Academics

The Italian university system is different from the American model in many ways. For instance, Italian professors traditionally prefer lecture style teaching, and local students are expected to provide more of their own structure to master the material and prepare for exams. Grades are based on the final oral, or occasionally written, exam. In contrast, BCSP courses are taught by Italian university professors, and their structure resembles that of an American college course. At the BCSP office, during ongoing academic advising, students receive thorough guidance in order to adapt to the Italian university system.

Direct enrollment means that students register at University of Bologna and take on average 2 classes per semester alongside their Italian peers.

Courses Selection & Enrollment

  • To find information on courses, use the links below.
  • Final course enrollment takes place after arrival with advising and support from the BCSP director.
  • University courses in English are permitted when no Italian course on the same topic is available and it is related to the students major/minor, OR for students at the intermediate level of Italian (non A&S).
  • To discuss program fit, such as program type, expectations, level of structure/independence, or to compare options, get advice from Global Learning advisors, Italian Studies faculty, and returned students. 
  • For assistance in selecting courses, see your faculty or college advisor. (Note: You may earn elective, distributional, minor or major credit depending on your major and college.)
  • You may need to look at courses from a previous semester (i.e.: the most recent spring semester if you want to select classes for a future spring abroad) 

Course Load & Credits

  • A typical course load is:
  • Take the equivalent of 15 Cornell credits for a full semester, even if it is possible to take fewer and still graduate on time.
  • Decisions on the final allocation of credit are made upon successful completion of the course (must earn grade equivalent of a “C” or higher—all courses must award a letter grade).
  • For more information on courses and credits from abroad, including policies regarding start/end dates, refer to the Academic Policies page on the Education Abroad website. 

Transcript & Grades

  • Grades will appear on the Cornell transcript in the same format as they are recorded on the official transcript from Indiana University which manages the Consortium program. IU converts the Italian grades into the American A-F system. Grades are not factored into the Cornell GPA.
  • For information on how grades appear on the transcript and frequently asked questions, including transcript dates for graduating seniors, please refer to the Transcripts and Credits page on the Education Abroad website.
  • Your program will send your transcript to the Education Abroad Office.