Summer: Florence & the Birth of Freedom of Contract
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Dates & Deadlines
| Term | Year | Application Deadline | Decision Date | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | 2026 | January 25 | TBD | May 17 (departure on May 16) | May 31 |
Program Description
The course takes place in Florence, the capital of Italy’s Tuscany region, known for its many masterpieces and as the birthplace of Renaissance art and architecture. Florence was a hub of medieval European trade and finance and one of the wealthiest cities of that era. Many scholars consider it the birthplace of the Renaissance, making it a major center for art, culture, commerce, politics, economy and finance.
MGT 299: Florence and the Birth of Freedom of Freedom Contract
The program, in collaboration with LdM Lorenzo de’ Medici, the Italian international institute, will introduce students to three main topics: (1) the evolution from feudalism to capitalism, (2) current substantive contract law, and (3) primary contract negotiation principles. These topics highlight the fundamental importance of freedom of contract in the development of human, civil, political, and economic rights. Studying these subjects in Florence offers an incredible opportunity to combine this learning with immersive, real-world cultural experiences.
Faculty
Richard Pate, JD
Professor Pate has taught law-related courses at Sacred Heart University for over 25 years, with a focus on human resource law. As a practicing attorney, he is licensed in Connecticut, the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, and the U.S. Supreme Court. His legal practice closely aligns with his teaching subjects, offering students both legal theory and practical insights.
Students’ housing accommodation is in shared apartments.
Double occupancy: all are within walking distance of the school.
Excursions on this program may include:
- Exploration of local markets
- Palazzo Vecchio
- Uffizi Gallery
- Sightseeing and visits in
- Bologna
- Rome
Summer 2026
| Budget Item | Amount | Payable To | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | $45 | Global Engagement | Payable upon application to the program |
| Confirmation Fee | $250 | Global Engagement | Due within two weeks of acceptance to the program |
| Total | $295 | ||
| SHU Short-Term Undergraduate Tuition | $1,950 | Student Accounts | 3-credit rate |
| Program Fee | $3,200 | Student Accounts | |
| Registration Fee | $115 | Student Accounts | |
| Estimated Total | $5,265 | Total will be billed in accordance with Student Accounts billing cycle |
Additional Expenses
| Budget Item (Estimates) | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation - International Airfare | $1,200 | Group flight |
| Meals - Additional | $750 | Welcome and farewell dinners are included with the program. You are responsible for all other meals. |
| Personal Expenses | $500 |
All costs subject to change.
Fees include: Program orientation, housing, some meals, course-related excursions and mandatory basic international health insurance.
Fees do not include: Travel to/ from host country, major medical insurance, or any personal expenses.
Additional Billing Information
All expenses are subject to change based upon currency fluctuations, flight demand, personal spending habits, etc. Actual expenses may be more or less than the listed estimates.
Program withdrawal fees, penalties and refunds are subject to the withdrawal policies of each program.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Scholarships are a great way to support the cost of your study abroad experience. In an effort to encourage you to study abroad, and to make a study abroad experience more accessible, Global Engagement prepared a list of scholarships and financial resources. Please note that this is not a conclusive list but it will help you start your search process. Global Engagement encourages you to apply and take advantage of as many relevant scholarship opportunities as possible.
Please speak with Student Financial Assistance to determine how your aid package will apply towards studying abroad.
Welch Waiver (Applicable to Business Majors Only)
If you are a College of Business & Technology student (at SHU), currently enrolled in The Welch Experience, and have not yet utilized your study abroad tuition credit, you are eligible to use the Welch Waiver ($1,950) towards your summer tuition for the SHU in Dingle program. In order to take advantage of the waiver program you will need to complete the Welch Waiver application, located within your study abroad account.
Please ensure applications for the Welch Tuition Waiver, Thomas More Honors Program Scholarship and/or Matthew R. Dalling Scholarship are submitted by the specified deadline. Applications and corresponding deadlines can be found in your study abroad account. Failure to submit applications by the specified deadline may cause the scholarship dispersal to be significantly delayed.
If you receive scholarships, grants or financial aid through SHU, these awards are posted to your student account according to the normal disbursement schedule.
Contact Global Engagement directly for further information.
Summer 2026
- May 16, 2026: Depart US
- May 17, 2026: Arrive Italy
- May 31, 2026: Depart Italy/Return US