What better way to kick your summer and studies into gear than by spending your summer abroad in Italy?! Try on a new boot and kick your boring summers to the curb. By spending a summer studying abroad in Italy, you’ll get ahead with your studies AND become a pasta expert (you’ve gotta use your noodle in more ways than one, #amiright?). From sparkling seas to serene sunrises and fishing villages to historic cities, you’ll fall head over heels in love with Italy. Be like a gladiator and take charge of your summer break by studying in Italy—after all, when you’re here, you’re family.
Why Spend Summer Abroad in Italy
Italy in the summer is positively overflowing with everything you could ever want with a short-term study abroad program, all under the Tuscan sun. You can experience the numerous Italian beaches AND summer festivals AND get ahead in your studies. Plus, you won’t need a visa because you’ll be visiting for fewer than 90 days! From arts to architecture and philosophy to photography, you’ll have no trouble finding courses that meet your education requirements and tickle your fancy.
Figurati—no worries—the majority of summer study abroad programs in Italy offer courses in English (or Italian). While you’re here, you might as well productively immerse yourself in the Latin-based romance language. Engaging with locals, taking classes, and being fully committed to using your newfound (or further developed) Italian skills will serve you well, both while abroad and beyond. With smaller classes and one-on-one time with the professors, you’ll be able to order an aperitivo in no time at all. Speaking the native tongue among the locals will earn you some serious cannoli points!
Locations
With a backpack full of notebooks, a bellini in one hand, and a cup of gelato in the other, you’ll experience la dolce vita wherever you go!
Rome. You’ll love the comfortable Mediterranean climate during your summer study abroad in Italy! This capital city oozes ancient art and architecture, and on your class excursions, you’ll visit the Sistine Chapel, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Coliseum, and that’s just the beginning! After filling your noggin with Italian trivia, you and your peers will bathe in the sun at the outdoor markets and cool off with some wine tasting. Then go for a stroll in Tivoli’s maze of gardens and fountains or party “Along the Tiber” to see the art and performances of this riverfront summer festival.
Florence—the birthplace of the Renaissance and Gucci and the home of wine-rich hills. Your class excursions could include tours of the Galleria degli Uffizi, Museo del Bargello, or the Palazzo Vecchio in this romantic city. Round up your new friends from class and soak up Florence’s cultural wealth at one of the summer festivals. Immerse yourself in football and fireworks on Patron Saint Feast Day or surround yourself with music and theatre at the Sesto d’Estate Festival and the Estate Fiesolana.
Located in northeastern Italy and made up of over 100 small islands lies the city of Venice. This city of canals will cast a spell on you with its artistic treasures and marble palaces that will serve as your outdoor classroom. Breathe the sea air on a gondola ride, tour the Gallerie dell’Accademia, and relax on the beach at Lido. Experience one of the best summer festivals, the Festa del Redentore, which annually celebrates the end of the plague from 1576. With herds of boats in the lagoon between St. Mark’s, San Giorgio, the Punta della Dogana, and the Giudecca, food and drink galore, and fireworks of every color lighting the sky, you won’t want to miss this festive activity in Italy in the summer!
Tips for Summer Study in Italy
If you want to talk the talk and walk the walk like an Italian, keep in mind these few tips for your short time here. The summers in Italy can get as hot as 90 degrees Fahrenheit and as cool as 65 degrees Fahrenheit depending on where you are, so you’ll either be slathering on sunscreen or cozying up in a light sweater—pack accordingly. While you may be tempted to wear tank tops because of the warm weather, be sure to cover up and dress appropriately for religious sites and ristorantes. Oh, and don’t forget your sunglasses for your outdoor activities.
You’ll be walking almost everywhere you go, especially in the cities and on the university grounds, so bring a good pair of shoes or rent a bike to see the sights (or get to class on time!). Public transportation is another option, but keep in mind you’ll run into some heavy crowds and probably end up making silent promises to yourself to better appreciate elbow room in the future.
The Italian Riviera, the seaside villages, the miles and miles of sunflower patches. Italian summers are a dream best served with sorbet. Hop on a train to venture towards neighboring cities or countries, but be sure to prioritize slowing down and really “living” in your Italian summer study abroad destination.
Summer Abroad Scholarships in Italy
Summer is a busy tourist season in Italy, so the cost of airfare and activities will likely be higher than usual. Thankfully, a short-term summer abroad program in Italy will generally cost less than a full semester. A couple of summer study abroad scholarships are listed below, but “euro” bound to find something!
- Study Abroad Europe offers an Academic Study Abroad Scholarship for the summer ranging from $250 to $1000. You’ll need to be accepted into the program, have at least a 3.0 GPA, a letter of recommendation, and a personal essay to apply.
- CEA provides several summer study abroad scholarships based on need, merit, and diversity. The scope of the scholarships fall between $500 to $1000.
- API awards thousands of dollars every year to students from all backgrounds. API’s scholarships range from $200 to $750. April 1st is the the deadline for the majority of the summer scholarships, so don’t be late for this very important date!
After earning a couple of scholarships, you’ll be able to splurge a “latte” in no time ;-). Your head might be spinning from all of the available scholarships, but your hard work will minimize the expenses in the end. Details, details, details—always be mindful of the qualifications, requirements, and deadlines! For the scoop on all of the available summer study abroad scholarships in Italy, inquire the program coordinator and visit GoAbroad.com’s Scholarship Directory.
Benefits & Challenges
While your time may be short in Italy, the benefits you gain from your summer abroad will be lengthy. You’ll break through cultural barriers, develop your Italian, make lifelong friends, and more. You’ll not only get on top of your studies by partaking in a nontraditional educational experience, but you will gain skills that will make you stand out on your resume to employers. Whatever your degree may be, you will be hella marketable in your field of choice.
Because you’ll be visiting Italy in the summer, you’ll run into lots of touristy crowds and long lines at cultural hotspots wherever you go. Keep an eye on your valuables to avoid theft! If you want to avoid large crowds, ask your professors when the best time is to explore the famous landmarks (and lesser-known sights). You’ll also experience a language barrier when you’re exploring, so knowing some Italian will help you navigate the cobblestoned streets.
Break the college norms, master the art of twirling pasta on your fork, and relish in the joy of life that flows freely from your new experiences studying abroad in Italy summer 2017.
