Bologna, an elegant city with a population of almost half a million, is the capital of the wealthy and progressive region of Emilia-Romagna in northern Italy. Excellent transportation links make it an ideal base for travel. Venice and Milan are two hours away by train; Ravenna and Florence, just an hour.

Bologna is an ancient city settled by the Etruscans. Medieval towers and churches loom over the porticoed streets and terra-cotta buildings of the central section. Located within the old city is the University of Bologna, Europe's oldest institution of higher learning and Italy's top-ranked university. Founded at the end of the eleventh century, it developed initially as a law school but soon afterward established its ancient tradition of humanistic studies.

The BCSP office is located just a few blocks from the Piazza Maggiore in the center of the city.