Spring Hill Italy Center - Social Justice Program
Bologna
Location
Located in the Emilia Romagna region, Bologna is Europe’s oldest university town. Students can take advantage of the cultural and entertainment opportunities offered by this vibrant city. Bologna’s location also lends itself to easy travel around the country: it is less than an hour’s train ride from Florence and three hours from Rome. It is also a RyanAir hub, making access to the rest of Europe a breeze!
Program of Study
summer/semester
This program is intentionally small, with a maximum of 40 students in a regular semester. All students on semester programs take the 3-credit Italian language course. Beyond the compulsory Italian language element, students are free to choose combinations of elective courses – especially general education classes - taught in English. Most classes have already been pre-approved as Berry College courses.
Other
Students with a heart for service will be drawn to this program. Knowledge of Italian language is not mandatory for completing volunteer work – this can take place in a soup kitchen, refugee relocation organization, and others. Bonner scholars may earn their hours completing research for a community organization.
Housing
Students live alongside University of Bologna students in the modern Collegio Alma Mater, located just outside the city walls. Although program students will share rooms with each other, students can interact with Italian students in the dining hall and at extracurricular events, such as a language partner program. Rooms in the Collegio are singles, doubles and triples and have their own bathrooms. Wireless internet is accessible.
Costs
Students pay the Berry College semester tuition and apply their Berry aid. This fee includes an extensive orientation, as well as a Social Justice tour to places such as the Balkans or Tunisia. Housing and half-board cost $3650. See estimated budget in the right-hand column. Students purchase study abroad insurance for $1/day and should be prepared to pay a permit of stay fee of $140. There is currently no fee for the visa, although one is required for semester study. No visa for summer study is necessary. All prices are subject to change.
Eligibility
Students applying to the program should have a minimum 2.75 GPA. Admissions are rolling, but due to the small capacity of the program, students are encouraged to apply early. Students studying in Italy must also obtain a visa through International Programs.