Faculty-led programs take place during the summer. Bologna/Italian summers are hot and humid. 

Air conditioning is not as common nor as constant as in the United States, instead windows are opened for cross ventilation. If you are accustomed to high levels of air conditioning, we suggest you try to reduce your use prior to travel to make the adjustment less stark. Note that the Spring Hill College Italy Center building does not have air conditioning. 

In addition to your daily clothes, we suggest the following be included in your packing:

• Comfortable walking shoes 

• Sandals

• Shower shoes (for hostels/traveling)

• Scarf (evenings can be chilly; also as a shoulder cover for entrance into churches)

• Hat 

• If you plan to carry a purse or bag, ensure it has a zipper. While violent crime is rare in Bologna, pick-pocketing is not and tourists are a prime target.

You will have laundry facilities at your accommodation.

What medication should I be careful bringing?

It’s important to understand that some U.S. prescriptions are actually considered illegal narcotics in Italy (and most of Europe), such as Adderall and other stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD/ADD. Even if your U.S. doctor prescribed these medications legally to you in the U.S., that won’t fly in Europe. You can still bring them legally, but you need to have the right documentation.

Medications to be especially aware of include:

• ADHD/ADD medications (*Adderall, Concerta, Ritalin) *considered illegal narcotics in many European countries

• Pain medications (Vicodin, Oxycontin, Demerol)

• Anxiety medications (Xanax, Ativan, Valium)

How do I bring my medication to Bologna?

To ensure legal transport and possession in Europe, especially if you are bringing Adderall (or any medication considered an illegal narcotic in Europe), you want to make sure you follow these steps:

1.) Bring a full supply of prescription medication for your time abroad. Meet with your doctor months ahead to discuss.

TIP: If your doctor or insurance company is hesitant to write you a prescription for the duration of your study abroad program, we can provide a letter verifying the dates of your participation in the program. (Just ask us!)

2.) Bring a signed and date stamped note from your doctor (on letterhead), that states, in English, the following:

• The name of the medicine (including the medicine’s generic name) and that the medicine is not a narcotic.

• The patient (full name) is carrying X amount of the medicine (boxes, grams, etc.) to last X number of months/weeks.

• The medicine is necessary for the patient’s health (name the condition), and that the patient cannot go without it during their stay in Europe.

3.) Keep each medicine in its original packaging/bottles.

4.) Make sure the bottles/packaging are clearly labeled. (Keep your prescription with you!)

5.) Pack the medicine in your carry-on bag (Not your checked luggage).

A note about Adderall: Sharing Adderall with others, or mixing it with other drugs or alcohol, is a considered a crime in many European countries, and will be treated by local authorities and Spring Hill College Italy Center as such. Even when you get the medicine into the country, be sure to follow the local laws.

Can I fill my U.S. prescriptions in Europe?

If you have a U.S. prescription, there are a few things to keep in mind. The brand names of European medications will likely be different from the brand names of U.S. medications. While European doctors can’t refill the brand name of your U.S. prescription, they can likely prescribe a European equivalent. If you absolutely need a specific brand of U.S. medication (such as Adderall, that is not available in Europe), bring that supply with you, following the checklist above for transporting this medicine legally.

Otherwise, it may just be easier for you to find a similar brand of medication in Europe. At least 2 months before departure, consult with your doctor and get a list of similar, generic names for your medication. (“Generic name” meaning the chemical name for your medicine). When you’re in Europe, you can bring the generic names of your medicine to a local doctor (or local pharmacy, if the medicine does not require a prescription). The European doctor or pharmacist will likely be able to provide you something very similar. 

Finally, if you need medicine in Europe, be prepared to pay up front for the cost at the pharmacy, but remember to keep your receipt. (You will need the receipt to be reimbursed with your health insurance)

Inform your bank of your travel

Please notify them of your semester abroad to avoid any possible cancellations as part of fraud protection. You should also double check that you cards will not expire while in Europe. 

Order Euros to have cash on hand

We suggest that you arrive to Italy with some Euros in hand to make the transition during the first few days easier for you and most US banks allow you to pre-order currency. We will be busy during the first few days of orientation and recommend you arrive with a some money with you.

Getting cash

Most if not all of your debit cards will be able to withdraw from European ATMs. However, we suggest contacting your bank here as each institution has its own fee/charges for this service.

• • Do not plan to use US dollars in Europe. 

  • While card payment is widely accepted in Italy, but this is not true for small shops nor all European countries (e.g. Germany). It is prudent to keep some Euros in your wallet, especially for small purchases such as coffee.

Make copies

Please make copies of all debit and credit cards. Make front and back copies so that you have the toll free number and all the information you need in case your card gets lost or stolen.