Quick Facts

• Università Bocconi, founded in 1902 and located in the southern area of the Milan city center, was the first Italian university to grant a degree in economics.

• For a century, Bocconi has played a leading role in Italy's social and economic modernization. It has remained true to its founding values of being a major research university, with democratic values and open to the world, as well as financially and politically independent.

• Ranked 25th place in QS World University Rankings for Social Sciences & Management (2014)

Location Details

Milan is known as the economic and production capital of Italy and the leading Italian hub for services, finance and industry. Milan is the engine of the country's economy and home of the Italian stock exchange. This cosmopolitan, modern and forward-looking city is world-renowned as a European capital of fashion, design, architecture, publishing, modern art and music. It is deeply rooted in a flourishing past and hosts authentic treasures which have survived damage during WWII, including its elaborate cathedral, Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper, the La Scala opera house and Castello Sforzesco.

Milan has a young and vibrant soul and each year several festivals, concerts and sporting events take place in the city. Learn more about living in Milan.

Photo: Milan

Visa Information

U.S. citizens will require a visa* if your program is more than 90 days in length. All students requiring a visa must also apply for a “permesso di soggiorno" ("residence permit") upon arrival in Italy. On-site program staff will assist students with this process. Students who arrive before the program start date may be required to obtain this independently without the assistance of program staff. Limited information about the visa application process may be provided by the ASU Study Abroad Office and/or your host institution, but it is your sole responsibility to research, apply, and secure a visa. Failure to obtain a visa may result in your inability to participate and, ultimately, your withdrawal from the program, subject to the terms of the Study Abroad Withdrawal Policy. 

Consult this page for additional information regarding visas. If you need assistance securing a U.S. Passport, visit the ASU U.S. Passport Acceptance Office in Tempe.

PLEASE NOTE: Visa requirements for non U.S. citizens may differ from those for U.S. citizens; students who are not U.S. citizens are advised to contact their International Coordinator and begin independently researching the visa requirements for their nationality as soon as possible.

*At the time of writing. This information is subject to change without notice; students should independently confirm this requirement with the relevant consulate/embassy.

Academic Program & Courses

Business Courses 
Students may choose from a variety of courses taught in English or Italian. Students that have completed at least five semesters of college-level Italian language or its equivalent, are eligible to take business courses taught in Italian. Learn more about Bocconi's course offerings.

MBA students should consult with Renee Hubbard within the W.P. Carey College of Business to determine appropriate courses.

 30xxx course codes refer to Undergraduate courses - all Upper Division
 20xxx course codes refer to Graduate courses

Italian Language Courses
The exchange program also offers two non-credit Italian language crash courses at the beginning, elementary, and pre-intermediate levels. The additional fee to take the course will be paid to Bocconi directly, and no credit is awarded for the course, though past students have found it extremely helpful and strongly encourage future students to enroll. Learn more.

Academic Culture 

This is an academically rigorous program, where it can be difficult to achieve an A grade in every course. Students may be expected to conduct guided readings or practice assignments outside of the structured coursework. This program is ideal then for self-motivated learners who are ready for this challenge.

Rather than receive a final grade based on multiple assignments, exams, and/or projects, it is common to only be graded on a midterm and or/final exam or paper. While the course content may not be more difficult, the standards and expectations in place may take some getting used to.

Internships
Internships ("stages") within Italian or multinational banks and corporations may be arranged by Università Bocconi for students wishing to gain practical work experience in Italy. Since the Exchange is a full time program, it is very likely that the exchange students will start their internships at the end of classes. The internship will most likely not be listed on your Bocconi transcript, thus it will not count for credit through the exchange program. However, students are still encouraged to meet with the Internship Coordinator within their ASU academic unit to verify if internship credit can be awarded outside of the exchange program for completing an internship through Bocconi University. Learn more about internship opportunities.

Access a list of courses other ASU students have taken and view current course equivalencies.
 

Credit & Grade Conversion Scale

Click here to view how credits and grades at Bocconi University will convert to ASU credits and grades.

Program Housing

The Bocconi International Student Desk provides assistance to exchange students for housing, whether they stay in a Bocconi Residence Hall or would like to find private accommodation at a local hostel or apartment. Learn more about housing options.

On-campus housing is not guaranteed and is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Students will apply for on-campus housing in the Bocconi online exchange application (post-decision task). Many exchange students are placed in the Arcobaleno residence hall which is dedicated to incoming exchange student housing.

Photo courtesy of Bocconi

Below you will find information that may help you in planning for your study abroad experience. Early discussions and planning can help to support you in having a positive experience abroad. We invite you to meet with the International Coordinator for this program to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.

Physical Considerations

Study abroad participants may find themselves walking or taking public transit abroad more frequently than they are accustomed at their home campus.

Disability Accommodations Abroad

Individuals with disabilities can and do study abroad, but may find accessibility and accommodation in one of more of this program’s locations very different from the United States. For example, in Italy, the tourist centers, sidewalks, public transport, and public buildings generally have accommodations for the physically disabled. However, Italy is known for its old world layout and architecture, which may increase the challenge level for students with physical disabilities.

In general, the Study Abroad Office cannot guarantee access to public transportation, buildings, or public sites on this program. Any student who anticipates needing any kind of special accommodation due to a disability should contact the ASU Study Abroad Office early in the planning process to investigate the availability of accommodations (including accessible facilities) on this specific program. Contact the Disability Resource Center and your Disability Access Consultant to include them in the discussion; be sure to give your Disability Access Consultant permission to speak with the Study Abroad Office on your behalf. You can find additional information and resources on our Students with Disabilities page.

LGBTQIA Students Abroad

Students of diverse sexual orientations or gender identities will find that the social climate, laws, and norms of other cultures will often differ from the U.S. If you identify as a lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, or queer student - or if you are still exploring your identity - you may face unique challenges when traveling abroad. 

We encourage students who identify as members of the LGBTQIA community to visit the U.S. Department of State website for helpful information about laws and attitudes in this program’s locations, including pre-travel tips and advice on staying safe while abroad. You can find additional information and resources on our LGBTQIA Students page.

Gender Identity Abroad

When traveling abroad, you may find different gender roles and norms than you’re used to. It’s possible that you may be treated differently or be expected to treat others differently based on your (or their) gender identity. 

You can find additional information and resources on our Gender Identity Abroad page.

Racial and Ethnic Minorities Abroad

Students of different ethnic and racial backgrounds may encounter unique challenges transitioning from life here in the United States to life as a student living abroad, including but not limited to access to personal care products and services.

You can prepare yourself for the situations you may experience by researching the ethnic composition of your host country and exploring its history of racial and ethnic relations. We encourage students to start that research on our Racial and Ethnic Minority Students page.

Cost Information

Exchange program participants will pay ASU tuition and fees for the term of the Exchange program, according to the individual student's classification and degree level. In addition to ASU tuition and fees, participants are also responsible for paying the following fees:

• $50 Application Fee (non-refundable)
• $400 Administrative Fee (non-refundable)
• Carbon Offset Fee*
• International Travel Service Fee (Including Insurance)*

The program may allow for time which can be spent in non-program activities. Participants may wish to travel, sightsee or participate in activities or events in which they have a personal interest. Please note that the participant is fully responsible for making arrangements and for all costs of transportation, lodging, food and additional expenses that may be associated with any non-Program activities.

*The actual amount of the International Travel Service Fee charged to each student depends on the program duration and the Carbon Offset Fee will increase annually (in July) by approximately $2.
 

Funding Your Study Abroad Program

Studying abroad is an investment in your future, which requires careful planning and management. However, the personal, academic, and professional rewards that you will gain from this experience will last a lifetime. You should carefully consider costs, budgets and financing when selecting and preparing for your experience abroad. If you have questions at any step of the process, we encourage you to reach out to your International Coordinator for guidance.

Steps to Financing Your Study Abroad Program

1. Review the Considering Costs Table for a general overview and cost comparison of popular programs.
2. Be sure to reference the Fall Semester Cost Sheet, Spring Semester Cost Sheet or the Academic Year Cost Sheet to find a breakdown of program expenses.
3. Attend a Financing Your Study Abroad Workshop.
4. Consider your Financial Aid options.
5. Search and Apply for Scholarships and Grants.
6. Exhaust your options by exploring Additional Funding Resources including our Community-Based Funding Guide.
7. View our Financing Your Study Abroad Program Handbook for more information, including Payment Information.

Unique Funding Opportunities for This Program

• Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

Photos

Links to Additional Resources

• ASU Study Abroad on Facebook
• U.S. Department of State
• ASU U.S. Passport Acceptance Office
• STA Travel Airfare Deposit Program*
• MilanoZine - Bocconi's lifestyle website*

*The ASU Study Abroad Office does not officially endorse, administer or monitor the content of these links.