About
The Italy Center is Spring Hill College’s hub for study abroad in Italy, welcoming students from its home campus in Mobile, Alabama, and partner institutions. Based in Bologna, the Center offers semester, summer, and short-term faculty-led programs that combine rigorous academics with hands-on, place-based learning. Students can also access robust internship opportunities across a range of fields, gaining real-world experience with local organisations and professionals. Rooted in the College’s Jesuit tradition, the Italy Center emphasises social and environmental justice, connecting coursework to pressing global issues through meaningful community engagement.
Spring Hill College
The Italy Center is accredited through Spring Hill College.
Since 1830, Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama has educated and prepared the next generation of leaders for success during and after their time on the Hill. Our Jesuit, Catholic college education (“Jesuit-educated”) is renowned as a well-rounded higher education approach, with an emphasis on igniting a passion for knowledge and personal growth. Our belief in cura personalis – the Jesuit belief in care for the whole person and service to others – is a guiding principle in all we do. Care and service are infused throughout the Spring Hill College curriculum and campus experience, providing students with an education that empowers them individually and builds their ability to serve a larger community.
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Spring Hill College is the oldest Catholic college in the Southeast and the third oldest Jesuit college in the U.S. The College is one of 28 Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States.
History of the Italy Center
Established in 2011, the Spring Hill College Italy Center welcomed its first cohort during the Spring semester of that year under the directorship of Todd Waller. Since then, it has hosted more than 1,000 students from across the United States. Guided by the Jesuit values of Spring Hill College, the Italy Center encourages students to grow through academic inquiry, cultural immersion, service, and reflection. Over the years, it has become a meaningful part of the Bologna community and a unique study abroad destination for students seeking an experience rooted in both global engagement and personal transformation.
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The photo is of our first cohort from 2011!
Our campus in Bologna
The Italy Center is located with the Poggeschi Jesuit Center in the historical center of Bologna. Our spaces hosts two classrooms, staff offices, a kitchen, and a student lounge. Additionally, we have a beautiful shared courtyard where have meals, class, and spend a bit of down time basking in the sun!
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Our campus is about a 35-minute walk from the student accommodation. Students who choose to ride a bicycle have parking directly inside the Poggeschi Center.