Program Description

The Bologna Consortial Studies Program (BSCP) is an exchange program between the University of Bologna and a consortium of U.S. universities including UW-Madison. Both an academic year and spring option are offered; however, the program emphasizes the academic year duration as this longer term allows students to more fully immerse themselves in the Italian culture and improve their language skills. This program is ideal for students with advanced level Italian language skills that want a true Italian university experience.

Bologna, an elegant city with a population of almost half a million, is the capital of the wealthy and progressive region of Emilia-Romagna in northern Italy. Excellent transportation links make it an ideal base for travel. Venice and Milan are two hours away by train; Ravenna and Florence, just an hour. Bologna is an ancient city settled by the Etruscans. Medieval towers and churches loom over the porticoed streets and terra-cotta buildings of the central section. The program’s Bologna office is located near the Piazza Maggiore in the center of the city.

Academics

Located within the old city is the University of Bologna, Europe’s oldest institution of higher learning and Italy’s top-ranked university. Founded at the end of the eleventh century, it developed initially as a law school but soon afterward established its ancient tradition of humanistic studies. The University of Bologna played host to greats such as Copernicus, Dante, Petrarch, and Tasso, all of whom studied here.

The academic program begins with a four-week orientation course in Italian language and culture organized for program students (three credits). This pre-session prepares them to integrate successfully into the university’s academic life. The language classes, taught by University of Bologna faculty, focus on development of oral skills, study skills, and grammar, as well as provide general background knowledge of Italian culture and history. When the academic year begins in October, students enroll in regular university courses with Italian students. Students may also take special courses in Italian literature, language, art history, film studies, civilization, and contemporary politics that are arranged by the BCSP for program students. All program and university courses are taught in Italian.

At the university, students will be able to select courses from the following subjects: Italian literature, anthropology, art and archeology, classics, film, history, linguistics, political science, psychology, sociology, theater and drama, and comparative or foreign literature. In addition to the credits earned in the pre-session, academic year students complete a minimum of twenty-seven credits.

Housing

During the first week students live together in a hotel. With the assistance of the program, students locate apartments in Bologna and are required to share apartments with Italian students. Students will also receive the BCSP Housing Guide to assist them in their search. Apartments are generally furnished and have kitchen appliances. Meals at the student cafeterias cost approximately five Euro. Many students cook their own meals and have access to many grocery stores and outdoor markets.

Excursions and Activities

Orientation activities during the first weeks in Bologna help students feel comfortable in their new surroundings. The Resident Director and two program staff advise and provide assistance to students through the duration of the program.