Summer Programs

Program Overview

Unicollege offers summer study abroad programs structured as intensive, condensed academic sessions for students from U.S., Canadian, and European partner universities, as well as independent participants seeking a credit-bearing experience within the Italian Higher Education System. While delivered over a shorter timeframe of 2 to 8 weeks, these programs award the same academic credit as traditional semester courses,6 Italian/European credits or 3 U.S. credits,through a rigorous and accelerated format. Summer sessions run from May through September and are designed as a strategic option for students wishing to complete in a few weeks the equivalent academic workload typically achieved over a 3 to 5 month semester.

Academic Structure

Courses are taught in English within Unicollege’s accredited academic framework and follow established university standards, including 45 contact hours, defined learning outcomes, and formal assessment methods. Unlike traditional semester courses that meet once or twice per week, summer classes are delivered in a more concentrated format, typically convening 3 to 5 times weekly depending on the course and session. This accelerated structure enables students to earn full academic credit in a shorter timeframe. In line with the Italian university system, students may enroll across disciplines without formal prerequisites and may complement their coursework with experiential components such as field trips or credit-bearing internships. Small class sizes, typically ranging from a 1:11 to 1:13 ratio depending on campus, support an engaging and personalized academic experience.

Enrollment, Duration, and Credits

Summer programs operate on a rolling admissions basis, with applications accepted year-round and enrollment available up to 30 days prior to the start of each session. Students are placed in the next available term, allowing for flexible scheduling (for example, an applicant applying in June may enroll in a July or August session). The condensed nature of the program allows students to earn 3 U.S. credits (6 ECTS) within a 2 to 8 week period, making it possible to achieve in a short timeframe the same academic progress typically completed over an entire semester. For U.S. students, the duration of the program,being under 90 days,also allows participation without the need for a student visa, further simplifying access.

Course Structure and Assessment

Courses are delivered in a format consistent with university-level instruction and include the following academic expectations:

• Attendance requirement: Minimum 75% of total course duration

• Class schedule: Typically meets once per week, Monday through Friday

• Prerequisites: None for courses designed for international and visiting students

• Course access: Not organized by level bands (e.g., 100/200/300/400); open across disciplines

Grading follows the Italian system on a 30-point scale (with 18/30 as the minimum passing grade), accompanied by systematic conversion to U.S.-equivalent grades.

Assessment breakdown:

• Attendance and participation: 5%

• Capstone project: 15%

• Final examination: 80%

International Learning Environment

Students enrolled in summer programs study alongside Italian, European, and international peers from over 80 countries within an English-speaking academic environment. Instruction, faculty interaction, and administrative support are all provided in English, ensuring accessibility while maintaining a globally diverse classroom. This unique setting allows participants to combine accelerated academic progress with meaningful intercultural engagement, creating a comprehensive and internationally integrated study abroad experience.