Study in

a guide for International Students Study in Italy!

Situated in Mediterranean Europe, Italy is a country of great beauty and culture. Italy’s splendor lies largely in the deeply- rooted history which has formed its traditions and way of life, from the classical music to the flavorful food; the bus- tling cities to the quaint, walled-in villages. in Italy is highly esteemed with a wide range of excellent academic institutions throughout Italy welcoming students to study almost any subject imaginable. Italy has played an important academic role as one of the catalysts in reforming Europe’s higher education through the . Students in Italy gain valuable knowledge not only within the classroom, but also through everyday life in this dynamic, incredible place.

In This Study Guide

1. About Italy/p.1 1.1 About Italy/p.1 1.2 Italy in Short Facts & Figures/p.2 1.3 In this Study in Italy guide/p.2

2. Education in Italy/p.3 2.1 Education System in Italy/p.3 2.2 The Erasmus Mundus Program in italy/p.4 2.3 Education Specifics in Italy/p.5

3. Practicalities when you Study in Italy/p.6 3.1 Study/ Work Visa for Italy/p.6 3.2 Costs of Study in Italy/p.7 3.3 Student Accommodation in Italy/p.8 3.4 The /p.8

4. City/State Guides in Italy/p.9 4.1 City Guide: Rome/p.9 4.2 City Guide: Bologna/p.11 4.3 City Guide: Milan/p.13

5. About .com/p.16 1. About Italy

1.1 About Italy 1.1 About Italy 1.2 Italy in Short Facts & Figures The mountain chain forms Italy’s northern border with 1.3 In this Study in France, Switzerland, and Austria, while the rest of Italy Italy guide makes up the infamous boot-shaped peninsula of the Apen- nine Mountains jutting into the Mediterranean Sea.

Italy’s deep-rooted history began some 200,000 years ago in the Paleolithic period, but is best known for the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations that reigned over Italy for over a millennium. Evidence of these powerful empires can be seen throughout Italy, and is ingrained in the lives of Ital- ians today.

As one of the 8 most industrialized countries in the world, Italy plays an important role on an international level, and influences both continental and global economies. Art in Italy is prevalent in all aspects of society – the architecture, the fashion, the music, even the food. The climate of Italy is temperate, with warm, sunny summers and mild winters. Visitors and residents of Italy alike enjoy majestic moun- tains, idyllic islands, placid lakes, splendid cities, and much more – the ideal destination for an education like no other.

p. 1 / 1.2 Italy in Short Facts & Figures

Capital: Rome Government: Unitary Parliamentary Republic Area: 301,338 km² Population: 60.6 million Currency: Euro Calling Code: +39

1.3 In this Study in Italy Guide

Studying abroad in Italy is an exciting experience of meeting new people, seeing new places, and being surrounded by the Italian language. From the winding canals of Venice to the ancient splendors of Rome, stu- dents can experience a wide variety of novelties in Italy unlike anywhere else in the world. Before embarking on the adventure of a lifetime, there are a few things students should know when they decide to study in Italy. This in-depth Study in Italy guide includes infor- mation on all the in’s and out’s of an education in Italy, from the education system to the academic calendar as well as practicalities like costs and visas. Read on to learn more about education programs in Italy and pre- pare for an amazing study abroad experience!

/ p. 2 2. Education in Italy

2.1 Education System in Italy

2.1 Education System in Italy 2.2 The Erasmus Mundus In the 1990s, Italy’s education system underwent reform Program in Italy based on the Bologna Process which aims to create a 2.3 Education Specifics compatible system of education throughout Europe. In in Italy accordance with the Bologna Process, Italy has imple- mented a 3-cycle system consisting of the following:

• First Cycle: Bachelors degrees (3 years) and Single- cycle degrees (5-6 years) • Second Cycle: Masters degrees (2 years) and 1st Level vocational masters • Third Cycle: , Specialization school, and 2nd Level vocational masters

Italy’s higher education is structured in a binary system consisting of two main articulations: the sec- tor and the non-university sector.

At present, the university sector in Italy is made up of 89 university institutions classified within the following categories:

• 58 state – public entities endowed with scientific, teaching, managerial, financial and book-

p. 3 / keeping autonomy • 17 non-state universities – legally recognized by the state • 2 universities for foreigners – specialized in teaching/ research for development of Italian language, literature, culture • 6 higher education schools – specialized in postgraduate university studies • 6 telematic universities

The non-university sector of higher education in Italy includes 4 education typologies and their education institutions:

• higher schools of design: polytechnics for the arts, acad- emies of fine arts, national academies, higher institutes or applied arts, higher institutes for musical & choreographic studies • higher integrated education (FIS): programs of higher technical education & training (IFTS) • higher education in language mediation: education institu- tions for language mediators • specific fields (e.g. archiving, military studies, restoration)

2.2 The Erasmus Mundus Program in Italy

The European Union’s Erasmus Mundus Program aims to improve the quality of European higher education through academic co-operation and scholarships, allowing both EU and non-EU students to attend high-quality education courses in Europe. The Erasmus Mundus Program promotes the European Union as a center of excellence in learning around the world, through which application processes are simplified and foreign students have the support of their home education institutions. So far, 2.2 million students have participated in the Erasmus Mundus Program since its start in 1987, attending 4,000 higher education institutions in 33 countries.

/ p. 4 Exchange students from outside Europe are able to attend educational institutions in Italy through the Erasmus Mundus Program and are generally handled as European exchange students. In all participating uni- versities in Italy, a European Officer is dedicated to the management of education programs offered through the Erasmus Mundus Program.

2.3 Education Specifics in Italy

Most teaching in Italy’s higher education takes place in large lecture halls, depending, of course, on the specific education course. Students in Italy are expected to complete a consider- able amount of self-study outside the classroom in order to prepare for examinations.

Higher education examinations in Italy are held after the teaching period and are mainly oral, although some education courses in Italy also require written tests. Each examination is offered on several dates from which students can choose. Stu- dents in Italy are also entitled to turn down a mark and re-take the examination if they are not satisfied with their first result.

The academic year in Italy is made up of two semesters. The first semester starts in September/October and ends in Janu- ary/February. The second semester starts in February and ends in July. The actual start and finish dates vary in every university, but each academic semester lasts for roughly 20 weeks, made up of a 14-week teaching period and a 6-week examination period.

p. 5 / 3. Practicalities when you Study in Italy

3.1 Study/ Work Visa for Italy 3.1 Study/ Work Visa for Italy 3.2 Costs of Study in European Union (EU) students may enter Italy with a pass- Italy 3.3 Student Accommo- port or an ID card and are entitled to study or work in Italy dation in Italy without a visa for as long as they wish. They must, however, 3.4 The Italian Lan- register with the Questura (police station) to obtain resi- guage dence and therefore should ensure they have all the docu- ments requested for this procedure before leaving their home country and entering Italy.

Non-EU students are required to attain a study visa prior to entering Italy. Visa applications should be sent to students’ nearest Italian Embassy or Consulate. Always start these procedures well in advance of the intended date of entry. Visa procedures are subject to change, so it is worthwhile to contact the Italian Embassy for information to confirm cur- rent visa requirements. Non-EU students may work if they obtain a work permit, which is quite difficult, so it is not recommended to rely on getting a job upon arrival to Italy.

In addition to having a valid ID or passport (with visa if re- quired) upon entering Italy, students should also carry the following documents with them:

• Letter of acceptance from the university; • Proof of adequate financial means of support, including the amount necessary to travel back to their home coun- try or have already purchased a valid return-ticket; and • Health documents.

/ p. 6 3.2 Costs of Study in Italy

Institutions of higher education in Italy establish their own tuition fees, but in the case of university education, there is a legal minimum cost for enrollment and a maximum cost for student contributions, which cannot exceed 20% of state funding. Average tuition fees for a higher education in Italy are between 850 euro and 1,000 euro per year, depending on the university and education course of study. Private universi- ties in Italy are much more expensive.

Admission to “master universitari” and other specialized education courses in Italy also have much higher tuition fees. Doctoral students who receive university grants do not pay tuition fees, but non- grant holders are required to pay the tuition fees of their particular university.

The cost of living in Italy also varies considerably depending on location. Tourist areas and the major cities, especially in the North of Italy, are more expensive than smaller towns. Considering the costs of accommodation, food, telephone, local travel and leisure costs, students should consider a monthly budget of between 1000 and 1500 euros.

p. 7 / 3.3 Student Accommodation in Italy

Universities in Italy often have a housing office to manage student accommodation. These housing offices provide information on renting apartments, which are generally cheaper than the cost of accommodation on the private market in Italy. Students may rent a room rather than the whole apartment. Most universities in Italy do not have halls of residence.

Renting apartments in cities in Italy is more expensive than in smaller towns and can range from 300 to 1000 euros a month, depending on the size and location. For students who want to make their own accommodation arrange- ments, rental houses appear in local newspaper. Accom- modation information can also be found with real estate agencies, but for a fee. The minimum rental period for most accommodation in Italy is one year, but student accommo- dation in furnished rooms is usually available for shorter periods.

3.4 The Italian Language

Italian is the language of the majority of Italy’s population, but minorities speak German, French, Slovene, and Ladino. Part of the experience of studying in Italy is to learn or improve your Italian language skills – and there is no bet- ter way than to immerse yourself in Italy. Knowledge of the Italian language makes it easier to meet Italian people and experience Italy’s fantastic culture.

Contacts at International Offices and many students speak English fluently, but be aware that English is not always widely spoken in Italy, especially amongst older people. Travelling away from the busier areas, it is best to have some knowledge of the Italian language in order to commu- nicate and make the most of studying in Italy.

/ p. 8 4. City Guides in Italy

4.1 City Guide: Rome

4.1 City Guide: Rome As the ‘Eternal City,’ Rome certainly lives up to its name 4.2 City Guide: Bologna 4.3 City Guide: Milan through a history of almost 3 millennia, during which it has exerted a great influence over the world. The mythical founding of Rome by Romulus and Remus in the 700’s BC laid the foundation for a city that would rule the world, or at least as much of the world as its inhabitants knew at that time.

Rome is located on the central-western portion of the Ital- ian peninsula along the Tiber River. It lies between the and the Tyrrhenian Sea. Rome’s old city is situated on a series of 7 hills, one of which – the Palatine Hill – is said to be where Romulus and Remus es- tablished Rome.

Religion has played a major part in Rome’s history, and can be seen all over the city –in the countless churches and cha- pels, the art, the music. Harboring the Religio Romana with its many gods from the early days, Rome later became the head of the Roman Catholic Church. The seat of the Papacy was established in Rome – the Vatican – and today is the smallest state in the world.

The city of Rome has been a great political importance as the capital and headquarters of the . The lands under Roman rule stretched as far north as Britain and as far west as Mesopotamia – all under the power of Rome, its figurative center. The Roman Empire’s political and legal systems have served as a model for many of the political and legal systems currently in place around the world. Rome is still the capital, but now of a much smaller area, the 1,285 square kilometers that make up the boot-shaped country of Italy.

p. 9 / As naturally happens in cities of such activity and exchange of ideas, Rome had a significant influence over cultural and art. The language of was Latin. Although no longer spoken, many European languages – the Romance languages – are based on Latin. Rome was also a major cen- ter of the movement, drawing people to it from near and far.

The Rome of the 21st century is a unique combination of past and present, modern and antiquated. Its 2.8 million people live in an open-air museum where the beauty of the past is alive around every corner. St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museum, all in Vatican City, leave every visitor in complete awe. The ancient Colos- seum, once Rome’s center of entertainment with gladiato- rial and animal combat, still stands majestically in Rome’s center. The incredible, dome-shaped ceiling of the Pantheon welcomes visitors to its temple, originally dedicated to all the gods. And the Roman Forum, although in ruins today, provides some insight into Rome’s original administrative and corporate heart. Other attractions in Rome include the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, and the catacombs.

The climate of Rome is Mediterranean with mild, rainy win- ters and hot, dry summers. For two weeks in August, almost everything in Rome closes for holiday to escape the intense heat.

/ p. 10 4.2 City Guide: Bologna

Although not a top tourist destination, Bologna is undoubt- edly one of Italy’s most beautiful cities. Located in ’s Po River Valley, Bologna is within close proximity to the Apennine Mountains and less than an hour from the gorgeous Adriatic coast. As the capital of Italy’s Emilia-Ro- magna region, Bologna has plenty to offer, from its incred- ible cuisine to its well-preserved historical downtown.

Education has a long tradition in the city of Bologna. For one thing, Bologna is home to the oldest university in the Western world, the , founded in 1088. In addition, the Bologna Process was completed through the signing of the Bologna Declaration by 29 European countries in Bologna in 1999. The purpose of the Bologna Process is to harmonize European higher education in order to increase schools’ international competitiveness; today, 47 countries are included in the Bologna Process.

Bologna’s strategic location brought it to the forefront throughout Italy’s history. As a major transportation cross- road in Northern Italy, Bologna has been an urban center since 1000 B.C. under the Etruscans, followed by the Celts and then the Romans.

Bologna is a forward-thinking city – it was one of the first places to abolish slavery and also established the country’s first Italian City Council. Bologna is also a place with many nicknames. This Emilian city is called La Rossa “the red” for its distinct architecture of terracotta buildings; La Grassa “the fat” for its hearty appetite of delicious foods (did you ever wonder where spaghetti Bolognese comes from?); and La Dotta “the learned” for its cultural and education center.

p. 11 / As one of Italy’s centers for history, culture, music, art, and cuisine, it is no wonder Bologna is one of the wealthiest cities in Italy. Bologna is indeed home to many prestigious political, cultural, and economic institutions, and for a long time was known for its left-wing militancy. Bologna is built around two main squares: the Piazza del Nettuno and the Piazza Maggiore. In Bologna’s gorgeous city center, there is a unique combination of medieval churches and other structures with Renaissance towers and palaces, all easily accessible by foot. Explore the magical city of Bologna and step back in time to another age.

/ p. 12 4.3 City Guide: Milan

As Italy’s 2nd largest city, the stunning Milan has much to offer residents and visitors alike. Milan’s 1.3 million people make up part of Europe’s Blue Banana, a highly populated strip of land stretching from Milan to Northwest England. Milan is one of Europe’s industrial and transportation hubs as well as an important center for business and finance.

Because of its location in the heart of central Europe, Milan has been ruled and over-ruled countless times throughout history. Milan was first founded by a Celtic tribe called the Insubres. The settlement was later captured by the Romans in 222 BC and was the capital of the for some time. In the High Middle Ages, Milan was one of the wealthiest cities in Italy.

In 1796, Milan was conquered by I and his French army. After this, Milan became part of the Austrian Empire, and finally was unified with the Kingdom of which eventually became the country of Italy.

Today, Milan is the capital of the region and the Milan province. Milan is best known for being a world fash- ion and design capital, and is a true global influence in this field. Most major fashion brands – Gucci, Prada, Versace, Armani – are currently headquartered in Milan. Milan hosts the Milan Fashion Week twice every year. There is also a high-quality furniture industry in Milan, encouraged by the city’s hosting of the FieraMilano (the world’s most presti- gious furniture fair) and the Milan Furniture Fair.

Milan is also known for its international arts and music scenes with many notable museums, theatres, and monu- ments. Milan’s La Scala opera house is one of the best known theatres of music in the world, and a major attrac-

p. 13 / tion. Another infamous landmark in the heart of Milan is the Duomo cathedral. Built in the late 1300s, the Duomo is an excellent example of the impressive late Gothic archi- tecture in Italy. The beautiful private palace, the Palazzo Marino, has impressed people since its construction in the 1500s. And the Castello, an old fortress and palace, is also one of Milan’s most esteemed attractions.

Education plays a prominent in the society of Milan. 39 uni- versities call Milan home, drawing 174,000 students each year – this is 10% of the entire Italian university population! Milan also boasts the most university graduates and post- graduate students in Italy.

Today, Milan extends well beyond its city borders into sprawling suburbs, where people flocked during the eco- nomic boom of the 1950s and 60s. Although Milan itself is only 1.3 million people, the entire metropolitan area makes up about 7.4 million. Recently, Milan has seen a rise in international residents, making the city even more global in stature and influence, and an ideal location for foreigners to study.

/ p. 14 5. About Educations.com

Educations.com’s vision is to help all students around the world to find their education by connecting schools and students worldwide. Our global internet website www.educations.com is devoted exclusively to higher education, where students worldwide can browse through a large range of courses and programmes offered by educational institutions globally. Educations.com’s main objective is to provide those seeking advice regarding higher education abroad with the information they require in an accessible, fast and straightforward way.

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