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Let's hop to it!
the rundown
You’re living in Piacenza, a laid-back city in Italy’s “Food Valley,” where agriculture, agribusiness, and world-class food production shape everyday life. You’ll study at the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Piacenza campus, with hands-on exposure to farming, sustainability, and the business behind Italy’s iconic cuisine.
Life here is simple and local— espresso at your go-to café, long meals in family-run trattorias, and a rhythm that lets you truly settle in.
And when you want more, Milan, Bologna, and the coast are just a train ride away.
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your academic journey
Just an hour south of Milan, in the heart of Italy’s legendary Food Valley, Università Cattolica’s Piacenza campus is home to one of the country’s most forward-thinking faculties: the Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. Founded in 1953 by Father Agostino Gemelli (UCSC’s very first rector), this campus has evolved into an international center for food systems innovation, sustainability, and agri-tech.
Founded in 1921, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (UCSC) has grown into one of Europe’s most respected institutions. Its Milan campus combines historic architecture with modern facilities and is located just minutes from the Duomo in the city’s cultural and commercial heart.
UCSC is consistently ranked among Italy’s top universities, with global recognition in economics, business, communication, psychology, and international relations. Its School of Economics and School of Political and Social Sciences are especially strong, known for research excellence and real-world relevance.
Today, the university enrolls nearly 40,000 students and maintains a global network of over 500 partner institutions. With a diverse academic portfolio, strong international ties, and deep roots in Milanese intellectual life, UCSC offers a distinctive launchpad for students ready to engage with Italy and the world.Here, learning doesn’t stop at the lecture hall. From lab-based research in food authenticity and safety to fieldwork in precision agriculture and wine microbiology, students are immersed in every stage of the food supply chain. Courses like “Automation and Robotics in Viticulture”, “Applied Agri-Food Microbiology,” and “Wine Economics and Policy” don’t just sound good—they taste like real-world impact.
Most programs include hands-on lab experience and field-based learning, and several degrees are taught entirely in English. For any student interested in agriculture, food technology, environmental science, or wine innovation, Piacenza offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore Italy’s agri-food identity at its source.
Applied Viticulture
Agriculture Food ScienceCOURSE CODE
ILK981
TERM
Spring
CREDIT
6 ECTS
Biochemistry
Biological Sciences ChemistryCOURSE CODE
ILK064
TERM
Spring
CREDIT
8 ECTS
Biomass Waste Management
Biological SciencesCOURSE CODE
ILK983
TERM
CREDIT
4 ECTS
Cereal Grains, Processing and Technology: Cereal Grains
Sustainability AgricultureCOURSE CODE
ILK975
TERM
Spring
CREDIT
12 ECTS
Chemistry
ChemistryCOURSE CODE
ILK063
TERM
Fall
CREDIT
10 ECTS
Corporate social responsibility
Business ManagementCOURSE CODE
EAA176
TERM
Fall
CREDIT
5 ECTS
To be eligible for a Hop Education Abroad program, students must be currently enrolled at a degree-granting college or university, have completed at least one year of their undergraduate studies prior to departure, and be in good academic standing at their home institution.
We do not have a set GPA requirement to participate in our programs—we believe in making global experiences as accessible as possible. However, some of our international university partners or your home institution may set their own academic eligibility criteria.
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore has a minimum GPA requirement of 2.8.
The course listings provided in our Course Finder are for informational purposes only and are subject to change. Our global partners keep things exciting—course offerings may change anytime! We do our best to stay up to date, but check with us to be sure. Got questions? Hop in and ask!
Applied Viticulture
COURSE CODE
ILK981
CREDIT
6 ECTS
TERM
Spring
Biochemistry
COURSE CODE
ILK064
CREDIT
8 ECTS
TERM
Spring
Biomass Waste Management
COURSE CODE
ILK983
CREDIT
4 ECTS
TERM
Cereal Grains, Processing and Technology: Cereal Grains
COURSE CODE
ILK975
CREDIT
12 ECTS
TERM
Spring
Chemistry
COURSE CODE
ILK063
CREDIT
10 ECTS
TERM
Fall
Corporate social responsibility
COURSE CODE
EAA176
CREDIT
5 ECTS
TERM
Fall
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your abode
Hop students live in fully furnished student apartments in safe neighborhoods with a short commute to UCSC. These residences offer the perfect mix of independence, community, and support. You’ll live alongside both international and Italian students, with access to high-speed Wi-Fi, 24/7 security, shared kitchens, quiet study areas, gyms, and social lounges.
local vibes
Piacenza is slow, local, and effortlessly authentic. Instead of big-city chaos, life here centers around daily rituals— morning espresso at your go-to café, classes in historic buildings, and afternoons in quiet piazzas. Weekends mean long meals at family-run trattorias, local markets, and easy escapes into the surrounding countryside for wine, views, and fresh air.
It’s less about rushing—and more about settling in and living like a local. And when you're ready for the big city, Milan is short train ride away.
Find balance and clarity through guided yoga and meditation at a Austrian resort.
Lace up your snowshoes and experience the magic of the Alps on a breathtaking alpine hike.
Nourish your body with hearty alpine meals shared in a cozy mountain setting.
Arrive grounded, inspired, and ready to embrace your journey in Europe with clarity, connection, and a renewed sense of self.
Mayrhofen, Austria
The Hop Well-Come Abroad:
a mindful start to your semester
The exclusive Hop Well-Come Abroad program in Mayrhofen sets the tone for an uplifting and balanced start to your time in Europe. Nestled in the Austrian Alps, this active program blends fresh mountain air with a focus on mental and physical well-being. Each session equips you with the confidence and resilience needed to settle into your new home while embracing alpine traditions and cultural moments. Expect panoramic hikes, cozy mountain huts, hearty Tyrolean meals, and plenty of laughter—all surrounded by breathtaking alpine scenery.
Rome
Tour the Colosseum, indulge in authentic Italian gelato, and explore the vast riches of the Vatican Museums. Rome wasn’t built in a day but see it all in a Hop weekend.
EXPERIENCE MORE OF
Europe
Piacenza is just the start. Explore Europe through excursions and cultural experiences, with one weekend excursion of your choosing included with your Hop study abroad program.
Prague
Chase castle views, cobblestone streets, and storybook sunsets on your Hop weekend getaway to the fairytale city of Prague.
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making it happen
Piacenza, Italy
Fall: Aug 24 – Dec 18, 2026
Spring: Feb 1 – May 28, 2027
Fall: Aug 23 – Dec 17, 2027
starting at
$XXXXX
inclusions
Semester tuition for 12 to 16 US Credit hours
Twin-share furnished apartment accommodation
Your choice of Rome or Prague weekend escapes
The Hop Well-come in Mayrhofen, Austria (and travel to Piacenza)
Airport reception and pickup
24/7 Hop support and your Hop Go-To (other programs say Resident Director)
Pre-departure advising to get you ready
International flights not included
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why study abroad with Hop?
Because we do study abroad differently. We’re all about creating a community that’s as diverse, adventurous, and curious as you are. Our programs are anything but cookie-cutter.
unique & innovative experiences
Our programs offers one-of-a-kind experiences tailored to various interests—whether you're diving into Korean culture in Seoul, competing on Scholar Island in Fiji, exploring the world Down Under in Australia, experiencing the beating heart of Europe, or innovating with startups in Thailand.
a focus on you
Studying abroad is all about you—and we’re here to make sure you feel supported every step of the way. From our mindfulness-focused Well-Come Abroad orientation program to our dedicated on-the-ground support staff, we ensure you gain invaluable international experience, develop new skills, and boost your resume—all while having the time of your life and prioritizing your health and well-being.
global connections
Join a community of like-minded peers from around the world while building relationships with locals, professionals, and professors who can inspire your academic and career journey.
why study abroad with Hop this summer?
Summer with Hop isn’t just about academics—it’s about creating unforgettable memories, challenging yourself, and returning home with stories that will stay with you forever.
unique & innovative experiences
Our programs offers one-of-a-kind summer experiences tailored to various interests—whether you're diving into Korean culture in Seoul, competing on Scholar Island in Fiji, experiencing the beating heart of Europe, or innovating with startups in Thailand.
short yet impactful
Summer is the perfect time for a focused, immersive program. In just a few weeks, you can gain international experience, learn new skills, and build your resume without interrupting your academic year.
global connections
Join a community of like-minded peers from around the world while building relationships with locals, professionals, and professors who can inspire your academic and career journey.
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands upon which our students are welcomed, recognizing that our experiences are held on their ancestral territories. We deeply respect and honor the enduring cultures and significant contributions of all First Peoples, past, present, and emerging.