that all future trips to Europe would include an Italy Program run by the Pieve International School.
Program Director: Larry Greiner