2026 Faculty Development Program in Italy Reggio Emilia Approach to Early Childhood Education
Reggio Emilia Approach & Florence CityMay 23 to May 30, 2026
Trip# 1081-2026-Italy
Program Introduction
- Experience the heart of early childhood education in Reggio Emilia, Italy, with ARAMFO’s Summer 2026 Faculty Development Program. This immersive journey offers professors and academic leaders the rare opportunity to study the world-renowned Reggio Emilia Approach directly in its birthplace. Through seminars, atelier workshops, and guided visits at the Loris Malaguzzi International Centre, participants will engage with pedagogistas and atelieristas who have shaped this child-centered educational model. The program combines academic depth with cultural enrichment, including educational site visits in Reggio Emilia and guided explorations of Florence’s historic landmarks. Designed to inspire innovation in teaching and research, this program equips faculty with tools to integrate creativity, exploration, and student-centered pedagogy into their curricula while fostering international academic collaborations.
Program Highlights
· Immersive Educational Experience
Engage with the world-renowned Reggio Emilia Approach directly in the city where it began. Participate in seminars, workshops, and discussions with pedagogistas and atelieristas.
· Hands-On Learning in Context
Attend atelier workshops, guided visits, and question sessions at the Loris Malaguzzi International Centre to experience innovative approaches to child-centered learning.
· Cultural Integration
Enhance your understanding of Italian culture through walking tours of Reggio Emilia and Florence’s historic sites.
· Applied Learning Models
Examine how creativity, exploration, and student-centered pedagogy can be applied to classrooms in the U.S.
· Institutional Networking
Build connections with Reggio Emilia institutions and educational foundations to foster international collaboration.
Benefits for Your University
· Curriculum Enrichment
Incorporate Reggio Emilia’s experiential and creativity-based teaching methods into early childhood education courses.
· Professional Development
Faculty will gain tools to integrate atelier-style workshops, symbolic languages, and child-centered pedagogy into their teaching.
· Global Perspective
Provide students and future educators with exposure to internationally recognized practices in education.
Showcase your university’s commitment to innovative pedagogy and global faculty development.
Day 1 – Saturday, May 23 – Departure from JFK
Departure from JFK Airport to Florence, Italy.
Overnight in flight.
Day 2 – Sunday, May 24 – Arrival in Florence & Transfer to Reggio Emilia
Morning arrival at Florence Airport.
Individual transfer to Reggio Emilia.
Check-in at Hotel Europa, Reggio Emilia.
Free time to explore Reggio Emilia independently.
Overnight stay in Reggio Emilia.
Day 3 – Monday, May 25 – Reggio Emilia Program
Breakfast at the hotel.
Seminar: The pedagogical, historical, and cultural values of the Reggio Emilia Approach at infant-toddler centres and preschools.
Guided visit to exhibitions and atelier at the Loris Malaguzzi International Centre.
Evening Welcome Dinner.
Overnight stay in Reggio Emilia.
Day 4 – Tuesday, May 26 – Atelier & Pedagogical Sessions
Breakfast at the hotel.
Atelier workshop with Atelieristas at the Loris Malaguzzi International Centre.
Question Time with pedagogista.
Overnight stay in Reggio Emilia.
Day 5 – Wednesday, May 27 – Educational Visits
Breakfast at the hotel.
Visit to Remida, the Creative Recycling Centre, Reggio Emilia.
Visit to Fondazione Famiglia Sarzi – La Casa dei Burattini di Otello Sarzi, Cavriago.
Afternoon: transfer to Florence.
Overnight stay in Florence.
Day 6 – Thursday, May 28 – Florence City Tour
Breakfast at the hotel.
Walking tour of Florence, including:
– Piazza di Santa Maria Novella
– Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo)
– Additional historic highlightsOvernight stay in Florence.
Day 7 – Friday, May 29 – Florence Cultural Explorations
Breakfast at the hotel.
Guided visit to the Central Market of Florence (Mercato Centrale) to experience local food and culture.
Visit to the San Lorenzo neighborhood, known for its artisanal leather market and traditional craft shops.
Stop at Piazzale Michelangelo for panoramic views of Florence.
Evening Farewell Dinner.
Overnight stay in Florence.
Day 8 – Saturday, May 30 – Departure
Breakfast at the hotel.
Individual transfer to the airport for final departure to JFK.
The cost of the trip is $4,500 (double-occupancy) per person
* Single Room Upgrade: $600 for single occupancy, due 90 days before the departure date, subject to availability.
Cost of the program includes:
· Roundtrip international flight JFK–Florence/Milan–JFK
· Reggio Emilia program costs
· Hotels in twin-shared rooms with breakfast
· Welcome Dinner and Farewell dinner
· Entry fees
· Educational seminars, visits, and workshops
· English-speaking guides and facilitators
· Transfer from Reggio Emilia to Florence
· ARAMFO will arrange for one group transportation to and from the airport at a time when most participants will arrive in or leave the host country.
Cost Does Not Include
- Travel and health insurance.
(can be purchased from our partners here (International Travel Insurance) - Checked baggage fees on any flights.
- Airport transfers for arrivals or departures outside the main group schedule (available for an additional fee).
- Activities or meals that are not specifically listed in the itinerary.
- Tips and gratuities.
Funding Your Participation
We encourage you to seek travel and professional development funding from your institution. Many faculty members receive support through internal programs and offices listed below.
- Offices of international programs or global engagement
- Academic affairs or faculty development
- Teaching and learning centers
- Research and travel grants
- Official invitation letter and program details
- Confirmation of invited role such as presenter, panelist, session participant, or workshop contributor
- Itemized cost overview to support internal funding requests
This educational trip may be funded out of pocket or through institutional support. Schools and universities may cover the full cost or offer partial sponsorship for faculty participation.
ARAMFO Payment Plan Options
We believe every participant should be able to travel without financial stress. The plans below provide flexible options to fit different budgets.
Option 1: Pay in Full at Enrollment (No Fee)
- Pay the entire program balance at the time of enrollment.
- Accepted methods: credit card, debit card, ACH, personal checks, and bank transfers.
Option 2: Automatic Payment Plan (No Fee)
Set up automatic monthly or bi-weekly payments with no additional fees. Payments are scheduled until 30 days before departure.
How it works
- No enrollment or plan fees.
- First payment of $300 due within 30 days of registration; credited toward your total balance.
- Choose monthly or bi-weekly automatic payments.
- At least $1,500 paid no later than 90 days before departure.
- Final balance paid no later than 55 days before departure.
- You may pay off your balance early at any time without fees.
- Accepted methods: credit card, debit card, ACH, personal checks, and bank transfers.
Cancellation Policy
- 50% of the paid amount refunded between 100 and 91 days prior to departure.
- 40% of the paid amount refunded between 90 and 61 days prior to departure.
- 30% of the paid amount refunded between 60 and 51 days prior to departure.
- No refund within 50 days of departure.
Trip# 1081-2026-Italy
*There may exist minor changes in the program timetables and venues due the possible restrictions.
