Bravissimo! 44 Resources for International Students in Italy
We aren't surprised you want to live or study in Italy. With the pizza, art, fashion and so much more, it's no wonder that Italy is the second most popular study abroad location for American students after the UK. Italy is a country rich in history and legacy and has been influencing the world for hundreds of years. Even if you aren't an artist, you can discover a bit of your creative soul among the works of Michelangelo and while eating the food of master chefs.
Now if we could only debunk how to study abroad in Italy!
Even with the most supportive of study abroad programs, there's going to be a lot of "life in Italy" that you're going to need to navigate and solve independently. We've compiled this list of resources to help you make the most informed decisions possible and so you can get the most out of your experience from day 1. Check out these awesome resources for studying abroad in Italy and Buon Viaggio!
>> Which city in Italy best suits you for study abroad? Take this quiz and find out!
Educational Resources
Whether you're studying at an Italian university or an international school, having knowledge of the Italian educational system will help you relate to local students and meet your own education goals:
Language Learning
From beginners to advanced students of Italian language, everyone can benefit from further language learning tools. Find a refresher course, an academic/professional language course or learn the language of the streets! The more you know, the deeper you can delve into the culture around you:
Government Resources
The visa process and bureaucratic hullaballoo surrounding studying or living abroad can be discouraging if you don't know where to start. While the Italian system is different than what you may be used to in the US, understanding what is expected of you can help the process move much more smoothly. These resources are a great place to begin:
- Student Visa Info Up to date information on the student visa process with what to expect both before and after arrival in Italy.
- General Visa Info If you're not a student, this is a handy guide to types of visas you may be interested in and what the requirements are.
- Consulate Locator Find the Italian consulate or honorary consulate for your area and link to their website to make your visa appointment.
- US Embassy A quick link to the US Embassy in Italy. Lost your passport? This is where you need to go.
>> When in Rome: Tips and Tricks for living abroad in Italy.
Financial Resources
Managing your money abroad can be a scary idea, but rest assured that with some planning, you can make the right choices for your finances:
- Currency Converting Up to date currency converter based on current exchange rate. Also has an ATM locator feature, which is useful for when you travel around Italy as well.
- Cost of Living Check out and compare the cost of living between Italian cities and major cities around the world. Breaks down costs or rent, utilities, groceries and other expenses.
- Trip Advisor Forums Browse this community-driven online resource for tips on how to handle your finances in Italy from past travelers to Italy.
Phone Resources
Experience Italy on your smart phone! This money and time saving apps are sure to come in handy during your travels and many of them work on wifi or don't require a connection at all (just download ahead of time). Most of these apps are geared towards larger cities and will ensure that you don't miss out on anything and might even keep you from getting lost:
>> How to maximize your study abroad experience when studying in Italy.
Housing and Business
Finding local housing and services is essential to living in Italy. Find apartments with other international students or immerse yourself with some Italian students. Check out these resources for guides to settling in Italy:
Culture and Social Resources
Looking to fit in and understand the culture around you? Not feeling like an outsider in Italy will undoubtedly make for a more positive experience there. Familiarizing yourself with the local culture will help you avoid those foreigner follies. Check out these resources to help you blend in and make friends along the way:
>> Check out our list of 65 Grants and Scholarships for study abroad.
Discounts and Student Deals in Italy
What student doesn't love a great deal? We're not saying that you're "broke as a joke," but every little bit saved can go a long way - maybe you can even splurge for 2 Euro wine instead of 1! Get fancier meals, cheaper activities, and travel to more places with these money-saving websites:
Travel Resources
Italy is a regional country, so you are not going to experience the whole of Italy if you stay in one place. Besides, with so much history and things to see, how could you not travel this exciting country? Whether you want a day trip to the vineyards or a weekend in the Amalfi coast, these resources will get you where you want to go or help you plan your own travel:
>> Is Florence or Rome a better city for studying Italian abroad? Find out.
Italian Food Culture
It's no secret that Italians love their food and cherish meal times as more than just a time to eat. Eating is about socializing with friends and family and since dinners alone can be upwards of two hours, understanding the customs can help you adjust, and even embrace, these experiences. You may find that these rules are more flexible in some places, but having an understanding of them is a good place to start:
Always keep in mind: you have choices and options at your fingertips for your study in Italy experience; by being proactive, you can discover all the possibilities before you even leave the States! Unfortunately, many students don't discover these realities until they are abroad and have already committed to something. Take charge of your experience and tailor it to your desires with a little planning; we guarantee, you'll have a better experience because of it. Besides, once you're in Italy, you'll want to spend all your time leisurely eating gelato and admiring the beautiful surroundings instead of planning.
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