Bologna Consortial Studies Program (BCSP)

» General Information

Location:

Bologna, Italy (population: 500,000)

Description:

This program is considered by Northwestern's Italian department to be the premier study abroad program for qualified students studying in Italy, especially students who are considering a major or minor in Italian. The University of Bologna, located in the city center of Bologna, is the oldest institution of higher learning in Europe and has repeatedly been ranked as the most prestigious university in Italy. The program itself is a consortium of Big Ten schools and is administered by the Indiana University Study Abroad Office. Due to the intensive academic nature of this program combined with a program structure that encourages independence, this program is designed for self-sufficient students who are looking to immerse into Italian life and culture as much as possible.

Terms:

Full Year only; Spring Semester (Winter-Spring Quarters) may be a possibility if the Full Year program is not full. Students who are interested in studying abroad during Spring Semester should inquire with the Northwestern Study Abroad Office shortly after the Fall/Full Year study abroad application deadline the year prior (for example, inquire in February 2008 if interested in studying in Bologna for the Spring Semester of 2009) to determine the likelihood of this possibility.

Sponsor:

Indiana University

Website:

Bologna Consortial Studies Program (Indiana University)


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Northwestern Requirements

  • Full-year: At least 2 years or the equivalent of college level Italian (Spring: 2.5 years or the equivalent of college level Italian)
  • B average in all Italian courses
  • Students must interview with a member of the Northwestern Department of French and Italian as part of the application process (see application details below).

Program Requirements

Northwestern and Indiana University act together as the admitting institution for Northwestern students applying to this program.

Academic Specialties

Italian Language and Culture, Fine Arts, Classics, Political Science/International Relations, History, Theatre, and Literature.

Course Type

Students generally take a combination of language and area studies courses taught in Italian by the BCSP program, just for program students, and regular University of Bologna courses. If their Italian language skills are strong enough, students may also choose to directly enroll in University courses only. All students participate in a month-long pre-session before the beginning of the year or semester and receive one-on-one academic advising with the Resident Director upon arrival to determine their course enrollments and abilities.

Additional Information

Enrichment Opportunities: There are several excursions planned by BCSP throughout the program to locations near Bologna, which may include Verona, Ravenna, Tuscany, or Urbino.  Also, due to the length of this program, students often find ways to get thoroughly involved with the community in Bologna.  Some students choose to participate in volunteer activities or non-credit internships, others partner with native speakers to practice language.  Students are responsible for seeking out their own activities, but may seek advice from the BCSP program staff.

About Bologna:
Bologna is the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region in northern Italy.  The city has one of the best-preserved historic centers in Italy and is known for its beauty, amazing food, porticoes and politics.  It is home to approximately 500,000 inhabitants in the city, and about 1 million in the metropolitan area.  Known as a student-friendly city, Bologna remains relatively tourist free - letting the locals enjoy one of the highest standards of living (and some of the best restaurants) in Italy.

Housing

Apartments
  • BCSP students find and rent their own housing in apartments in the city center. The program office in Bologna may provide assistance.
  • All students are strongly advised to share apartments with Italians. 

Program Costs

Academic Year 2009-2010: $44,625

  • This includes the estimated cost of tuition, room, board, books, transportation, personal expenses and SAAF. The sample costs provided are for the full academic year. For the most current cost, contact the sponsoring organization.

Approximate Program Size

  • 40-50 students from a variety of Big Ten universities, most of whom attend the program for the full academic year
  • University of Bologna:  70,000 students

Application Requirements

Prior to receiving an application, all Northwestern students must complete the following steps:
  1. Complete the mandatory Study Abroad 101 Quiz on Blackboard.  Call 847-467-6400 or e-mail studyabroad@northwestern.edu (include your name and netID) to register for this quiz.
  2. After receiving a score of 90% or above, students can pick up the Northwestern University Application for Permission to Study Abroad at the Study Abroad Office. This application it is not available online.
Northwestern students must then complete the following steps:
  1. Northwestern University Application for Permission to Study Abroad.
  2. This program requires that all applicants interview with Professor Thomas Simpson in the Department of French and Italian prior to submitting the Northwestern Application.  To schedule an interview, please e-mail Professor Simpson well in advance of Northwestern's application deadline.

Contact Returnees

Northwestern students may enter this section of the site for a list of students who participated in this program.