Besides the major, Dickinson offers a minor in Italian and a recently updated major in Italian studies, which provides students with a strong command of Italian language and culture yet also allows students to take interdisciplinary courses concerning Italy and Italian taught by other departments in English.
Students who want to study abroad can take advantage of Dickinson programs at the K. Robert Nilsson Center for European Studies and the University of Bologna in Bologna, Italy. Closer to campus, our faculty members—who strive to create an authentic environment—are leaders in their fields, have years of experience and know how to produce authentic results in the classroom through an innovative communicative approach.
The Italian program at Dickinson is one of the most active and vibrant on campus. Often in conjunction with the Italian Club, events—from pasta-making lessons and Italian game sessions to authentic Italian dinners and holiday parties—are organized throughout the year and often attract hordes of students. You can also opt to live in the Romance Language House, where students can interact in Italian and experience authentic Italian culture.
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Student Perspective
"Studying abroad for a year in Bologna expanded my worldview in ways I did not think were possible. I improved my Italian language skills and had the opportunity to learn in new environments while taking classes at the University of Bologna and Johns Hopkins SAIS."
There are fascinating lessons sewn into fashion. Researching in Italy, students explored the culture, history, politics and ethics of Italian fashion, from fast fashion to couture.
“Studying abroad expanded my worldview in ways I did not think were possible.” Meet Tony Trandafir ’24, a Posse Scholar and student leader who studied in Italy.
“Studying overseas was always a dream of mine. I am grateful to Dickinson and to all who support the Nilsson Scholarship for showing confidence in the Dickinson students who study in Bologna.”