Why ITALY ?
Student Life and Expected Costs in ItalyWhile many students find themselves studying in Italy due to the aforementioned reasons, another reason, of course, is to improve upon Italian language skills. That being said, fluency is certainly not required. However, it is crucial to take into account intended language desires, as that could have an effect on location and experience.
Location put aside, studying in Italy costs money. Estimated expenditures vary based on where you are living (city or village), what kind of apartment you are living in, whether it be with roommates or a single, if you are staying with a homestay or on your own, whether you are living in a prime location or a bit outside the main area and the length of your stay.
Fees generally range from $4,000 to $30,000, depending on length of stay, housing, program and your home institution. Considering other costs, such as food, travel and school materials is also essential, so you can put your best foot forward. On the positive side, accessing educational and historical sites are normally discounted for students, as well as select stores and sometimes airfare.
So, coming back to the original question, why study in Italy? Just like Italian cuisine, there is something for everyone, of course. Though student life, costs and your part in the higher education system may vary, time spent in Italy is sure to be engaging and fruitful.
1) Plenty top universities with impressive international environment
Italy is a popular international study location not just due to its high multicultural ambience, but the country also has several top universities.
Bologna University is the prestigious institution that marks the origin of the current Western higher education system as the oldest university in Europe. In addition, Bologna is on the list of top European cities that welcome the largest number of Erasmus students.
2) Italy is an affordable destination for international students
Italy is one of the most affordable countries in Europe where you can study abroad and that goes for tuition fees and living costs as well.
- Average tuition for all degree types: 850 to 1,000 EUR/year
- Average living expenses: 700 to 1,000 EUR/month for housing, food, transportation and fun
- Most expensive cities: Rome, Milan and Bologna
- Cheaper in cities: Pisa, Padua, or Turin
3) Easy ways to travel the country
Italy allows you to ‘jump’ a bus or train for just a few Euros to escape from the cold and foggy Milano, or from the chaotic Bologna, to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Almost every big city is also perfectly connected to European and non-European countries with 87 airports. You can easily travel by train, all the bigger Italian cities are interconnected with 77 (main-) railway stations. That makes life easier for many students that do not like travelling by car or by plane.
4) A country full of wonders
While you’re enjoying the international student status in Italy, it would really be a shame not to take advantage of the privilege of living close to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Yes, Italy beats any country at this, counting 51 heritage sites that speak about the cultural and historical past of Italy.
Imagine first-hand how the gladiators fought in the Colosseum, take a picture holding the Leaning Tower of Pisa, get lost on the streets and canals of Venice, and explore the centre of Catholic faith in Vatican City. Learn a little Italian history and geography and visit Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius.
5) So many English-taught degrees you won"t know what to choose
In Italy, you can find a suitable study programme in any field you can imagine, from arts to computer science, many of which are English-taught. See which are the most popular study programmes you can apply in Italy and a useful guide on how to apply.
Here are a few options you can consider:
- International Relations in Italy;
- MBAs in Italy;
- Electrical Engineering in Italy;
- Computer Science in Italy;
- Architecture in Italy;
- Fashion Design in Italy.
You would have to pass around 20 exams to successfully complete a degree (around eight exams in each academic year) and most of them are oral exams. In some specialised fields, such as medicine or engineering, you will be required to pass 40 or 50 exams. Oral examinations make life easier for a lot of students, but if you’re shy you might feel a bit uncomfortable with this kind of examination. But adjusting to this type of exams is a good exercise for developing your communication abilities.
6) The ridiculous graduation ritual
In Italy, graduate students have to go through a ridiculously funny ritual. After the official ceremony, students dress up in goofy costumes (usually a giant diaper, a hula skirt, or a funny hat), sit on a bench and wait for their peers and family to clutter them with either ketchup, eggs or other food substances. Students also hang around posters representing caricatures with an embarrassing anecdote of their colleagues.
7) Surrounded by arts, architecture and fashion
Particularly students who chose Italy to study a degree in fields like art, architecture or fashion will never regret their decision. Even if you came in Italy to study anything else, you will surely appreciate these emblematic features of the Italian culture.
Italy is the birthplace of Renaissance art, everywhere you go in Italy, you"ll see nothing but architectural wonders that stood the test of time and as for fashion, what else is there to say? It"s a well-known fact that Italians are elegant and sharp dressers and they owe it to several famous fashion brands and houses.