ITALIAN STUDIES
In order to increase language proficiency and cultural literacy, the Italian Studies program supports and encourages study abroad for all interested students.
Studying Italian abroad will help students advance their Italian major or minor, assist in building academic and professional networks in an international setting, and develop cultural literacy by traveling outside their comfort zone and expanding personal experiences.
this highly insightful interview with Dr. Luca Cottini, Associate Professor of Italian at VU, Roberto Andreoni, Director of IES Abroad - Milan, and Dr. Stefano Baldasarri, Director of ISI-Florence on the personal, cultural, economic, and diplomatic impact of studying abroad in Italy.
Italian majors should begin the study abroad advising process as early as possible to make study abroad fit into the four-year curriculum. Tell your academic advisor that you are interested in studying abroad at each registration appointment. Together, identify the best terms to go abroad, for summer or semester, based on the courses in your four-year plan.
Specific things to consider:
- To take full advantage of the academic and professional opportunities, consider taking into the advanced sequence of the Italian language. This will give a firm academic footing for courses/internships pursued in Italy.
- If you are double majoring, it is critical that you discuss studying abroad with your advisor to ensure the proper time to go overseas for both majors.
- Students can take no more than 2-3 major classes toward the Italian major.
Search the OEA Course Approval History database to select from more than 3,000 study abroad courses that have already been pre-approved for liberal education requirements and a growing list of technical courses.
The Course Approval History database is not exhaustive and students can work with an OEA advisor to submit additional courses for review.
Don't forget - CLAS has a list of policies and limitations specifically focused on study abroad. Make sure you're aware of these as you plan your overseas experience.
Semester
- Fall Sophomore Year through Spring Junior Year
- Senior Year - Must have departmental and College approval
*OEA can assist with this petition process
Summer
- After 1st, 2nd and 3rd year.*
- Study abroad after senior (4th) year not permitted.
*Summer after 1st year is ideal for students in the language acquisition sequence (intro, Intermediate, or Conversation & Composition) as a way to move forward move quickly in the minor/major. This would allow students to have 6 semesters for completing the 5 courses for the minor and 10 for the major.
Due to sequencing, students should work with their academic advisor to determine the best time to study abroad.
The Italian program encourages full language immersion to learn and understand a language. Often, field research and internships can help supplement this experience and offer valuable academic, professional, and linguistic skills.
Study abroad opportunities are not limited to formal instruction. Consider taking advantage of the unique research, internship, and fieldwork opportunities available in Italy. Internships are often available in English and will count for 3 academic credits for majors in the Italian studies program, pending submission of a final 12-page paper in Italian documenting the experience. The OEA assists with this approval process.
Only available to second-semester VSB sophomores
Available to all students
offer supported direct enrollment, and study center-based programs around the world
Looking for more?
If a program is not listed above, it does not limit your eligibility to study abroad. Perhaps you're looking for something different. Visit to discover other programs.
Course Approval Database
Students should consult with the  OEA Course Approval Database  to view a full list of pre-approved courses for most programs. The Course Approval Database may not contain updated/new courses and students may need to submit additional courses for review and approval. Programs and universities are continually updating course offerings and the program’s website will list the most accurate course offerings for the planned term abroad. 
*Must check with program to ensure ample upper-level Italian courses, which fluctuate from term to term.
IES Abroad offers supported direct enroll, and study center based programs around the world
Looking for more?
If a program is not listed above, it does not limit your eligibility to study abroad. Perhaps you're looking for something different. Visit to discover other programs.
Course Approval Database
Students should consult with the  OEA Course Approval Database  to view a full list of pre-approved courses for most programs. The Course Approval Database may not contain updated/new courses and students may need to submit additional courses for review and approval. Programs and universities are continually updating course offerings and the program’s website will list the most accurate course offerings for the planned term abroad. 
It is important to plan ahead as it is not uncommon for scholarship deadlines to occur much earlier than a ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥ or program application deadlines.
There are many study abroad scholarships available for students through ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥ University, our partner programs and other external sources, like the US Government. The OEA can help students with the scholarship search and application process. If a scholarship is found outside of the OEA scholarship page, students should have it reviewed by the OEA to determine if it is a viable option.
Browse the scholarship opportunities found on the OEA website.
Italian majors should speak with Dr. Luca Cottini about the . This scholarship applies to the programs listed on this MAP. The application is available once a student begins the Passport ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥ application process.