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.
Summer 2023 applications are now closed.
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Application Open |
October 31, 2022 |
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Early Application Deadline |
January 15, 2023 |
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Final Application Deadline |
March 10, 2023 |
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 14, 2023 | Recommended arrival in Zurich |
| Monday, August 14, 2023 | Program housing check-in date |
| Monday August 14, 2023 | On-site orientation |
| Monday, August 14, 2023 | Classes start |
| Friday, August 25, 2023 | Classes end |
| Saturday, August 26, 2023 | Program housing last checkout date |
| August 14, 2023 |  |
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 15, 2023 |  |
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 16, 2023 |  |
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 17, 2023 |  |
Chiavenna Study topics: Strategic position and history of a key town Overnight in Chiavenna, Italy |
| August 18, 2023 |  |
Drive through the Bergell Valley to the Engadine Study topics: Bergell culture, people and architecture; continental divide; language divide Overnight in Pontresina, Switzerland |
| August 19, 2023 |  |
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 20, 2023 |  |
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 21, 2023 |  |
Drive via Bernina Pass, Cavaglia and Poschiavo to Chiareggio Study topics: Glaciology; glacial geomorphology; history of emigration Overnight in Chiareggio, Italy |
| August 22 and 23, 2023 |  |
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 24, 2023 |  |
Drive through Valtellina and along Lago di Como to Bellinzona Study topics: Where Africa meets Europe (and the World) Overnight in Bellinzona, Switzerland |
| August 25, 2023 |  |
Bellinzona and return via Gotthard Pass to Zurich Study topics: Unesco World Heritage castles; Alpine landscapes; historic trade routes Overnight in Zurich, Switzerland |
| August 26, 2023 |  |
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 for summer 2022: $4,830/c.u. General Fee: $416. Total: $5,246
- 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, cancellation insurance, all breakfasts and dinners, and excursions
Payment is due according to Penn’s Student Registration and Financial Services billing schedule.
Download: Cost Sheet (PDF)
- 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 2023 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 2023 Penn Summer Abroad Program not moving forward. All PSA students are strongly encouraged to consider the consequences if their summer 2023 program is canceled for any reason. Cancellations carry financial risks as well as academic risks, including the potential impact on academic progress.
For all Penn-affiliated travel occurring on or after May 18, 2021, a COVID-19 vaccination is required. This applies to both domestic and international travel unless an exception has been granted for medical or religious reasons. If you have a question related to this guidance or will not be vaccinated prior to travel, please contact travelsafety@pobox.upenn.edu.
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) 898-7326
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.
