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The University of Illinois, the College of LAS and Economics, the University of Pavia and the Alma Mater Ticinensis Foundation invite you to participate is the “Pavia, Italy, Europe: a Grand Tour Amidst Culture and Beauty”. This semester abroad program offers a unique opportunity to gain in-depth experience in Italian language and culture and its European ties. Pavia’s historical status and geographical position place it at the crossroads of Mediterranean culture and its continental counterparts.The University of Pavia is one of the oldest universities in Europe. An edict issued by King Lotharius quotes a higher education institution in Pavia as already established in 825. This institution, mainly devoted to law studies, was then chosen as the main education centre for northern Italy. Enlarged and renovated by the Duke of Milan, Gian Galeazzo Visconti, it became the University of the Duchy, officially established as a Studium Generale by Emperor Charles IV in 1361.

Today Pavia is a Research University, offering a wide variety of disciplinary and interdisciplinary teaching organized in 18 Departments and has study programmes at all levels: Bachelor’s degrees, single-cycle Masters degrees, research degrees, specialty schools and level I  and II Masters degrees. Research is carried out in departments, institutes, clinics, centres, and laboratories in close association with public and private institutions, enterprises and companies.

Students should be strong academically to participate in this program.

• Cumulative GPA & ECON Major GPA: 3.0 on a 4.0 scale with the possibility of exception depending on circumstances.

Visit the LAS-ECON in Italy Page for more information
Study Abroad Planning LAS Website

Fall Semester
Spring Semester
Academic Year

See the Study Abroad Page for Application Deadlines and Decision Dates

The LAS-ECON in Italy program is comprised of two components for a minimum of 4 courses: 

• At least 2 courses on Italian Culture and Italian Language.
  • These courses are specifically organized for (and reserved to) the Semester Abroad Program Students. The courses are pre-set by the institution and information will be provided to students after acceptance into the program.
• At least 2 additional courses from the University of Pavia (Advanced ECON and other subjects).
  • Visit the Course Approval Database for many options.
  • When students arrive in Pavia, they will work with the Tutor and Faculty at the University of Pavia to select appropriate courses.
  • Many ECON 3-- and 4-- (Advanced) courses available, as well as other subjects (law, arts, philosophy, international business, entrepreneurship, political science, psychology, communication, finance, and many others).
  • Many of the courses may be "Masters," but due to the academic system in Pavia, students selected to attend will be prepared and eligible to take these courses.

The course formats at Pavia are structured a little different than those at ILLINOIS, requiring an oral final exam. The tutor and faculty work with ILLINOIS students closely to help them with preparation. Past ILLINOIS students have adjusted well to this format with the proper preparation.

The Department of Economics has worked with the LAS Office on the Pavia, Italy and Vienna, Austria Study Abroad Programs. This means someone from our Department has visited the institution abroad, and worked to ensure the program is providing the best possible experience for our economics students, specifically when it comes to the academics. Students will be able to take advanced economics courses at this institution, as well as a variety of other academically rigorous courses, aligned with our curriculum here at ILLINOIS.

Residency Credit:
Courses taken with this program will go towards the ILLINOIS Residency Credit Hour Requirements (60 Hours ILLINOIS; 12 ILLINOIS ECON Advance Hours; 21 ILLINOIS LAS Advanced Hours). Discuss with your requirements with an Academic Advisor.

Students will reside in Palazzo Vistarino, an 18th-century residence in the heart of Pavia, overlooking the Ticino river; all rooms with en-suite bathrooms and Wi-Fi.

The University of Pavia is one of the oldest universities in Europe. An edict issued by King Lotharius quotes a higher education institution in Pavia as already established in 825. This institution, mainly devoted to law studies, was then chosen as the main education centre for northern Italy. Enlarged and renovated by the Duke of Milan, Gian Galeazzo Visconti, it became the University of the Duchy, officially established as a Studium Generale by Emperor Charles IV in 1361.

Today Pavia is a Research University, offering a wide variety of disciplinary and interdisciplinary teaching organized in 18 Departments and has study programmes at all levels: Bachelor’s degrees, single-cycle Masters degrees, research degrees, speciality schools and level I  and II Masters degrees. Research is carried out in departments, institutes, clinics, centres, and laboratories in close association with public and private institutions, enterprises and companies.

Situated only 35 kilometres from Milan and linked by suburban rail, Pavia (originally Ticinum) enjoys the advantages and services of its near neighbour. However, it offers a calm, captivating and cooperative environment with a higher quality of life. It also has a series of sports centres available for students to use, including those run by CUS (Centre for University Sports). Pavia is a place for students to call home. Founded in Roman times, Pavia population today is made up of approximately 70,000 inhabitants and 24,000 students. It was the Longobard capital for two centuries and its fascination remains intact with the centre’s maze of narrow streets, ancient churches and elegant buildings all bordered by the River Ticino.

There are 19 museums and collections (9 university museums, 1 civic museum, 5 university collections, 2 civic and 2 diocesan collections), 2 multi-use cultural centres, 4 public libraries (and 18 university circuit libraries), 4 cinemas and theatres, 10 socialcultural meeting places, a music conservatory and 2 civic schools of music and arts. Culturally speaking, Pavia has much to offer. The countless events, festivals, exhibitions, concerts, meeting places and university sports events combine to create an intellectually stimulating stage and the ideal place to live and study. Lear more about Pavia at: Vivi Pavia