BOLOGNA, ITALY

The city of Bologna, located in northern Italy, has its own distinct medieval beauty. Centered at the crossroads of Italy, this city of approximately half-a-million people is home to one of the oldest universities in the world. It is just a train ride away from the art of Florence, the fashionable streets of Milan and the historic city of Venice. Bologna, designated an official European “city of culture” in 2000, is also a major center for trade fairs, where businesses and industries showcase everything from the latest developments in technology to the newest cars, perfumes and books.

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The University of Bologna is the oldest university in the world and one of the most prestigious academic institutions in Europe. 


Bologna, Italy

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

  • K. Robert Nilsson Center for European Studies courses taught in English by the faculty director and other local Italian faculty 
  • Options for direct enrollment at the University of Bologna in English for international business and management majors depending on their schedule
  • Direct enrollment in a wide variety of courses at the University of Bologna for students with advanced Italian with options in English for economics and international business & management majors depending on their schedule.
  • Well-qualified students may enroll in graduate-level courses at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies during the fall and spring semesters.


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 

Associate Professor of Political Science and International Studies Ed Webb serves as the faculty director of the program (2020–22). His teaching and research activities are mainly in Middle East politics, comparative politics and international relations. He contributes to Middle East studies and security studies. He has particular interests in the interaction of religions and politics and the politics of education, as well as authoritarianism and empire. His interest in pedagogical applications of new technologies, including simulations, games and social media, has led to him being appointed to the Advisory Board of the National Institute for Technology in Liberal Education. A former diplomat, he has lived and worked in the Middle East and Europe. He is assisted by Administrative Director and Dickinson alumna Ellen Laird ’02 and Program Associate Elena Giulia Dall’Acqua. 

GO GLOBAL 

TERM DATES 

Academic Year, Fall, Spring 

Academic Year: Late August to early June. Applications are due by February 10. 

Fall: Late August to late December. Applications are due by February 10. 

Spring: Late January to early June. Applications are due by September 7. 

EXPECTATIONS 

3.0 GPA 

Prior Italian language study strongly encouraged but not required. Demonstrated academic interest in the core areas of the program. 

FACULTY DIRECTOR 

Ed Webb  
Associate Professor of Political Science and International Studies 
webbe@dickinson.edu

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“I enjoyed being fully immersed in all aspects of Italian culture and was able to learn to speak, read and write Italian.”

—Christian Merino Rubio ’20 (political science)

Dickinson Majors that are a good fit for Dickinson in Italy: European Studies Program
  • Art & Art History 
  • Economics 
  • History 
  • International Business and Management 
  • International Studies 
  • Internships 
  • Italian 
  • Law and Policy 
  • Policy Studies 
  • Political Science 
  • Security Studies  

Don’t see your major? Connect with us. This program could still be a good fit for you. 

Non-Dickinson Student Information

This program is open for non-Dickinson students. Contact Marissa Mitchell (mitchmar@dickinson.edu), in the Center for Global Study and Engagement, with any questions about this program. More information on programs available to non-Dickinson students can be found here. 


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