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The Fountain of Neptune located in the square of Piazza del Nettuno in Bologna, Italy.

Program at a Glance

University of Bologna

Country or area Italy
City Bologna
Class Level Jr, Sr, Gr
Experience Type Immersion
Minimum GPA 2.75
Term Fall sem, Spring sem, Year
Taught In Italian, English
Language Prereq no
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About The Program

Nestled between Venice and Florence, Bologna holds the distinct status of Italy's food capital. Bologna is a true university town with classrooms throughout the beautiful historic center. The University of Bologna, Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna (the mother of all universities), attracts students of all majors from all over the continent. Independent learners love the internship options, study projects with Italian faculty, and unique style of delivering oral exams. To develop your Italian speaking skills, the program starts with a language program. During this time, you'll take a day trip to Ravenna, visit Dante's tomb, and experience Romagnolo cuisine.

Where you'll study

One of the oldest universities in the Western world, the University of Bologna (Unibo) counts Dante as one of its former students. This university is embedded into the fabric of the northern Italian host city of the same name. Founded nearly a thousand years ago, it holds a rich history and architectural heritage. Now a large institution spread across the city, Unibo classrooms are located throughout the city in Medieval and Renaissance palazzi as well as in newly constructed modern buildings connecting the past and present. Unibo offers many opportunities to get involved in events, make friends, and join clubs. 


TRIPS AND ACTIVITIES

The study center arranges field trips and activities to introduce the local culture and special features of your host country. There may be other optional excursions, which you can explore after arrival.

Tortellini and tagliatelle pasta-making class and dinner

Day in Ravenna for mosaics sites, Dante's tomb, and traditional lunch

Rooftop sunset with traditional Bolognese refreshments in the fall

Guided tour of Count Mattei's eccentric castle in the spring

Hiking tour to San Luca followed by gelato at Cremeria Funivia



My time abroad brought an incredible amount of cultural exposure which would have been impossible to recreate at my home university. Living in Italy meant speaking with locals on a daily basis, delicious Italian cuisine, and diving head first into Italian culture: fashion, body language, and expressions unique to Bologna like, “Dammi il tiro,” which is a way to ask to be buzzed into the building. These experiences simply cannot be prepared for or replicated in a classroom.


Joshua Beal UC San Diego Biochemistry and Cell Biology Italy


The lessons I learned on study abroad will stay with me for the rest of my life. Not only are they important to everyday life, but the skills I learned are priceless to my future career.


Taryn Christenson UC Irvine Language Science Italy