ACADEMICS AND INTERNSHIPS
The Bologna program is Dickinson’s oldest study-abroad program, which celebrated its 50th anniversary during the 2015-16 academic year. The program offers students the opportunity to engage in the interdisciplinary study of contemporary issues facing Europe and to use Italy and Italian language and culture as a window through which to view Europe at large. Students have the opportunity to engage with the local community through visiting family and language partner programs.
All students enroll in four courses each semester, including an Italian language course at their appropriate level, and may, depending on their schedule, be able to directly enroll in a business course taught in English at the University of Bologna. Qualified academic year students may complete internships in Bologna in the spring semester. Exceptionally well-qualified students may have the opportunity to enroll in graduate level courses at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies during both fall and spring semesters.
ACADEMIC EXCURSIONS
The academic program is enhanced by various excursions to areas of cultural, political and historical interest. In the past, faculty have taken students to Assisi, Urbino, Perugia, Trieste, Siena, the Tuscan countryside and other interesting sites. Students can easily travel to Rome, Venice and Florence on their own. Full-year students participate in the Poland excursion.
HOUSING AND MEALS
Students live in apartments chosen by the faculty director and staff that are within walking distance of the K. Robert Nilsson Center. Students with previous Italian language experience can live in an Italian apartment or homestay. Participants receive a food stipend and most students buy and cook their own food.
STAFF
Professor of Music Amy Wlodarski serves as the faculty director for the program (2022-2024). She is assisted by Administrative Director and Dickinson alumna Ellen Laird ’02 and Program Associate Elena Giulia Dall’Acqua.