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Study Abroad in Italy

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Why Study in Italy? Per L’Amore de L’Italia

Do you dream of visiting a place where life slows down to a comfortable pace? Where people make time to stop and talk to friends, acquaintances, and the people they run into every day? An environment that isn’t “hustle-bustle” or revolved around cell phones? Do you imagine yourself relaxed, laughing and enjoying everyday life? Sounds like you belong in Italy.

A stunning view of Florence, Italy by Troy Peden

A Cultural Fountain. From the days when kings and queens ruled Italy, it has been a central birthplace of Western culture. It is the home to some of the most famous figures throughout history. From Dante Alighieri, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Vivaldi — to Federico Fellini, Gianni Versace, Isabella Rossellini, and Mario Andretti — Italians have made world-changing contributions to arts, sciences, and sports.

The Birth of a Great Nation. As a place to study abroad, Italy is one of the most culturally significant countries you could choose. Its global influence began long ago when the foundations of the Roman Empire, the Roman Catholic Church, and the Renaissance movement took hold. The Roman Empire has rooted itself into human history, casting a worldwide influence on government structure, the arts, architecture, and more in many current civilizations. With the conversion to Christianity in 312 by Emperor Constantine, the Roman Catholic Church assumed control of the Roman Empire, unifying Europe. Italy was the central hub to European art during the Renaissance, the “golden age” that churned out innovations and masterpieces. By the 15th century, an astounding number of Italian architects, painters, and sculptors were creating artworks that have remained famous throughout the centuries. Later, in the Baroque era, Italy housed the “era of genius,” with scientists such as Galileo Galilei revolutionizing the foundations of science.

Italiano, La Lengua Del Amor. This Romance language is the closest to Latin of all the active languages. Italian is not only the official language for Italy, but also for the Republic of San Marino. It’s one of the four official languages in Switzerland, and the primary language for Vatican City. However, a critical part of speaking Italian is using the principal element of hand gestures. Italians are a very expressive people, and their gestures are an extension of the spoken language. If you study abroad in Italy, you will notice before your first week is over that natives of all ages will be deep in conversation with someone, throwing their arms all around the place. As you observe, make sure to find key words that are used when they make specific gestures. Before you know it, you will be doing it too!

L'Arte Più Bella. If you enjoy classical and majestic art pieces, studying abroad in Italy is an absolute must. The history of Italian art is also the history of Western art. It spans Etruscan, Roman, Medieval (Byzantine and Gothic), and Renaissance art styles, and its influence continues into today’s society. There are hundreds of art museums throughout Italy. Some must-sees for the artistic soul are the Vatican in Vatican City; Galleria degli Uffizi and Galleria dell’Accademia in Florence; Galleria Borghese and Castel Sant’Angelo in Rome; and Palazzo Ducale in Venice. If museums aren’t your thing, just walk around! Italy has done a fantastic job at preserving its ancient architecture and outdoor art. You will find hidden gems at every turn.

In Vino Veritas. You simply cannot go to Italy and not taste the wine. No, really — you can’t. Wine is served at every meal, including breakfast. Home to some of the best and oldest wine-producing regions in the world, Italy has even surpassed France as the world’s largest wine producer.

Effortless Chic. Elegance is in the Italian blood. Italy is known for its share of legendary fashion designers and design houses including Gianni Versace, Elsa Schiaparelli, Giorgio Armani, Mario Prada, Guccio Gucci, Fendi, Dolce & Gabbana, and Emilio Pucci. The Italian fashion industry is one of the country’s most important and powerful manufacturing sectors. This is a nation that cherishes and idolizes appearances. If you can’t step off the plane looking fabulous, a stint in Italy should sort out your style. Ask locals for the names of up-and-coming designers — a garment you bought on a semester abroad in Italy, from a little-known designer, could be worth a fortune one day!

A Convenient Booting-Off Point. The Italian peninsula is very convenient for students looking to travel. The train system is efficient and reliable, and you can travel anywhere within Italy for a day trip, or to other European countries within a matter of hours.

Mangia! Italian food is regarded as the most popular cuisine in the world, made up of traditional dishes and ingredients such as pasta, pizza, focaccia, lasagna, risotto, gnocchi, polenta, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, gelato, and more. If you have checked off everything on this list as something you have tried already, uncheck it all before you study abroad in Italy! The food you probably know as Italian cuisine, in many cases, tastes very different than the delectable dishes you will enjoy in Italy. Food is almost a religion there. Italians put a great deal of time, care, attention, and emotion into preparing and eating their meals. Lunch is the most important meal of the day and a sandwich will not satisfy. A real meal must consist of pasta, a main dish, and a salad. Meals are never hurried! So, prepare yourself for long afternoons spent truly savoring and enjoying all of the different delicacies of this beautiful place.

Vivere una vita bella, vivere in Italia: Live a good life, living in Italy!

Valerie Bordelon

Author - Valerie Bordelon studied abroad in Florence, Italy during the Fall 2011 semester. She studied International Business, Fashion, Italian Wine, and Tuscan Culinary Cuisine during her stay. She has an unprecedented passion for this country and culture, and hopes to return as soon as time permits.

Italian Foods: Myths And Must Eats

The most difficult part about dining in Italy is deciding which dish to choose out of the many delicious offerings on the menu. The country and food have become synonymous, but the country has much more to offer than pasta and tomato sauce (you’ll never hear the term spaghetti sauce in Italy). Italy is home to some of the most celebrated cuisines in the world. However, for those experiencing true Italian food for the first time, the menu may be surprising. While looking down the list of dishes, it becomes quickly apparent that there is no fettuccini alfredo, chicken parmesan, spaghetti and meatballs, or greasy slices of thin crust pizza.

Gelato, Rome, Italy. Photo Courtesy of Alessio Damato on Wikimedia

The dishes most people from the United States would refer to as “Italian food” are actually very Americanized versions or simply not found in Italy at all. Instead, Italians eat meat as a separate course from the pasta course, heavy dishes such as alfredo and the breaded and smothered parmesan-style are never seen, and pizza pie piled high is reserved for America.

What you can expect is delicious seasonal food that is usually locally grown. In fact, the cuisine varies in each region of Italy. While traveling across the country, in addition to a sample of the region’s wine, be sure to check out the local specialties.

When In Rome (Roma)

A pasta dish particularly unique to Rome is cacio e pepe. This pasta dish is very simple, but mouthwatering. Its ingredients are pasta, cheese, and grated black pepper. Rome is also known for its Jewish neighborhood that offers amazing fried artichokes.

Pizza In Naples (Napoli)

While pizza is delicious everywhere in Italy, nowhere takes it more seriously than its birthplace. The city actually has an organization that provides authenticity certifications to pizzerias if they meet the stringent code. True Napoles pizza has some telling characteristics that should be looked for when choosing a slice. A true pie is cooked in a wood fire oven and will have a speckled crust created by the darker areas where bubbles have popped. Plus, the center is usually soupy from sauce and juices. Contrary to American varieties, toppings are used sparingly. The crust is treated as the lead character and will never be smothered by layer upon layer of extras. Pick from one of the many amazing pizzerias sprinkled throughout the historic city center and start with the classic Margherita then work your way through the selections.

Prosciutto In Parma

While prosciutto is available throughout Italy, it is best enjoyed straight from the source. This thinly sliced, dry-cured but uncooked ham is often served wrapped around melon slices and used as an accompaniment. If you are lucky enough to spend the fall in Italy be sure to attend the annual prosciutto festival, Festival del Prosciutto di Parma, and see the local treat in all its forms plus learn about its history and production.

Cannoli In Sicily (Sicilia)

Searching for something sweet? Then try a Sicilian Cannoli. This crispy pastry tube is filled with creamy ricotta cheese, in place of the custard typically used in the American version. They often include additional toppings such as nuts or dried fruit. They are especially easy to find during Sicily’s carnival season.

Risotto In Milan (Milano)

Risotto alla Milanese is a saffron risotto whose creamy goodness will fill you up and delight the taste buds. The rice is cooked slowly in broth until the two nearly combine then cheese and seasonings are added. It is traditionally made with ox marrow but may be made with butter as well.

Other “Must Eats”

Some things just must be tried and it doesn’t matter where in Italy you are. There are certain dishes that simply cannot be replicated outside of this tasty country.

Suppli

These fried balls of risotto can be called suppli, arancini, or palline di riso. Often the rice is cooked in tomato sauce and wrapped around mozzarella before being deep-fried. They sometimes contain vegetables, meat, or both. Filling and affordable, expect to find them in most pizzerias as an appetizer.

Espresso

This dark beverage is important to the Italian diet and very delicious. Un caffé (a shot of espresso) is served a variety of ways that could include a side of chocolate or a glass of water. Don’t believe the myth that espresso is more caffeinated than a cup of coffee in the United States. One shot of espresso is equivalent to a cup of American coffee in terms of caffeine content. While there is more caffeine per ounce in espresso, you probably won’t be ordering an eight ounce cup. Drinking espresso is a quick experience. The beverage is served warm, but not too hot to drink. Patrons order their drink at the bar standing and gulp it down in one or two sips before running off to work.

Gelato

Don’t forget this creamy delight. There are actually differences between gelato and ice cream. Gelato contains less fat but is more dense and seems creamier because it is churned at a lower speed. Try eating a different flavor of gelato at a different gelateria once a day every day. You will find the regular flavors like chocolate and vanilla as well as some oddities such as licorice, apricot, and rice. The options are almost limitless and it will be a long time before they are exhausted.

Brittany Rock

Author - Brittany holds a BA in International Communication with a minor in Italian from American University. In college, she spent a semester studying in Rome, Italy. She began interning and then working at a high school study abroad nonprofit upon her return. Brittany also volunteers to facilitate orientations for exchange students and provide mentoring.

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One-Year Course: Programs of Art, Design, Crafts

Accademia Riaci, is a Professional Art & Design School located in the historical centre of Florence, since 1983. The school offers unique, quality, undergraduate art & design courses in various majors for emerging artists. Lessons are taught directly by qualified, leading...
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Study Abroad in Florence, Italy

Study Abroad in Florence, Italy Florence is a city of momentous change - but also a city that retains its ancient character and legacy. It is a city of paradox. Endlessly fascinating, it is a perfect place to study, learn, and live. Known for its art treasures and history, the city's story dates back to the Roman Empire. The powerful Medici princes led Florence into the Renaissance by the...