Interested in living in Rome or Milan, Italy?
The Italian studies program at Saint Louis University is working with two learning institutions in both Rome and Milan to provide more study abroad options. Although many SLU students have studied in Italy before, the officially approved options will help students transfer credits, scholarships and financial aid more easily.
Simone Bregni, Ph.D. began teaching at SLU three years ago as the first tenure-track professor in the Italian studies program. After realizing there was an interest in Italian study abroad, he began researching options and working to get approval for these programs.
“I came to see the need for two different types of study abroad,” Bregni said. “One of more general appeal, a more ‘typical’ study abroad program: the Loyola Rome Campus. The other option is a full-immersion experience in a regular Italian university, the Catholic University, a Jesuit institution in Milan.”
Bregni found support and guidance with his endeavor through the International Office and the help of Maria Bravo and Jennifer Ewald.
“The affiliation process has not been finalized yet,” Bravo said. “We really hope to have them up, running and operational by this coming fall.”
As a native of Italy, Bregni has traveled and studied around the country and visits frequently. He happily reports that the students he has helped to study abroad in Italy have enjoyed their experiences.
“Besides it being a wonderful country, rich in art, history and culture, Italy is of particular significance and importance for a Catholic institution such as ours, as it is the cradle of Catholicism,” Bregni said.
In addition to helping students, Bregni is working to establish an exchange program for faculty.
“We are moving faster and faster towards a true global world. In my view, study abroad experiences are the best way to prepare for a future where distances are smaller, culture circulates more easily and faster, and diversity is more and more valued and appreciated,” Bregni said.
For more information on studying abroad in Italy, students may call the International Center at 977-2318 or Simone Bregni at 977-3668.
