The aim of this 12-day summer program is to introduce inquisitive students to the nature, culture, history, and languages of the European Alps in Switzerland and Italy. We will be exploring the geology of the Alps and how it influences the development of wildlife, flora, history, religion, culture, and of entire regions; how humans have altered the environment; and how they are affected by, and respond to, climate change in Alpine ecosystems. We will learn how to observe nature in a spectacular landscape, visit cultural sites off the beaten track, and explore some of the well-known localities, such as Zurich, Valtellina, Bellinzona, and the Engadine.
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Application Open |
November 15, 2023 |
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Early Application Deadline |
January 31, 2024 |
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Final Application Deadline |
March 1, 2024 |
Please join us for an information session to learn more about the Penn Summer Abroad The Alps program. We will be holding information sessions on the following dates:
- November 15, 2023, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m., location TBD
- December 5, 2023, 3 - 4 p.m., location TBD
During the program, we observe nature in a spectacular landscape, visit cultural sites off the beaten track and engage with urban centers, such as the city of Zurich. We also get our hands dirty at historical and modern stone quarries (guided by local experts); take in geological monuments (Bergell, Ticino, Rhine Canyon); visit important cultural sites (UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Bellinzona and Rhätische Bahn, Church of Zillis–"Sistine of the Alps"); hike across mountains, glaciers and rock glaciers; study plants and wildlife; and learn about local culture and languages.
Bring your hiking boots! Physical fitness is required as we hike several hours on most days on clearly marked mountain paths. Dr. Reto Gieré, the Program Director, is an experienced mountain climber and trekker trained in first aid.
| Morning of Monday, August 12, 2024 | Recommended arrival in Zurich |
| Monday, August 12, 2024 | Program housing check-in date |
| Monday, August 12, 2024 | On-site orientation |
| Monday, August 12, 2024 | Classes start |
| Friday, August 23, 2024 | Classes end |
| Saturday, August 24, 2024 | Program housing last checkout date |
| August 12 |  |
Zurich: Meet group at 2 p.m. for on-site orientation, followed by city tour Study topics: Charlemagne and his influence in the Alpine region; from Roman city to world financial center Overnight in Zurich, Switzerland |
| August 13 |  |
Drive via Ruinalta, Viamala and Zillis to Monte Spluga Study topics: Rhine canyon and Flims landslide; gorges and Roman roads; language divides; Sistine of the Alps Overnight in Monte Spluga, Italy |
| August 14 |  |
Hike through Valle Cardinello and drive to Chiavenna Study topics: The Alps and their impacts on the Roman, Medieval and modern history of Europe Overnight in Chiavenna, Italy |
| August 15 |  |
Chiavenna Study topics: Strategic position and history of a key town Overnight in Chiavenna, Italy |
| August 16 |  |
Drive through the Bergell Valley to the Engadine Study topics: Bergell culture, people and architecture; continental divide; language divide Overnight in Pontresina, Switzerland |
| August 17 |  |
Cog railway to Muottas Muragl and hike to rock glacier Study subjects: Permafrost; climate change and its effects on mountain villages; farming in extreme environments Overnight in Pontresina, Switzerland |
| August 18 |  |
Explore the Engadine, walk to Morteratsch glacier, and climb Munt Pers (3200 m) Study topics: Traditional architecture; Ice Age; glacial retreat and effects on ecosystems, landscape and culture Overnight in Pontresina, Switzerland |
| August 19 |  |
Drive via Bernina Pass, Cavaglia and Poschiavo to Chiareggio Study topics: Glaciology; glacial geomorphology; history of emigration Overnight in Chiareggio, Italy |
| August 20 and 21 |  |
Daily hikes from Chiareggio Exact program depends on weather conditions, but we will choose from the following activities: Rifugio del Grande, Vedretta di Vazzeda, Val Sissone Val Ventina – Lago Pirola Quarries and mines in Val Malenco. Overnight in Chiareggio, Italy |
| August 22 |  |
Drive through Valtellina and along Lago di Como to Bellinzona Study topics: Where Africa meets Europe (and the World) Overnight in Bellinzona, Switzerland |
| August 23 |  |
Bellinzona and return via Gotthard Pass to Zurich Study topics: Unesco World Heritage castles; Alpine landscapes; historic trade routes Overnight in Zurich, Switzerland |
| August 24 |  |
Individual departure and return to US |
All students register for a total of one course unit (c.u.)*. Course offerings are subject to change. Course registration is completed by the Penn Summer Abroad office for students who confirm their intent to enroll and submit the required pre-departure documents.
Penn-in-the-Alps
EESC 3003 (1 c.u.)
Taught by Reto Gieré
In this course, students explore natural phenomena through direct field experience and gain hands-on experience with methods used to study our environment. Students study the geology of the Alps and how it influences the development of wildlife, flora, history, religion, culture and entire regions; how humans have altered the environment; and how humans respond to climate change in Alpine ecosystems. Students prepare presentations on specific topics which are held during the field trip.
Students are housed in various hotels, hostels, and mountain cabins.
Tuition and fees are subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania and may change without notice. Tuition and fees below reflect rates for 2023. Rates for summer 2024 programs will be available in spring 2024.
- Tuition for summer 2023: $5,012/c.u. General Fee: $432. Total: $5,444
- Program fee for summer 2023: $1,960
- Penn Summer Abroad deposits ($500) will be credited to students’ accounts when final program costs are posted
- Includes administrative costs, accommodations, all breakfasts and dinners, and excursions
- Program fee does not include airfare
- See daily diary entries and trip photos from the 2023 program students: The Alps Diaries 2023
- See daily diary entries and trip photos from the 2022 program students: The Alps Diaries 2022
- See daily diary entries and trip photos from the 2019 program students: The Alps Diaries 2019
- See daily diary entries and trip photos from the 2018 program students: The Alps Diaries 2018
- See daily diary entries and trip photos from the 2017 program students: The Alps Diaries 2017
- See daily diary entries, trip photos, and research papers from the 2016 program students: The Alps Diaries 2016
- Read a news article about the Alps summer abroad program: Witnessing Geology’s Impact Firsthand with Penn in the Alps
Penn Summer Abroad disclaimer
The running of all 2024 Penn Summer Abroad programs is dependent on approval from the Committee on Travel Risk Assessment (CTRA). Please be advised, CTRA approval may also be rescinded at any time prior to the running of the program. Programs may also be canceled independently of the CTRA process. Any of these scenarios would result in your summer 2024 Penn Summer Abroad Program not moving forward. All PSA students are strongly encouraged to consider the consequences if their summer 2024 program is canceled for any reason. Cancellations carry financial risks as well as academic risks, including the potential impact on academic progress.
Contact Information
Program Director
Reto Gieré
Professor and Chair, Department of Earth and Environmental Science
University of Pennsylvania
Tel: (215) 898-6907
giere@sas.upenn.edu
Penn Summer Abroad Office
College of Liberal and Professional Studies
University of Pennsylvania
Fisher-Bennett Hall, Room 101
3340 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA, 19104-3335
Tel: (215) 573-7016
summerabroad@sas.upenn.edu
*Academic credit is defined by the University of Pennsylvania as a course unit (c.u.). A course unit (c.u.) is a general measure of academic work over a period of time, typically a term (semester or summer). A c.u. (or a fraction of a c.u.) represents different types of academic work across different types of academic programs and is the basic unit of progress toward a degree. One c.u. is usually converted to a four-semester-hour course.
