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Read this article if you want to study abroad in Italy!
In this guide, we’ll show you everything you need to know about studying abroad in Italy: how to apply, all you need to know about the program, what student life is like, how to find affordable housing options, and more.
Why you should study abroad in Italy?
Italy is one of the most popular places for students to study abroad; it’s no surprise why. It’s an ancient country steeped in history, art, and culture. It boasts some of the world’s best food and wine. And it has some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet, who are eager to welcome you into their fold.
Enjoy high-quality education in a unique environment. Study in Italy to boost your CV, meet people from all over the world, and experience one of the most beautiful countries in Europe.
How to apply and all preparations to study abroad in Italy
If you want to study abroad in Italy, follow these steps, and your dream will come true! Beyond Abroad has the most uncomplicated application process, and you will receive your secure study placement within 24 hours after sending in your application. Carefully read through all the steps, and the journey can begin!
Inform yourself about the study abroad program
Before applying to study abroad in Italy, we recommend you read through the program website. Consequently, you are well informed and ready to prepare your application. Moreover, you can reach out to the Beyond Abroad team if you have any questions. You can contact the Student Support Service via phone, WhatsApp, email, live chat, or book a counseling session.
Read more about the University of Cagliari!
Confirm your study abroad plans with your home university
Secondly, you should discuss your study abroad plans with your home institution. On our Italy website, check the university’s course offerings that interest you and construct a study plan you may propose to your school. This way, you’ll know if the study credits you acquire abroad can be applied to your home degree.
Apply to study abroad in Italy
After you are well informed about the exchange semester in Italy, you can apply online by filling out the application form. You need your official transcript of records of all your semesters or a copy of your bachelor/master’s diploma, and a copy of your national ID card or passport if you are from Europe. Finally, you attach the PDFs to your application and send it!
Study placement confirmation
Lastly, your study placement will be confirmed mostly within 24 hours after we have received your application, but latest, within 3 days. Moreover, you will receive all vital information to prepare for your semester abroad and what actions follow from here. After the confirmation, you will receive the application fee invoice, which you should pay within 10 days. You will consequently agree to study abroad in Italy with Beyond Abroad by paying the fee.
How much does it cost to study abroad in Italy?
Living in Italy for a period can be an enriching experience. However, it is essential to know that living abroad is not cheap. The cost of living in Italy is in the middle range compared to other European countries and very similar to, e.g., Germany. As such, you must budget if you want to enjoy yourself while studying abroad here.
The university tuition fee costs 1,990 € per semester, and you must also pay a 75 € application fee. You should calculate additional costs in your budget: flights, accommodation (250€ – 300€ per month), travel insurance, visa, food, and spare time activities. As a student, you will spend around 750 €) excluding the rent.
It would be best if you also thought about how you will fund your stay at this point. Luckily, various scholarships available may help cover some or all of the costs associated with studying abroad in Italy. Investing your time researching scholarships you could be eligible for is worth it. You can find a list of potential scholarships organized by country here.
Insurance and Healthcare for incoming students
The insurance must cover all the expenses for emergency treatment or hospitalization while studying in Italy. Moreover, the insurance must guarantee the policyholder’s return to their home country in case of serious illness. Non-EU students can enroll in the Italian National Health Service by paying an annual fee.
Students from outside the EU need health insurance translated to Italian and legalized by the Italian embassy to study abroad in Italy. The insurance must cover all the expenses in the event of emergency treatment or urgent hospitalization while they study in Italy. Moreover, the student’s return to their home country must be guaranteed if they have serious health conditions. Non-EU students can enroll in the Italian National Health Service instead of taking private insurance upon paying an annual fee. Find out more here!
Social life and student culture in Italy
You’ll be joining a student culture that is rich and varied. You can be part of several student clubs, associations, events, and traditions.
Student clubs: Clubs are a great way to meet people from your country and other countries. Many students join one or more clubs during their time in Italy and make lifelong friends along the way. Popular clubs include sports teams (soccer, for example), language exchange circles, etc.
Study abroad events: There are organized study abroad events throughout the year, such as excursions and get-togethers. Student associations will also have movie nights, surf classes, buddy programs, and more. These events are great ways to meet new people while having lots of fun!
Find out if studying abroad is something for you!
Top activities for international students
There are many things to do while studying abroad in Italy. Get acquainted with the culture by going on food tours and wine tastings; immerse yourself in art museums; listen to live music performances; visit historical sites, and learn about the history of this beautiful country through guided tours; try new foods such as pasta carbonara or pizza Margherita (the classic Neapolitan recipe); explore local wineries and vineyards; enjoy a fresh espresso or cappuccino after dinner—you’ll find plenty of ways to make memories during your time abroad!
While you are in Italy, there are a few things you should try to do. Of course, there is the apparent traveling around Italy’s many beautiful mountain ranges, lakes, and coastline. You can take day trips from your home base to other cities to explore their culture and history.
You don’t want to leave Italy without experiencing one of its numerous festivals! Music festivals like the Umbria Jazz Festival attract some of the biggest names in music every year. In contrast, smaller local festivals allow visitors to see local bands perform their original songs on stage. If you’re feeling adventurous, try attending one or two fashion shows during Fashion Week to get an inside look at how designers create clothing lines before they hit stores worldwide!
Working during and after your semester abroad
Working in Italy is a great way to get a job after graduation. If you’re considering studying abroad, it’s crucial to think about how your experience will look on paper when you come back home. Work experience will help you stand out from the crowd of other graduates.
Simultaneously, when you study abroad in Italy, you can also improve your language skills by working alongside Italians who speak Italian only (unless you are lucky enough to find an employer who speaks English). This will give you plenty of opportunities for conversation practice! Working with Italians is one of the best ways to learn more about their culture and traditions while improving your Italian simultaneously!
International students who are EU nationals have the right to work in Italy alongside their studies. However, they should not exceed 20 hours a week of work during regular study periods. Students from outside the EU can work while they study if they get a work permit, which requires a job offer from an employer in Italy. Processing times for the work permit vary between regions but average around two months.
What alumni have said about studying in Italy
Here is what former Beyond Abroad students have said about their semester abroad in Italy:
“I chose to go to Italy because I saw so many beautiful pictures that I just couldn’t resist. Now that I’m here, it’s even better than I expected it to be. Sardinia is such a wonderful place.” – Camille from Belgium.
“Living in Sardinia for a year was truly the best decision of my life. Sardinia is filled with beautiful beaches, good food and fun people. Sardinia is the perfect place to go for a new experience that will be an adventure. There is always something to do on this island. Cagliari as a city feels bigger than it is and is filled with culture and beautiful architecture. There are many different English courses to choose from which are not to demanding. A perfect combination of studying and relaxing. I would recommend anyone who’s thinking about going to Italy to go!” – Filippa from Sweden.
Are you interested to study abroad in Italy? Click here to find out more!
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