If you’re weighing your options and considering studying in Italy but you have reservations about the benefits you’ll be receiving, this article might be the nudge you need to take a leap towards a culture-rich European experience with a high quality education. You might not have known but it attracts thousands of foreign students every year due to its prestigious universities and an inviting new culture that opens up opportunities.
1. Bonjour! Learn Italian as you study
Immersed in the culture, you can learn Italian- which is a niche language- but that is the advantage of learning something rare. It helps you get an edge when applying for jobs. Italy has the third largest economy in the Euro zone so companies are always looking for employees who can communicate well in Italian. Within the next ten years, Italian will become an important language for business interactions in the UK. The language has a lot of gestures and enunciations but it is relatively easy to learn.
2. Diverse range of international programs
Italian universities (especially the ones in Florence, Rome, and Siena) offer a lot of courses in English so do not worry about not being able to grasp lectures. These courses are offered in a wide range of disciplines. After all, the country was home to great thinkers from different backgrounds like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Dante Alighieri, Petrarca, Galileo Galilei, etc. Subjects like creative writing, design, visual art, communication and design are all taught in avant garde universities like Istituto Europeo di Design, Milano Fashion Institute, University of Padua as Italy is known for its leadership in these arenas. Art and creativity are not the only subjects offered by prestigious universities but Italian universities also excel in STEM research. For example, The University of Bologna offers its students a 600-hour internship that works directly with main space industries, research institutions, and space agencies.
3. Italian art, architecture and fashion
There are plenty of sources of inspiration while you study in this beautiful country. Even just taking a stroll in the streets will invite you to study its architecture. You can study fashion gods like Gucci, Armani, Bulgari, and Prada. During your stay, you can develop a new side that is inspired by the heightened aesthetic acumen of those around you.
4. Rich in history
Walking around the Italian cities of Rome, Pompeii, Milan, Florence, Pisa is like time-travelling. You can find a story behind every building you see, which is why Italy has the largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and over 3000 museums. Imagine the learning experiences you can have every time you stumble upon a cathedral, garden, or plaza.
5. Affordability
The courses taught are relatively affordable, especially at public universities (900 to 4000 Euros per year, which is much more affordable than other countries in Europe). Apart from this, government and private scholarships are also available.
Rome, Milan and Venice are known to be more expensive when it comes to rent but expect to spend around 400 Euros on accommodation during your studies in Italy. You can earn and save as well as the visa allows you to work 20 hours per week.
6. Three-year Bachelors?
If you want to finish your undergraduate degree quickly and enter the job market, studying in Italy would be a good pathway for you. After completing your Bachelors in three years or lesser, you can either start studying for a Master’s or get a job. To make things more interesting and expand your experience, they also offer exchange programs and chances to transfer credits to other universities depending on your cluster subjects.
7. Travel and explore
Most international students are studying abroad to get a taste of a different culture and learn from them. If you have been thinking of or planning to travel around Europe, studying in Italy allows you to explore Schengen countries, like Germany, Spain, France, etc.
Even if you want to explore Italy, the well connected rail system allows you to conveniently visit different cities and even the lesser known countryside with beautiful landscapes.
Conclusion
Italy offers a truly unique and extraordinary lifestyle for international students. If you have ever felt like exploring a land rich with history and the works of great thinkers, there is no better country for you to pursue your undergraduate or postgraduate degree. Figuring out the right university for yourself- which includes the finances as well as your academic eligibility can be a tough process. Our mentors are here to instruct you through the starting steps to the end of your admission process.
