ITALY is known for many wonderful things – its culture, food, history, and incredibly picturesque scenery. But what do you know about its awesome study opportunities?
Whether you see yourself sipping an Aperol spritz on a study break in the cobbled streets of Trastevere, or revising alongside a Venetian canal, there are many prestigious universities to choose from, and plenty to learn as an international student.
I fell head over heels for the country when I was looking for somewhere to study for my architecture degree, and thought I’d share exactly why I believe it’s the best country on earth for studying abroad.
Choose from top courses
Of course, moving to a completely different country wasn’t a simple task. First, you need to take a look at the type of course you’d like to study in Italy, then the institutions that offer your preferred course, and finally choose one that matches your academic ability. I knew I wanted to attend the University of Bologna (known by many as the world’s oldest university) to study architecture, given the many beautiful historic buildings in the area and I honestly couldn’t think of anywhere better than this majestic Italian city.
Then there’s the application process. Translating my high school grades into Italian was fairly straightforward, and luckily enough I was accepted onto my dream course – I was ready to dive right in!
Tackle the language
Many see the Italian language as a ‘barrier’, but for me it was an exciting challenge. I’d taken some basic courses throughout high school, but naturally upped my game before the application process to an intermediate status. Most people say the best way to learn a language is to live in the language’s country, and it couldn’t be truer as you’re forced to learn.
Good universities will offer summer language camps for international students before your course begins which I did and can’t recommend it enough. It also gives you a great head start in making new friends just like you, and you get a good opportunity to really familiarize yourself with not just the city, but the country.
"Good universities will offer summer language camps for international students before your course begins which I did and can’t recommend it enough. It also gives you a great head start in making new friends just like you, and you get a good opportunity to really familiarize yourself with not just the city, but the country."
Don’t forget to keep up your language studies alongside your course for learning all those grammar pointers too, and you’ll learn plenty by speaking to Italians. I can tell you what an accomplishment it really is to finally master the language!
Soak up the exciting new culture
I really don’t think anywhere compares to the vibrant and historical country of Italy, with its extremes of mountainous ski villages to beautiful lakes and sunbaked coastal regions. I mean, there’s a good reason it attracts nearly fifty million visitors a year.
The same can be said for its student culture – people from all walks of life, extremes of history from thousands of years ago to brand new, incredible things to see on every corner, and opportunities everywhere in between. Not only are you able to explore the country, but its neighbouring European countries pretty easily also – get off the beaten path and discover your own hidden gems. This is not even to mention some of the most delicious cuisine in the world.
You certainly won’t go hungry, that’s for sure!
Where better to live and study?
Learn lifelong lessons
Many think the learning takes place just within the classroom, but in Italy, it really begins outside. You’ll study in one of the most impressive international environments, and Italy is one of the most affordable countries in Europe, leaving you to do more of what you choose.
"The graduation ceremony is an experience in itself! There’s a quirky ritual after the ceremony, where all of us graduates dress up in costumes, sit down, and wait for family members to throw ketchup or eggs all over us – yup, it’s something you won’t see anywhere else."
The graduation ceremony is an experience in itself! There’s a quirky ritual after the ceremony, where all of us graduates dress up in costumes, sit down, and wait for family members to throw ketchup or eggs all over us – yup, it’s something you won’t see anywhere else.
Post-graduation, there’s a plethora of jobs for those in the arts, architecture, and fashion industries, and I was lucky enough to get a job straight after in Milan. I loved studying in Italy so much I can’t leave!
