Spotlight on STEM at UniBo
Check out our STEM in Bologna page for see how studying abroad through ECCO can complement your STEM studies.
In partnership with the University of Bologna, Wellesley College, Vassar College, and Wesleyan University are pleased to offer ECCO Bologna.
ECCO provides students of Italian the unique opportunity develop their language proficiency while immersing themselves in the University of Bologa (UniBo), an institution steeped in over 900 years of academic tradition and innovation.
As the world's oldest university, UniBo provides a rich historical backdrop for your education, combined with a modern and dynamic approach to learning. You will live in dormitories alongside Italian peers and enjoy the vibrant cultural life of Bologna—a city renowned for its historic architecture, culinary delights, and lively student atmosphere. This experience not only enriches your academic knowledge but also immerses you in Italian culture and global perspectives, making it a transformative chapter in your educational journey.
Students who have at least an intermediate knowledge of Italian will be able to complete regular university courses at the University of Bologna, as well as courses in Italian language and culture offered by ECCO. Undergraduates wishing to study humanities, social sciences and sciences may enroll for the fall or spring semesters or for the full academic year.
Eligibility
Four semesters of college-level Italian. A B average is required in all Italian courses. For Wellesley students, this may be fulfilled through:
1. ITAS 101 & 102 followed by ITAS 201 & 202
2. Same as above with the option of taking ITAS 202 during Wintersession-in-Rome
3. ITAS 103 & 203 (Intensive Beginner Italian and Intensive Intermediate Italian)
Declared STEM Majors
Declared science majors may apply with two semesters of Italian required for study in Bologna during the fall semester or three semesters of Italian for study during the spring semester. For Wellesley students, this may be fulfilled through:
1. ITAS 101 & 102 OR ITAS 103 (for fall semester study)
2. ITAS 101, 102 & 201 OR ITAS 103 & 201 (for spring semester study)
More Information
See what our students are up to! Follow ECCO on Instagram and Facebook.
Required Application Components:
- Application form accessed via the links below
- 250 word essay written in Italian
- Copy of passport (if an applicant does not currently hold a passport, they should be in the process of applying)
- Most recent academic transcript
- Recommendation from Italian language instructor
- Recommendation from non-Italian instructor
- Home Institution Nomination Form
Application:
Wellesley Students: APPLY HERE
Non-Wellesley Students: APPLY HERE
Deadlines:
Fall: March 1st
Spring: October 1st
Academic Calendar:
Full year: late August to late May
Fall semester: late August to late December
Spring semester: early January to mid-May
Language of Instruction: Italian
(Exception: declared science majors will be able to enroll in English-taught courses at University of Bologna).
Fields of Study: ECCO welcomes humanities, social sciences, and STEM majors. A wide range of courses in all disciplines at the University of Bologna is available for students with advance proficiency in Italian. Courses at the 200- or 300-level are available. The program arranges its own varied selection of humanities and social science courses in Italian studies for its participants.
See STEM in Bologna for more information on STEM offerings at UniBo.
Full Course Load: 4 courses per semester (3 courses are taken at ECCO and 1 course is taken at UniBo).
Sample Courses Offered by ECCO:
Fall 2024:
- Italian for Academic Purposes
- Cultural and Social Models in Contemporary Italy
- The Disobedient, The Abnormal, and The Criminal in Italian Literature of the Long Nineteenth Century
- Modern Italian Art: 1860-2000
- Italian Writing Workshop
Spring 2025:
- Italian for Academic Purposes
- Renaissance and Early Baroque Art in Bologna: From Vitale da Bologna to Domenichino and Guido Reni
- Mediterranean Ecosystems in Italy: Ecology, Vulnerability, and Protection
- The Cities of Emilia-Romagna on Film
- From Page to Stage and Back Again
- Italian Writing Workshop
Wellesley students and non-Wellelsey students in 2024-2025 are assessed the Wellesley Comprehensive Fee. This includes full room & board, administrative oversight and assistance of all immigration procedures, tuition for all academic courses, excursions & cultural activities, extensive academic orientation and advising, academic support for university courses and exams, round trip airfare. Financial aid for Wellesley students is fully transferrable and the Expected Family Contribution will remain constant.
For questions regarding Italian language requirements and general ECCO inquiries:
Prof. Sergio Parussa
Department of Italian Studies, Wellesley College
For questions regarding application and visa requirements:
Katie Saibara
Office of International Study, Wellesley College