The program accepts no more than 45 students from consortium institutions and from other colleges and universities. The program is open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors with the equivalent of at least two semesters of college-level Italian. The program arranges a broad selection of humanities and social science courses in Italian studies for its participants. An extensive program of cultural events and activities is designed to use local resources and thereby enhance students'experience in the community. Housing is arranged by the program.
Italian students provide language and tutorial assistance to program participants.
First settled by the Etruscans during the 6th centyru B.C., it was subsequently occupied by the Romans, Lombards, and the Papacy, until Italian Unification in 1860. Under the Etruscans, this area was known as Felsina. With the opening of the Emilian Way, the city became a major crossroads for trade throughout the Roman empire. Bologna still performs this function today and is a hub of commercial activity. Bologna is host to a number of interesting museums, including the newly opened Museo Morandi, left to the city by one of its native sons.