Study abroad in Italy to experience Europe as it was meant to be.
You can:
- Drink Chianti in Tuscany.
- Break bread in Italy’s gastronomic capitala Emilia Romagna.
- Amble along the cobblestone streets of Rome.
- ake a gondola ride through the canals of Venice.
In Italy you can see what happens when an ancient civilization and a burgeoning modern -day society collide.
You’ll never forget what you see and learn on an Italian study abroad experience.
Your Italian Study Abroad Options
The country of Italy is divided into 20 regions, each offering a different Italian experience. So deciding where to study abroad in Italy is as important a decision as deciding what type of program abroad you want to do in the first place.
Your grasp of the Italian language may play a part in your decision, as some schools will require proficiency, while others won’t. Typically, the schools most popular with exchange students are located in Florence and Rome.
Many American universities have established Roman campuses.
More study abroad Italy information can be found in Study Abroad Domain’s Universities section. And affording an Italian study abroad experience is easier than you’d think. See Financing Your Experience for more.
Getting Around in Italy
Your travel options depend entirely upon where you study abroad in Italy because the country’s landscape is so vastly different between varying regions.
- Italy boasts an excellent rail system called Ferrovie dello Stato that can get you around the country and can connect you with train lines to get all over Europe rather easily. Many cities also have metro and bus lines. And if you’re looking to travel extensively, you can get a Eurail pass.
- Websites like RailPass.com make it simple to buy passes, and if you happen to be under 26, you can get the Eurail youthpass inexpensively.
- To discover more remote areas of Italy, your best bet is travel by car. If you do wind up renting a car, remember to follow all international rules and regulations.
What’s in that Prada Wallet?
Euros and more Euros! As with many other European countries, Italy converted to the Euro in 2002. Before you study abroad Italy, be sure you have a good understanding of how the Euro works. Here are the basics:
- One hundred centimes equals one Euro. Centimes come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50
- There are seven different banknote denominations for the Euro including: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500
Before you embark on your Italian study abroad experience, brush up on how the U.S. dollar is faring against the Euro. You may also want to have money exchanged prior to your trip so that you don’t arrive in Italy empty-handed.
Keep abreast of current exchange rates at XE.com or another site offering real-time information, and assess your options for banking abroad with our help.
When You Roam in Rome and Other Places
The first thing you’ll realize when you study abroad Italy is that most of what Americans consider ˜Italian food” is found predominantly in southern Italy. But there’s so much more:
- Along the coast you’ll find the freshest seafood imaginable.
- Travel north and you’ll see how France has influenced the food and the people throughout the years.
- When it comes to art, you’ll be amazed at what Michelangelo, Botticelli, and others left us.
- Don’t miss the chance to see the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling for yourself as well.
With so many things to do in Italy, your best bet is to plan to arrive well before your studies commence, or you might have stay on after the fact.
Whichever option you choose, get out there and explore.
Important Information for Studying Abroad in Italy
The following list of important phone numbers and information may come in handy as you study abroad in Italy. Be sure to check with your school or program for any additional information you might need:
