Study Abroad

All students are encouraged to benefit from the incomparable experience of study abroad. The University of Pennsylvania requires that students participate in a Penn-approved program to receive course credit for such study. Information on study abroad options may be obtained from the Undergraduate Chair in Italian Studies or from Shannon Connelly, the Overseas Program Manager for Italy in the Office of International Programs, located in Bennett Hall. On return, students should consult with the Undergraduate Chair to determine appropriate course levels for continuing work at Penn.

During the academic year, undergraduates may spend one or two semesters in Bologna, Florence, Milan, or Padua, each of which integrates program electives with courses taught at those cities' venerable universities. Rome is an option for students who elect a major/minor concentration in Italian Culture or a minor in Italian Literature. The popular Penn-in-Florence program takes place for six weeks every summer. Designed primarily for undergraduates, it benefits graduate students professionally as an opportunity to teach in Italy, learn the workings of an off-campus program, and pursue independent research or travel.

Students taking courses in a program in Bologna, Florence, or Padua, normally in the junior year, may also be awarded credit towards either of the two major concentrations in Italian Studies. A maximum of six courses may be counted towards the major; a maximum of three courses may be counted towards the minor. (Courses taken at Temple in Rome may not count towards the major in Italian Literature.) Any course taken in Italy must be pre-approved by the Undergraduate Chair. Majors are expected to complete 202 before beginning their program abroad. When returning to Penn, students should consult with the Undergraduate Chair to determine what courses they should take to round out their curriculum.

Summer Abroad

Penn-in-Florence
A six-week summer program sponsored by the University of Pennsylvania offers an introductory language course, intensive second-year Italian (Italian 134, which may be used to satisfy the language requirement), an Advanced Italian course, Italian Renaissance Art History, and a literature or history elective on topics that vary from year to year.

Academic-year Programs

Bologna Consortial Studies Program
This program, sponsored by a Consortium of American universities in which Penn participates, is normally a year-long commitment. It combines small seminars offered by the Consortium with courses taken at the University of Bologna, the oldest in Europe (founded 1088). Students may exceptionally also apply on a semester-long basis and will be considered for acceptance depending on available openings.

Academic Year Abroad in the Arts and Humanities Florence, Sarah Lawrence College in Florence
Penn is affiliated with the Sarah Lawrence College program in Florence, in which students may register for on either an academic year or a semester. Courses are taken both at the Sarah Lawrence campus, located in the medieval Santa Croce district of the city, and at the University of Florence.

Boston University Italian Language and Italian Studies Program in Padua
Penn is affiliated with the Boston University Program in Padua, which welcomes applicants for a semester of study in either fall or spring. The curriculum combines Program electives with courses taught by professors at the University of Padua.

Milan. Università Commerciale Luigi Bocconi - Wharton Exchange
Wharton Students may by permission obtain Italian Studies credit at this business school program. Enrollment is possible for either a fall or spring semester.

Temple University in Rome
This program is an option for students pursuing a major in Italian Culture and Identity in the World, especially those with an interest in Art History or Classical Studies. Its courses may also be counted toward this minor or the minor in Italian Literature. It is not intended for students majoring in Italian Literature or those who chose the Dual Major in Romance Languages.