*In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, please note that health and safety conversations are ongoing with our community partners. Each site will be evaluated to see if it is possible for social distancing and sanitization protocols can be met.
Service Opportunities In Bologna
Italy Center students who are interested in service opportunities are encouraged to enroll in the Social Science 395: Immigration and Globalization fall semester or the Social Science 295 spring semester service learning course. By combining one’s service work with studies in a classroom setting students are best able to understand the cultural, economic and political complexities one faces when serving in Bologna. Enrollment in a service learning course is not required but is strongly encouraged for those wanting to volunteer while in Italy.
Students who have scholarships that require service hours to retain will be able to do so. Please contact us directly and notify us of your requirements.
Partial list of Potential Service Placements
Arca di Noe works in the area of employment of differently-abled people, hospitality, and integration of asylum seekers and refugees. Arca di Noe provides legal services, psychological support and Italian language courses.
Caritas is a soup kitchen open to anyone who is in need of a hot meal. Sponsored by Catholic Charities, services are offered to homeless, migrants and Italians. Caritas also includes showers, barber services, clothes and a small community center allowing people who are experiencing homelessness a safe place to relax.
Cidas is a group home for unaccompanied migrant minor males. The boys also attend vocational school offering Italian classes helping young migrants to successfully integrate into Italy.
Opera Padre Marella is described as a “social emergency room” where individuals who need help can live until they can get back on their feet. The residents are required to attend group meetings, save their earnings, and secure a job in some capacity. The aim of the project is social reintegration and Padre Marella is just one of many homes throughout Bologna.
SHC Italy Center English Program offers free English classes in the San Donato neighborhood for adults at all English language levels (ages 14 and above). There is a strong sense of community welcoming young, old, Italian and immigrants to the Italy Center in hopes of improving one’s English.