Become Part of the Community
Students will become a part of the community in Montepulciano and be immersed in the culture while studying abroad. Italian culture is full of rich history, art, architecture, food and traditions. The culture is generally slower-paced and more relaxed than in the United States. The people of Montepulciano "Poliziani" are very used to KSU students and tourists. Poliziani welcome students in the town and in their businesses.
Student Guidebook Map with Key points of interestThe Essentials
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Family Life
The family (la famiglia) is the most important aspect of an Italian’s life. Their family solidarity is focused on extended family rather than the West's idea of an immediate family. There is also a deep respect for elders in the culture. Italian families have frequent gatherings (usually centered around food), often help support each other, and are the basis for their social circles. Families also have their own traditions and spend more quality time together regularly. -
Dining
Meals are a major part of life and therefore take a long time. Service will be slower-paced as well. Most shops will also close for an extended lunch which can go into the early afternoon.
Italian cuisine has influenced food culture around the world and is viewed as a form of art by many. Wine, cheese, and pasta are an important part of Italian meals. No one area of Italy eats the same things as the next. Each region of Italy generally has a signature type or shape of pasta as well as a signature wine. Pasta comes in a wide range of shapes, widths, and lengths, including penne, spaghetti, linguine, fusilli, and lasagna. Most of the foods that Americans view as Italian, such as spaghetti and pizza, come from central Italy.
Expect a difference in the dining process in Italy. The “bar” is a neighborhood institution for morning coffee, mid-day snacks, a quick light lunch, or a glass of wine at the end of the day. To-go or a "takeaway" is not very common in Italy because meals are an event to spend time with friends and family. -
Lodging
As a KSU Education Abroad student, living in the community in Montepulciano is culturally rich and is a significant aspect of your program. While in Italy, students usually share two to four-bedroom apartments with other students within a program. Our partners at ‘Il Sasso’ have coordinated with community members to provide authentic Italian apartments that have comfortable rooms and modern amenities.
Each apartment comes furnished and will have cooking equipment to cook your own meals. Bedding is provided and sheets are washed weekly. Apartments are located no more than 20 minutes from the Medieval Fortezza. Students are also a short distance from laundry, grocery, and pharmacy facilities. -
Packing
Our advice always is to pack for comfort and layered wear. To optimize your luggage space, try to pick colors in the same color scheme to mix and matches clothing pieces. Bring comfortable broken-in walking shoes. Please note that proper attire (shoulders to knees covered) is required for entrance into many religious institutions, especially the Vatican. Make sure to follow TSA and your airline’s rules of what you can bring.
Packing Tips & Checklist
You will not need to being any apartment items. All apartments come equipped and ready to live in.