Padova Language and Liberal Arts Program (Boston University)

» General Information

Location:

Padova, Italy (population: 250,000)

Description:

Boston University's Language and Liberal Arts program is one of the only study abroad programs operating in Padova, an academically oriented city in northern Italy halfway between Verona and Venice. A small, academic program, it is ideal for students who have studied college Italian for one to two years and have a serious interest in immersing themselves in the language and culture. The program's emphasis is on modern Italy. Students begin their semester with a month of intensive language study at the Boston University Center for Italian and European Studies (CIES). After completing this intensive language course, students choose three electives from the CIES offerings. These courses cover topics in Italian art, history, literature, and film. For a wider selection of courses, students with advanced Italian language skills may also choose to combine CIES courses with courses taken directly at the Università degli Studi di Padova.

Terms:

Fall Semester (Fall Quarter), Spring Semester (Winter-Spring Quarters), Full Year. Students are encouraged to attend this program for the full year.

Sponsor:

Boston University

Website:

Padova Language and Liberal Arts Program (Boston University)


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Northwestern Requirements

  • At least 1 year or the equivalent of college level Italian with grades of B or above.
  • Students with advanced Italian language skills must take at least 1 regular course at the University and, if full-year, 2 during the spring. Northwestern encourages students to take more if they are up to the challenge. A "regular course" is defined as a course taught in the host language, for local university students (not study abroad students). This will allow students to experience what it is like to be a local university student.

Academic Specialties

Italian Language and Culture, Art History, Theatre, History, Literature, Italian Cinema, Political Science (including EU Studies and International Relations courses).

Course Type

Depending on their language level, students take a combination of language and area studies courses taught in Italian at the Boston University Center for Italian and European Studies (CIES), and regular University of Padova (Universita degli Studi di Padova) courses. If their Italian language skills are strong enough, they may also choose to directly enroll in University courses only. All students participate in a 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

The program includes excursions in and around the Veneto region, as well as to other major Italian art cities.

Housing

Homestays

Program Costs

Fall 2009: $27,779

  • This includes the estimated cost of tuition, room, board, books, transportation, personal expenses and SAAF. The sample costs provided are for the fall term; for other terms and the most current cost, contact the sponsoring organization

Approximate Program Size

  • 30-40 students
  • University of Padova: 60,000 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 complete two applications for this program:
  1. A BU-Padova program application, submitted directly to Boston University and available on the program's website.
  2. The Northwestern University Application for Permission to Study Abroad.

Contact Returnees

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