Home » Study Abroad » Summer Abroad » Summer Abroad Courses » SOSC 3445 3.0 - Italy at Work: From Factories to Freelancers

SOSC 3445 3.0 - Italy at Work: From Factories to Freelancers

Delivered in partnership with the University of Bari, this course offers students an immersive opportunity to explore work, labour, and social change in Italy through firsthand experience. Located in the heart of Southern Italy, Bari provides a unique setting to examine the regional dynamics, economic challenges, and cultural influences that have shaped Italy’s labour landscape.

Through site visits, guest speakers, and engagement with local communities and institutions, students will explore topics such as migration, labour movements, youth employment, regional inequalities, gender and care work, and the impact of globalization on local economies. Students will also gain insight into Italy’s evolving labour markets, including emerging sectors such as technology, digital platforms, and the cultural economy.

Studying in Bari transforms classroom discussions into lived experiences, allowing students to connect academic concepts with real-world observations. By engaging directly with Italian society, students will develop a deeper understanding of contemporary labour issues while strengthening their intercultural awareness and global perspective.

Quick Links

Applications are open until 12:00 p.m. EST. on January 22, 2027.

Apply Now

Please note that all program dates and costs are tentative and subject to change. Final program fees will be determined based on enrolment numbers and the confirmed course itinerary.

Location: Bari, Italy

Course Dates:
Beginning of May (dates TBD) at York; May 26 to Jun 5, 2027 in Bari, Italy

Course Director:

Carlo Fanelli fanelli@yorku.ca

Enrolment: Min. 10 students, max. 16 students

Course Details

Walking tours of Bari Vecchia

Visit to Commune di Bari

University of Salento

Guest Lecturers from the University of Bari

And more!

Students will stay in shared apartments.

There is no meal plan.

Outgoing Global Learning Funding - York International:

- The York International Mobility Award

- LA&PS International Study Abroad Award

- The Paulina Lau Scholars Program

- Martin and Maria Singer Study Abroad Award

and/or

- Leonardo Cianfarani Memorial Award

- Nick DiLorenzo/Ontario Formwork Bursary

- Italian Home Bakery Award

- Italo Canadian Youth Club Pasquale Manna Award for Student Experiences in Italy

- Annunziata Di Ponio Award OTSS

- R & R Chiodo Active Green & Ross Award

- Elio & Jackie Rosati Award

- The Italian Canadian Savings Foundation Summer in Italy Award

- Jackie Rosati Award

- Ladies' Auxiliary of the C.I.B.P.A. Bursary

- Martinrea International Award

- Joe Gagliano Award

- Canadian Italian Business & Professionals Association (CIBPA)

There is no group flight for this course, and all admitted students are responsible for booking and paying for their own flights. If you wish to arrive in Italy earlier than the course start date, or stay after the course is complete, you will be responsible for finding and paying for your own accommodations.

Canadian citizens do not need a visa for short-term stays in Italy. Students are responsible for knowing Italy’s entry and exit requirements and ensuring they have the appropriate travel documents. Students should consult the Consulate General of Italy in Toronto’s website to see if they require a tourist visa based on their country of citizenship. Students requiring a tourist visa to enter Italy should apply to the Consulate 2 months before their scheduled departure. Please refer to the Government of Canada’s travel advisories and information for Italy.

Any students with layovers in another country en route to Italy must also check that country’s entry and exit requirements and obtain a transit visa if one is needed.

Program Costs

Cost		Details
Estimated Program Fee	$1,680 (based on 10 students)	Included in program fee: accommodations in Italy, all site visits and excursions, transportation, welcome and farewell meals, professor-related costs (travel, accommodations, meals, incidentals). **Program fee subject to change based on final number of students and final course itinerary.
Additional Costs
Flights to/from Bari	$1,400	Estimate. Depends on departure location and date of purchase.
Guard.me Travel Insurance	$100	Estimate. Students are required to purchase Guard.me insurance.
Spending money	$1,000	Variable. All students should budget additional funds for meals, transportation, gifts, personal travel, etc.
York University Tuition (Domestic)	$743.01	Approximate based on Summer 2026 LA&PS tuition fees for 3.0 credits in LA&PS courses. Subject to change based on program.
York University Tuition (International)	$4,073.76	Approximate based on Summer 2026 LA&PS tuition fees for 3.0 credits in LA&PS courses. Subject to change based on program.
Approximate Total Program Costs (subject to change)
Domestic Students	$4,923.01
International Students	$8,253.76