The University of Mary, Division of Education is hosting a group that will be participating in the North American Students & Professors Study Group to Reggio Emilia, Italy, May 5-15, 2006. Only 75 spots are available nationwide; we are reserving ten. This is the only opportunity available in 2006 to visit these world-renowned early childhood schools. Barb Arnold-Tengesdal, the Early Childhood Program Coordinator at the university will be leading the tour as the hosting professor. To reserve a spot, contact her immediately at barbt@umary.edu or (701) 355-8332. Registration and tour group fee must be received by March 24, 2006. Act quickly, as time is running out.

We leave Bismarck (or the location of your choice) on May 5, 2006, and arrive in Milan, Italy, on May 6, 2006. We join the study tour immediately upon arriving at Milan Malpensa Airport. You will spend May 6-11 in Reggio Emilia, observing and studying the pedagogical skills of teachers and the culture of Reggio. You may wish to depart on May 11 from Milan and complete your tour at this point, or continue with an optional sightseeing tour for the next four nights, departing from Venice on May 15, 2006. Total cost ranges between $2,400- $2,763 for a ten-day trip.

The early childhood programs of Reggio Emilia, Italy, are world-renowned for their innovative approach to education. Teachers from around the world have traveled to Reggio to observe the 33 municipally sponsored infant-toddler centers and preschools. “The Hundred Languages of Children” exhibit has toured the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, South America, and the Far East. This documentation of learning is inspiring professionals to explore the educational philosophy and approach to learning that has resulted in a powerful harvest of children’s creative and cognitive expression, revealing potentials previously unrecognized. Cited by Newsweek as one of the “ten best educational programs in the world” and featured in two PBS series, “Childhood” and “Creative Spirit,” the Reggio approach to early education has sparked an enthusiasm among teachers that is unique. (Innovations in early education, 2005)

The North American Students and Professors Study Group Organized by Reggio Children
The North American Students & Professors Group is offered to undergraduate or graduate students and their accompanying college/university professors whose work is inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy. The dates of the Reggio lead study group are May 6-11, 2006. Per-person cost includes all fees, arrangements, and accommodations. Air transportation is not included, but a link for travel is provided below.

The cost is based on one of three options offered for group accommodations located in the center of Reggio Emilia or a home-stay option for five (5) nights from arrival on Saturday, May 6, to departure on Thursday, May 11. Student and Professor Study Group fees are between $940 and $1,385, depending on the type of accommodations you require, and payable by March 24, 2006, to International Study Tours: Professional Development Abroad. (See registration form for information about check or credit card payments)
Credit Card Authorization Form 
Study Group Registration form

1. Home-stay arrangements with a local family $940
2. Ghiara Youth Hostel - average room has 4 beds with shared bathroom $1,015
3. Albergo Morandi - Single Room $1,385
4. Albergo Morandi – 1/2 Double Room $1,255

Air transportation and optional sightseeing tour

Airfare is $1,018.19: Contact Michele Schrader at Michele.preftrvl@midconetwork.com or call (800) 483-6936 to arrange air transportation from your city and book sightseeing tour. Rates are changing quickly, with Italy moving into high season--immediately.

Proposed Flight Schedule

Depart:
NW 05 MAY FR Bismarck-Minneapolis 435P 553P
NW 05 MAY FR Minneapolis-Amsterdam 705P 1015A + one (1) day
NW 06 MAY SA Amsterdam-Milan (Malpensa Airport) 1245P 230P

Return:
NW 15 MAY TU Venice-Amsterdam 610A 810A
NW 15 MAY TU Amsterdam-Minneapolis 950A 1145A
NW 15 MAY TU Minneapolis-Bismarck 220P 348P

Sightseeing tour May 11-15, 2006, with standard hotels (not “budget” or “first class”--comfortably in the middle), one (1) night Milan, two (2) nights Florence, and one (1) night Venice. Rail to each city on second-class coach and a city tour in each city. Total per-person $445.50. This rate is based on two per room.

11 May 06--Milan-one (1) night w/room and cold buffet breakfast--Hotel Amadeus
12 May 06--Rail Milan to Florence-second class seat
12 May 06--Florence-two (2) nights w/room and cold buffet breakfast--Alex Hotel and one-half day tour to Pisa with a tour guide, leaning tower tour, visit a cathedral and a famous university.
13 May 06--Half-day city tour (afternoon)
14 May 06--Rail Florence to Venice-second class seat
14 May 06--Original Venice Walk tour (booked as open voucher. time is not pre-booked)
14 May 06--Venice-one (1) night w/continental breakfast--Hotel Loeon D'oro
15 May 06-- Leave Venice - arrive home.

Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Study Group Details

Total Cost for the entire trip would be: $2,400-$2,700.

Financial Aid Opportunities:

Call Dave Hansen at the University of Mary Financial Aid Office for information regarding financial assistance.

Undergraduate and Graduate Credit:

Upon arrangements with Barb Arnold-Tengesdal at barbt@umary.edu, the availability of three (3) Graduate credits through University of Mary (EDU 568 Curriculum Development in ECE--considered full-time for May term) and undergraduate credit or course substitutions as needed up to four (4) credits (EDU 425 or substitute for EDU 336 & 338) are available. Course work, professional presentations on Reggio Emilia experiences, and readings will constitute much of the class requirements.

How do you get started?

1. E-mail or call Barb Tengesdal at (701) 355-8332 or barbt@umary.edu to reserve your spot.

2. Either turn in your Student Professor Study group registration form to Barb, or send it directly to Angela Ferrario at aferrario@comcast.net. Identify Barb Arnold-Tengesdal from University of Mary, Bismarck ND, as the accompanying professor.

3. Make your airfare and tour arrangements with Michele Schrader through Preferred Travel in Minot, ND, at Michele.preftrvl@midconetwork.com or call (800) 483-6936.

4. Join NAREA and get a $75 discount on your study tour. www.reggioalliance.org or e-mail narea@midnspring.com (North American Reggio Emilia Alliance, students are only $50 to join. The discount will pay for your yearlong membership)

5. Get a passport if you do not have a current one. It can take up to six (6) weeks. You can pick up the application from the post office.

This experience will enhance your resume and your knowledge. Reading groups and chat room conversations will begin to prepare us for this wonderful professional development journey. Tell others using this Informational Flyer.

The Reggio Emilia approach is based on:

· Children as competent and capable
· The role of the teacher as co-researcher and co-constructor in the learning process
· Children construct knowledge through exploration and relationships
· The school environment as an educational force and source of well being
· The use of a wide range of media and materials to foster self-expression, learning and communication
· The relationship between school, parents and community has a shared reciprocity.

For more information on the Reggio Approach to learning visit:

http://zerosei.comune.re.it/inter/reggiochildren.htm

http://www.mpi.wayne.edu/earlychildhood.htm

The Reggio Way by Julianne Wurm

http://www.redleafpress.org/client/archives/features/rl_Feb2006_feature.cfm