BCSP is unique because students are fully engaged linguistically, academically, culturally and socially in the local culture and university life. Students enroll directly in University of Bologna courses and may opt to find housing with local students.

Advanced Italian (4 semesters of Italian or more): Participate in the full immersion program (all Italian at the BCSP Center and University of Bologan)--open to students from all colleges

Intermediate Italian (3 semesters of Italian): Continue with your language learning at the BCSP Center (Italian language and Italian Studies) and English classes at the University of Bologna--open to students outside the College of Arts & Sciences

Students choose BCSP with the goal of becoming fluent in the language and cultivating cultural competency. Integration is key to obtaining this goal. The program’s philosophy of linguistic and cultural immersion, bolstered by rigorous academics, provides the guidance and resources necessary to live like an Italian student in Italy.

“Un linguaggio diverso è una diversa visione della vita.” – Federico Fellini

(“A different language is a different vision of life.”)

What is unique about this program?

The Bologna Consortium program supports full immersion in Italian life. Students attend a pre-session course in Bologna to improve their command of Italian and facilitate their adjustment to life in Bologna and at the university. They then enroll in one or two regular University of Bologna courses with Italian students.  The program offers special courses in Italian literature, language, culture, art history, film studies, and contemporary politics and history that take place in the program center and incorporate more active learning and excursions. All courses at the program center are taught by University of Bologna faculty in Italian. Students take university courses in Italian or, with permission of their Cornell college, in English. (A&S will consider courses in English only if the course is not also available in Italian and if it is taken for a major other than Italian). Volunteer opportunities are available for students to connect even more deeply with the local community.

*Students who have completed ITAL 2090 may apply.  Students in the College of Arts & Sciences and students who wish to take all of their courses in Italian should have taken ITAL 2095.  More Italian language is always beneficial, but not required. Students should take Italian the semester before studying in Bologna, regardless of level.

The program works with students to arrange housing before arrival. Students who wish to arrange their own housing with local students may also do so with program support.

What is unique about Bologna?

Bologna, an elegant and dynamic 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 exploring Italy. 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. 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 BCSP office is located just a few blocks from the Piazza Maggiore in the center of the city.

Some Tips:

• Go to the “Get Advice” page for Global Learning-Education Abroad to find information on drop-in advising hours, scheduling an advising appointment, returned student contacts, and college advisors for study abroad

How do I apply?

• Everything you need for Cornell approval and for admission to the program is handled through the Cornell application using the green "Apply" button below
• Completed applications are reviewed early after the relevant transcripts are available* and again at the program application deadline.  *Completed applications include the most recent spring transcript for the following spring study abroad and the fall transcript for fall/year abroad
• After admission, students submit additional application information to Indiana University, lead institution for the consortium