Motivation, Emotion, & Flourishing - Taking Mental Health and Wellness to Italy

Program Details 

Ischia, Italy is truly the perfect location for studying health and well-being. The island is a volcano and includes thermal waters, beaches, mountains, outdoor activities, local foods, and opportunities for relaxation and social connection. This provides the perfect context to explore psychological research on motivation, stress and coping, emotional regulation, physical activity, emotions, relationships, mindfulness, and healthy behaviors. Many of the activities we will be engaging in are targeted specifically for examining mental well-being. Students can compare their own assumptions about happiness and a fulfilling life with the ways these concepts are expressed in Italian culture.

Selection Criteria:

  • 18 years of age or older.

Destinations:

Ischia, Italy

Program Travel Dates:

May 11th - May 25th, 2027

Program Instruction Dates: This program will have online instruction 1 week prior to travel and 2-3 weeks after travel. 

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Cost

Cost: $3750 (Airfare not included)

Scholarships are available!

Deposit: $500  Deposit is due 72 hours after registration. If not paid in that timeframe, you may be dropped from your trip.

Full payment deadline: May 3rd, 2027

Payments can now be made online! Visit Pay for Your Trip Onlinefor instructions on how to pay your deposit and future payments online. Charges should show on your account within 24-48 hours after registration. If you want to pay with cash or check, please pay at the Hurst Center for Lifelong Learning.

Need a passport? Visit the Weber Passport Office for application information and appointments.

Includes: insurance, tuition, room and board, local transportation abroad, excursions, and some meals.

Not included: airfare, passport, incidentals, excess baggage costs, any unscheduled travel, and some meals.

This program supports Weber State’s sustainability goals and contributes to carbon-neutral travel initiatives.

Itinerary

Itinerary subject to change

May 10, 2027 - Depart SLC
May 11, 2027 -  Arrive in Naples, Transfer to Salerno
May 12 - Student Orientation (in Salerno): food visit and Sorrento
May 13 - Food visit, Afternoon Pompeii guided tour, transfer to Ischia (afternoon ferry)
May 14 - Poseidon Thermal Park, Welcome Dinner
May 15 - Cooking class, optional evening in Forio with group dinner
May 16 - Yoga and meditation session, Aphrodite Thermal Park, free time in Sant'Angelo
May 17 - Free day, time to work on reflections/discussions
May 18 - Capri day trip
May 19 - Guided tour of Castle of Aragon, Afternoon in Procida
May 20 - Hiking and hot springs
May 21 - Evening bus tour of Ischia, Discovering local traditions: ceramics, food & music, group dinner
May 22 - Boat tour of Ischia, Farewell dinner
May 23 - Transfer to Naples, check into hotel
May 24 - Program concludes

Academic Courses

Students who participate in this study abroad program will be able to register for up to six (6) semester credits through Weber State University in:

  • PSY 3270 (Motivation & Emotion, 3 credits), taught by Dr. Aminda O'Hare
  • PSY 4900 (Special Topics: Psychology of Flourishing, 3 credits), taught by Dr. Kathryn Sperry

Program Directors

 

Aminda O'Hare: amindaohare@weber.edu
Kathryn Sperry: kathrynsperry@weber.edu

Trip Cancellations

If Weber State cancels a trip for any reason, all participants will be refunded 100% of funds paid to the school. If a participant withdraws from the program for any reason, they are subject to the refund policy found on the first page of the application.  Deposits are always non-refundable, unless the program is canceled by Weber State.  No refunds will be issued 30 days prior to program start date. 

If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Study Abroad Office at (801) 626-8715.