Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
Milan is an international fashion capital and hub for creativity. You will be immersed in a wealth of history – from the Edict of Milan that allowed Christianity in the Roman Empire to Da Vinci’s Last Supper. In addition to its rich history, Milan is a modern metropolitan city and financial center, hosting Italy’s national stock exchange. You can enjoy many shops and restaurants with Milan’s famous cuisine. Don’t forget to check out the beautiful Duomo Milan cathedral in addition to the many art galleries and museums.
The University Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (UCSC) is located in a converted monastery within the metropolitan city of Milan. Enjoy the diverse campus community while immersed in this vibrant Italian city.
Application Deadline
Program Start
Program End
Program Details
Academic Program
There are three different types of courses offered at UCSC in Milan:
1. Courses from the International Curriculum which offers a variety of courses taught in English, specifically for international students.
2. Regular UCSC university courses taught in Italian. You must be very proficient in Italian in order to enroll in these courses, as they are intended for native speakers of Italian. There are some offered in English but the grading and course structure is different.
3. Italian language courses for absolute beginners, lower intermediate, and upper intermediate level students. Students can choose from an intensive Italian language course (3 SUNY credits) beginning about one week before the regular semester begins and/or a semester-length course (3 SUNY credits) that continues throughout the semester. Any student can enroll in these language courses, in conjunction with the International Curriculum program courses that are taught in English and/or regular UCSC courses taught in Italian.
Course Descriptions and Syllabi
The following subject areas are part of the international curriculum:
Business and economics
International relations
Italian Culture: Literature, Theatre, Cinema, Music and Philosophy
Fashion and Design
Media, Communications, Sociology and Psychology
Review the UCSC website for more information regarding course offerings.
UCSC Italian language and culture courses and the regular UCSC courses taught in Italian are graded using the Italian Grading System which ranges from 18/30 to 30/30. International Curriculum program courses (taught in English) are letter graded, following the U.S. grading system.
UCSC grade/U.S. equivalent
29-30 = A
27-28 = B
24-26 = C
18-23 = D
0-18 = E (failing)
General Education Information for UAlbany Students
Credits earned on this program will automatically satisfy the International Perspectives requirement. Three credits of foreign language study will satisfy the Foreign Language requirement. No additional approval is required for you to earn these general elective credits.
Major/Minor Information for UAlbany Students
Courses may also satisfy major and minor requirements, upon approval by the department.
Transcript
All courses taken abroad count towards UAlbany General Elective credits. Credits and grades will appear on your UAlbany transcript. You may file a request to have additional courses approved for equivalency as necessary.
Your Instructors
Your courses are taught by local faculty. Your syllabus will have a brief biography of your professor.
Housing
You can choose a shared room in a residence hall off campus or fully furnished apartment through Milano International Living Service (MIL Service). Single rooms are very rare due to space limitations.
Please note that housing through MIL Service fills up very fast, so you may have to consider other options.
Click here for more information about housing options in Milan:
Accommodations in Milan
You can also arrange your own accommodations.
Meals
There are many restaurants and grocery stores nearby. There is no meal plan on this program.
Estimate of Costs
Italy UCSC EXCHANGE Estimate of Costs
Italy UCSC NON-Exchange Estimate of Costs
Note, there may be several tabs in the Estimate of Costs. Please be sure that you are reviewing the tab for your anticipated semester abroad.
*There are a limited number of low-cost exchange student spaces available. Additional non-exchange spaces are available for an additional cost. You will be selected for an exchange slot based on the overall quality of your application. UAlbany students are given preference and grades and number of credits completed will be taken into consideration. The experience, classes, housing, and services are largely the same for both options. The only difference is: Italian language classes are paid in full by exchange students directly to UCSC and Non-exchange student fees provide a significant discount for these classes.
More Information
Click for more information on Program Costs and Financial Aid.
Remember to speak with the Office of Financial Aid at your home campus to determine how your aid package could apply towards your program abroad.
Academic Requirements
Sophomores, juniors, and seniors with at least a 2.75 GPA are eligible to participate. Students with lower GPAs may be allowed to apply; please consult with us. Applications are welcome from students in all majors. No prior study of Italian is required unless you wish to take Italian-taught courses (this requires a level of B2 in Italian). Freshmen can apply to this program but you must have completed at least 1 semester in college when starting your application.
NOTE: Space is limited on the exchange portion of this study abroad option. Priority will be given to UAlbany students, but overall GPA is the most heavily weighed factor in the selection decision. An excellent application is also important, including a well written study statement and strong academic references. Additional non-exchange spaces are available on this program for an additional cost. These non-exchange spaces will be offered to students who are not selected for the exchange slots but who do meet the other requirements listed above.
Experiential Learning
Milan is recognized as a fashion and design capital, and has a major global influence in commerce, industry, music, sport, literature, art and media.
There is an extraordinary beauty to the city of Milan, one which has inspired the creativity behind some of the world’s iconic fashion labels. Delight in the Piazzas and cafes, laneways and parklands. Feast on the culinary marvels of this city, renowned for affordable and exquisite food.
Learn more about what you can do and see online here!
You can even extend your stay at UCSC with an internship!
Student Clubs and Organizations
There is a student network for international students as well as a buddy program to get involved with.
Mentors Program (Great option for spring participants looking to extend their stay!)
UCSC Ambassador Program (Loved your time abroad at UCSC? Check this out!)
Funding Opportunities
Most financial aid and academic awards will apply to semester programs.
External scholarships, listed on our website, are a good way to partially fund your study abroad experience. In addition, the Center for International Education and Global Strategy offers two scholarship programs for UAlbany students studying abroad on UAlbany or 4-year SUNY programs.
More information on applying to these scholarships is located on the Scholarships web page.
In Their Own Words
“I have been having such amazing experiences with the most amazing people here and throughout Europe. This experience has opened my eyes more than anything I have done, living in Europe and traveling throughout has given me first hand experience on how the world lives, breathes, and functions not to mention the knowledge about EU in my classes. I have already been able to see myself grow as a person, and when I return I assume I will realize this even more.” – Nicholas Bates, Communication Major
“Studying abroad has been one of the best decisions of my life. To live in a new country where you don’t speak the language is a challenge I feel everyone should have to face once in their life. The opportunities that present themselves to you once you are living on your own in a new place are endless and only helped me grow as an individual. Living in a large melting pot of cultures like Milan has helped me live a truly global life and allowed me the opportunity to meet people from different parts of the world. This has only helped broaden my horizons and this experience has definitely changed me for the better.” Aayush Deo. Political Science Major
Check out these testimonials!
About the City
You could keep visiting Italy for the rest of your life and still not exhaust what it has to offer. Few countries in the world offer such variety and few visitors leave without a fervent desire to return. The Italians are correct when they call their homeland Il Belpaese, the Beautiful Country!
Synonymous with style, Milan is the center of Italian fashion, finance, and industry. The largest concentration of industry, most major corporations, fashion house Armani, and countless banks establish Milan as Italy’s economic powerhouse. The city also boasts the fourth largest cathedral in the world, Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, and stunning operas at La Scala. Shopping is of religious significance in Milan and the world’s most famous designers have their flagship stores here.
Travel Documents
A valid passport is required to participate in this program. You will need to start the Italian visa process immediately after acceptance to the program. To prepare, review the information online here from the Italian Consulate in New York. More information regarding the visa application process is available upon acceptance to the program.
Application Availability
Applications become available online one semester before the program start date, based on the following timeline:
- Spring programs: July
- Fall/Year/Summer programs: December
Program Dates
Academic Year 2022/2023
8/29/2022 to 5/26/2023
Fall 2022
8/29/2022 to 12/16/2022
Spring 2023
1/30/2023 to 5/26/2023
Academic Year 2023 and Fall 2023
COMING SOON!!
Review the full academic calendar online. If you are not participating in the Italian pre-session intensive language course, then your arrival date may be later.
About the Program
Check out everything you need to know in the UCSC Study Abroad and Exchange Brochure.
Program Orientations
Upon acceptance to the program, you will be required to attend a mandatory pre-departure orientation. During this time, you will have the opportunity to meet other program participants, discuss in-depth the details of your program, and prepare of the overall education abroad experience. The fall semester pre-departure orientation will be conducted mid to late May, and in late November/early December for the spring term abroad.
Upon arrival at UCSC you will attend a mandatory program orientation. This is an important and informative set of sessions organized by International Office of your host university.
Support Services
UAlbany’s Office of Education Abroad staff assists you during the application process, in your preparation to travel abroad, and on-site if necessary.
UCSC International Office staff serve as an experienced resource for resolving issues that you may encounter in while abroad.