Loyola University Chicago

Ricci Scholars

Program Details

Program Details

Ricci candidates begin the fall semester of their junior year conducting research on the “West” and “East” utilizing resources at Loyola's John Felice Rome Center (JFRC) then a destination in East Asia. During this two-semester program, Ricci candidates participate in travel excursions, explore both cultures and their histories, and work on their intercultural research projects with the assistance of faculty from Chicago, Rome, and an East Asian destination.

Ricci candidates return to Loyola’s Chicago campuses for their senior year to complete a one-credit course preparing their final presentation for Loyola's Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium (URES), a celebration of student achievements, in the final phase of the program. Upon completion of the program, students are designated as Ricci Scholars. 

Key aspects of the Ricci Scholars Program 

Academic credit and designation: Students who successfully complete all aspects of the program (UNIV 301, UNIV 302, UNIV 340) will earn a total of 7 credit hours for their completed project and for participation in program seminars.  The UNIV 301 and UNIV 302 courses both count as Writing Intensive and Engaged Learning courses. At graduation, students will be specially designated as Ricci Scholars if they have successfully completed the requirements of the program.

Fall Semester (“West”): Students spend the fall semester at the Rome Center, where Loyola has been educating undergraduates since 1962. Among Western Europe's largest study abroad programs, the Rome Center is a well-equipped center located on Monte Mario, 20 minutes north of Vatican City and just 30 minutes from Rome’s historic city center. At the JFRC, Ricci candidates thoroughly develop their understanding of Italian and European culture and history through coursework and guided travel. Students will take the Ricci Seminar (UNIV 301) at the JFRC in the fall.

Spring Semester (“East”): Ricci candidates spend the spring semester of their junior year at a destination in East Asia.  Students will take the Ricci Seminar (UNIV 302) remotely while studying on location at one of these East Asian destinations: 

Faculty involvement: Ricci candidates receive mentorship and dedicated faculty support as they plan their projects as sophomores before leaving the U.S. The program also offers assistance with language acquisition, guides students through the travel component in their junior year, and helps them as seniors to complete their project presentations. Designated faculty in Rome and in the East Asian destination coordinate student research and immersion activities in the respective cities. As seniors, students take a one-credit course (UNIV 340) back in Chicago to thematically link the two semesters, and present their work at Loyola's Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium (URES). 

Research projects: Ricci candidates will be expected to prepare an intercultural research proposal, work with a faculty mentor, and conduct research onsite on the “East” and “West”. Students are encouraged to choose a topic related to their majors and to explore a significant question on “East” and “West” during their junior year abroad. Research proposals may be for a paper, a portfolio, or other creative project in consonance with undergraduate curricular options at Loyola University Chicago.

Research and academic support: Supported by program supervisors in Rome and East Asia, Ricci candidates receive personal assistance in developing and conducting their research. Candidates can also take advantage of classes in the country's respective languages. As seniors, returning candidates serve as peer mentors to sophomores beginning the Ricci Scholars Program. 

Candidateship coverage: The Ricci Scholars program covers roundtrip airfare to/from Rome and a destination in East Asia, provides $1500 in research funds ($750 per semester), and organizes mentoring and support before, during, and after students’ time abroad.  (Students will pay tuition and room and board at Loyola University Chicago during their junior year, according to rates for the John Felice Rome Center and the destination in East Asia.)