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Professional and Lifelong Learning

In the Footsteps of St. Francis

Experience the Food and Culture of Central Italy

Spring 2025 Program: Traveling April 7–14, 2025

Join the University of North Florida Professional and Lifelong Learning in Central Italy for an educational tourism experiential journey! The ‘trip’ begins with a 6-week continuing education study abroad course called “Walking in the Footsteps of St. Francis.” This course has seven modules corresponding to the experiential days of the week emersed in Italy!

In week 5, the participants will journey to Umbria/Tuscany for the lived experience of engaging in authentic Italian food and culture as no traditional ‘tour’ can offer. Each module will focus on understanding the uniquely Italian way and the benefits to human health of living in harmony with nature and each other through shared experiences of food, culture including language, art, music, media, and spiritual/religious practices ancient and new.

Throughout this trip, you will learn about the patron saint of the animals, Saint Francis of Assisi, and the Italian culture through meaningful site visits, immersive cooking classes, and authentic language lessons. This is a journey for those who feel passionately about food, wine, spirit, and, most importantly, learning while surrounded by like-minded individuals. Below are the program details discussing the purpose, eligibility, hosts and lodging, overall costs, health and safety considerations, and most importantly, how to secure a spot!

A Recap of 2023 In the Footsteps of St. Francis, Our Educational Expedition

Join a Virtual Information Session on February 19 at 12:15 pm OR 5:30 pm

During the free information session, you can learn more about In the Footsteps of St. Francis and have all your questions answered!

Register for the Information Session

Minestrone
Caprese Salad
Italian pastry

Who Should Attend

This trip is meant for those with:

  • A deep passion for human authenticity and connectedness to animals and nature.
  • A fascination with the elegance and complex simplicity of Italian cooking.
  • An appreciation for artisan living and craftsmanship in all things
  • A desire to experience a healthier, simpler, and more authentic way of being in the world — at home and abroad.
  • An appreciation for both connected community and quality time for solace and introspection.
  • A curiosity about keeping ancient wisdom and spiritual practices alive in the modern and seemingly never-resting world.
  • A desire to recharge, retreat, and reset in the beautiful countryside of Umbria and Tuscany.

Classes

Beginning six weeks before departure, you will be enrolled in a preparation course to orient you to the trip, the culture, and the applicability to your life stateside. Each module will contain a language orientation lesson so you can begin to learn phrases and useful expressions to use while exploring Umbria, including greetings, courtesy expressions, numbers, saying how one feels, introducing oneself, ordering a gelato or something to eat and drink in a bar and a restaurant. An introduction to the philosophy behind Italian cooking will be introduced in the orientation course with excursions to famous markets followed by live cooking classes throughout the trip, in the evenings.

Itinerary

View the 2025 Spring Itinerary below.

2025 Spring Itinerary