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Italian & Italian Studies



Italian & Italian Studies

Italian at Dickinson combines intensive language study with an interdisciplinary exploration of Italian culture, literature, history, film, politics and society. Students can major in Italian Studies or minor in Italian while combining their study of Italian with interests across the liberal arts.

Learning extends well beyond the classroom. Students can study in Bologna through Dickinson's Italian Studies program, take courses at the University of Bologna, participate in internships and community-engagement opportunities, live with Italian and Italian-speaking students, and use Italian in everyday life. On campus, the Italian Club, Tavola italiana, Casa italiana, visiting speakers and cultural events create additional opportunities to speak Italian and engage with contemporary Italian culture.

Whether students begin Italian at Dickinson or arrive with previous experience, the program provides a pathway toward advanced proficiency and encourages students to connect Italian with their academic, professional and personal interests. After graduation, qualified students may also apply to the SITE (Study, Intercultural Training and Experience) Program, which offers opportunities to work as English-language teaching assistants in schools in Lombardy, Italy.

Contact Info

Chair

James McMenaminAssociate Professor of Italian

Department Coordinator

Lisa Orris

Phone

717-245-1819

Fax

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Social Media

Location

105, Bosler Hall Mailing Address

Department Features




Student Outcomes

Where Our Students Go From Here

Jobs

  • Cato Institute
  • Microsoft Corporation
  • Advisory Board Company
  • National Committee on American Foreign Policy
  • Fulbright Program
  • National Consumer Law Center
  • City Year, Inc.
  • Tufts Universit

Graduate Schools

  • University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
  • University of Virginia
  • Middlebury College
  • Temple University Law
  • Brooklyn Law School
  • CUNY New York City College of Technology
  • University of Minnesota
  • Drexel University
  • George Mason University
  • University of Connecticut
  • Harvard University
  • University of Rochester School of Business
  • Boston College
Where Our Students Have Interned
  • Breakthrough Collaborative
  • Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Organization
  • National Museum of American History
  • National Museum of the American Indian
  • National Postal Museum
  • Port Jefferson Historical Society
  • U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center
  • U.S. Army War College - Peacekeeping and Stability Operations Institute

Student Perspective

"Studying abroad for a year in Bologna expanded my worldview in ways I did not think were possible. I improved my Italian language skills and had the opportunity to learn in new environments while taking classes at the University of Bologna and Johns Hopkins SAIS."

— Tony Trandafir ’24

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Italian & Italian Studies News

Hurdles Conquered, Adventures Won

Hurdles Conquered, Adventures Won

"I’ve had the opportunity to do so many things here that I never would have experienced otherwise." Find out how Rowan Curry ’27 is making the most of the Dickinson experience.

Language Majors Jobs and Graduate School Acceptances 2026

Language Majors Jobs and Graduate School Acceptances 2026

Language majors launch careers in museum education, at Liberty Mutual, with the U.S. Army, and more.

Italian & Italian Studies Jobs and Graduate School Acceptances 2026

Italian & Italian Studies Jobs and Graduate School Acceptances 2026

Italian & Italian studies majors accepted to graduate schools including Brandeis and Rutgers to study finance, dental medicine and Italian literature.

Graduate Story: Gina Woodworth

Graduate Story: Gina Woodworth '02, Snap Inc.

As public policy lead for the Americas at Snap Inc., the former political science and Italian studies major works to develop thoughtful legislation and policy solutions for complex challenges.

Sprinting Toward Success, On and Off the Track

Sprinting Toward Success, On and Off the Track

For track standout Erin Olsavsky ’26 (educational studies, Italian studies), sprinting wasn’t always part of the plan.

A Custom Taste of Italy

A Custom Taste of Italy

"Dickinson makes it easy to study abroad, even with two majors." Lena Rimmer '26 is weaving all of her interests into her study-abroad year in Italy.


Support Italian at Dickinson

Your gift helps us provide enriching opportunities for our students, including cultural programming, visiting speakers, internships, research opportunities and immersive experiences in Italy.

Support Italian Studies: When making your gift, enter “Italian” and select “Italian Department” as the designation.