Requirements for Acceptance
In order to be eligible as a candidate for the Spring Hill College Italy Center program, students must meet the following criteria:
- Students with a 2.75 or better cumulative grade point average may apply to study abroad. Students with a lower grade point average, however, may apply at the discretion of their academic advisor and the Italy Center director. They may have to fulfill certain conditions before permission is finalized.
- Students must be able to find courses that will fulfill their home campus requirements and allow a full-time course load (12 or more credits) while abroad. Italy Center students will find that the majority of the Italy courses will fulfill their core requirements. It is possible to complete 6 credit hours of Italian language in one semester while studying in Bologna.
- Italian language classes are not a prerequisite in order to attend the Italy Center. However, students are required to take at least 3 credits of Italian while attending the Italy Center.
- The Italy Center will not allow students to attend as freshmen. However, freshmen are strongly encourage to apply early in order to secure a spot during their sophomore/junior year.
- Students are STRONGLY encouraged to apply at a minimum one year out from their intended semester of study–a year and a half is optimal.
- Discussing your study abroad curriculum with your major advisor during the planning phase is crucial, and you should continue this dialogue while you are abroad through e-mail whenever possible.
- All Italy Center courses are for credit; there is no “Pass” or “Fail” option.
- Applicants cannot be on disciplinary probation or have a history of serious disciplinary problems. Students must be clear of any holds on campus (financial, academic, judicial, etc.)
- The Italy Center has a rolling application deadline. However, most college and university study abroad offices have their own deadlines for application. Be sure to comply with your home campus deadlines for applying to study abroad.
- If you have a physical disability, have a documented learning disability, or have a medical condition that requires treatment (including antidepressants or attention deficit disorder), this does not preclude your enrolling in the Italy Center. However, it must be determined in advance how the Italy Center can best accommodate your special needs. Therefore, please make your home campus academic advisor and the director of the Spring Hill College Italy Center aware of your situation, so arrangements can be made to accommodate your needs.
- A student is not committed to the program until he/she pays a non-refundable five-hundred dollar deposit.