Beyond the Consortium: Join the E.C.Co. Program in Bologna
Hear from Students like you
Discover what makes the E.C.Co. experience so unique through the stories of students who joined us from outside the founding consortium. Watch the video below to see how students from institutions like Colgate University and Bowdoin College integrated into life and study here in Bologna.
Q&A WITH E.C.Co. STUDENTS
Curious about the application process, adapting to a language program, or how this experience can shift your perspective? We asked our non-consortium alums to share their honest journeys—from how they first discovered E.C.CO. to why they recommend taking this leap. Read their insights below to find out why students from all backgrounds thrive in Bologna.
How did you first learn about the program?
“The program was recommended to me by the Italian department at Bowdoin, as E.C.Co. is one of the most immersive study-abroad programs offered by my school.” (Mila, Bowdoin College)
“I first learned about the program because of my professors in the Italian Studies department at my institution. They pushed me to participate in this program because of the language immersion component that not many other programs have.” (Zach, Bucknell University)
“I first learned about this program per the suggestion of my teacher. She had proposed selecting the E.C.Co. program as a way to genuinely improve my Italian language skills and experience Italian culture.” (Sylvie, Bucknell University)
What is/are the main reason(s) why you chose a language program in Italy? And why E.C.Co.?
“I always knew I wanted to study abroad in Italy to develop my language skills and be close to my Italian family members. I chose E.C.Co. because I was excited have an immersive experience; I knew the opportunity to take classes at the University of Bologna, live with Italian roommates, and learn alongside motivated peers would encourage me to develop my Italian skills and engage deeply in the culture.” (Mila, Bowdoin College)
“I had taken 5 semesters of Italian at Bucknell and fell in love with the language and the culture. Thus, I wanted to apply my learning outside of the classroom and the E.C.Co. program perfectly aligned with that wish.” (Sylvie, Bucknell University)
“As an Italian Studies major at my university, it was important to me that I participated in a program that prioritized language study over everything else. I also wanted to go somewhere that was not the typical Florence or Rome that a lot of students go to when studying abroad in Italy. For those reasons, I chose E.C.Co. which combined all of the aspects that I was looking for in a study abroad program.” (Zach, Bucknell University)
Do you feel that this experience has changed your perspective or mindset?
“This experience has allowed me to grow as a person. I have learned to be more open to new experiences: food, social norms, music. Although, beyond openness I have learned how to accommodate and accept new experiences into my routine as well.” (Sylvie, Bucknell University)
“Absolutely! I was able to speak with and be friends with Italian students attending the University of Bologna. In this, I learned a lot of information about the everyday life of a student in Italy. Not only their routines and differences in academics, but also the perspective of a student in Italy. This has changed my perspective to this day and I take all of the experiences with me in all of the future activities that I do within and outside of Italian Studies.” (Zach, Bucknell University)
“My study abroad experience broadened my perspective, as I was able to live a lifestyle very different from the one I grew up with. Through E.C.Co. I took courses on topics completely new to me that I fell in love with. I built friendships with people who, although they now live halfway across the world from me, I will forever feel close to. My travels taught me how to appreciate the immensity of the world and also recognize how small it can be. E.C.Co. provided me with the opportunity to learn about the Italy, Europe, the world, and myself.” (Mila, Bowdoin College)
What was your personal experience with the application process as a student out of the consortium?
“The application process was extremely easy and was well drawn out for all students outside the consortium. Not only did my home university help me with the process, the staff at E.C.Co. were more than willing to help and gave me all the information that I needed for a successful application.” (Zach, Bucknell University)
“Due to Bucknell’s relationship with the Eastern College Consortium, the application process was relatively simple. The E.C.Co. program had already been approved by my university, so the most complex part of the process was deciding which classes filled my university’s requirements.” (Sylvie, Bucknell University)
Why would you recommend this program? Would you encourage students like yourself (out of the consortium) to take this opportunity?
“I would definitely recommend this program. I appreciated the small size, which allowed me to connect with the other students, professors, and program staff in a meaningful way. Additionally, the encouragement to immerse ourselves in the culture was important, and by the end of my semester I felt like a true Italian. I loved Bologna because of the student-centered environment, as the whole city became my campus. I had a wonderful experience and would encourage anyone looking to study abroad to consider E.C.Co.!” (Mila, Bowdoin College)
“I would recommend this program to anyone interested in the language emmersion component of a study abroad program. E.C.Co. prioritizes language and cultural learning as a key component of the curriculum while you are in Italy. If you want to improve your italian skills over the course of your semester in Italy this is perfect program to do so!” (Zach, Bucknell University)
“I would 100% recommend this program to someone who wants to live the life of a student at UniBO. At first, I was very nervous about feeling like an outsider, but upon entering the program I felt entirely the opposite. Any transition to a foreign country with a new group of people is going to have its challenges, but I quickly felt at home. I was warmly welcomed and was offered support for anything ranging from academics to making the transition to Italy. I think something so unique about not being part of the consortium was being given the ability to meet so many new people who have a similar academic background.” (Sylvie, Bucknell University)