The cost of attendance for the Italy Center depends on a student’s home institution and program type. Spring Hill College students and visiting students from non-partner institutions may contact italy@shc.edu for a full cost breakdown. Students from partner institutions should check with their home institution’s study abroad office, as billing procedures and costs will vary by school.

For Spring Hill College students, yes. Because the Italy Center is a Spring Hill College program, SHC financial aid applies. Students should still check with the Financial Aid Office before applying to confirm how any non-institutional aid may apply. Students from partner institutions or independent applicants should contact their home institution’s study abroad and financial aid offices to confirm how their aid can be used for the program.

Program fees do not include airfare to and from Italy, personal spending money, independent travel outside of Italy, passport or visa-related expenses, meals not included in the program, personal shopping, laundry, phone plans or international data, psychological counseling or therapy services, doctor’s visits, prescription medications, medical fees, or any costs related to personal travel, emergencies, or changes to travel plans.

Meal costs can vary depending on students’ personal habits and where they choose to eat. In Bologna, students can generally expect to spend around €4–€8 for a simple breakfast or coffee and pastry, €8–€15 for a casual lunch, and €12–€25 for dinner, depending on the restaurant and meal choice. Students who grocery shop and cook some of their own meals can often keep costs lower. Students who eat out frequently, choose sit-down restaurants, or purchase snacks and coffee throughout the day should budget more. For any independent travel around Italy or Europe, students should research the cost of meals in the specific cities or countries they plan to visit, as prices can vary widely by destination.

Because housing and two meals per day Monday through Friday are included in the semester program fee, students should primarily budget for personal expenses, non-included meals, snacks, local transportation, shopping, and independent travel. For a semester program, we generally recommend that students budget approximately $3,000–$5,000 for personal expenses while abroad. This amount can vary significantly depending on each student’s habits and travel plans. Students who stay in Bologna most weekends, grocery shop, and limit extra spending may be comfortable on the lower end of that range. Students who plan to travel frequently around Italy or Europe, eat out often, shop, or participate in additional activities should budget toward the higher end or above. Independent travel is usually the biggest factor in a student’s overall spending. Students should research the cost of transportation, lodging, meals, and activities for the specific cities or countries they hope to visit and plan their personal budget accordingly.