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Italy is a long peninsula shaped like a boot, surrounded on the west by the Tyrrhenian Sea and on the east by the Adriatic Sea. It is bounded by France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia to the north. The Apennine Mountains form the peninsula's backbone; the Alps form its northern boundary.

Modern Italy is a parliamentary republic. It has been ranked as the world's 25th most-developed country and its Quality-of-life Index was ranked in the world's top ten in 2005. Italy enjoys a very high standard of living partially because of a high GDP per capita and a high public education level.

Italy is a country located in Europe, just south of Austria and France on what is known as the Italian Peninsula. It is surrounded on all sides by the Mediterranean Sea. Points of interest to visitors include the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Amalfi Coast, Lake Garda, and many art museums and points of interest involving the rich culture Italy is known for.

In addition, Italy is known for wine tasting, a favorite pastime of travelers who like to visit and tour the many vineyards along the highways and roads of Italy. Rome is the capital of Italy and is a frequently toured city.

There is both history and modern convenience in Rome and much to see at any time of the year.

Climate in Italy
The climate in Italy is vastly different, depending upon the area you are residing. The north can have cold frigid winters and extremely hot summers. In the southern part, fall, spring, and summer seem to blend together and vary little. Central Italy is milder and more average throughout the year.

Society
The family is the center of the society in Italy. Heavily influenced by the Roman Catholic Church, the Italian people are generally religious (88% are of Catholic belief at the last census). In addition, Italians put a lot of emphasis on clothing so it is a good idea to dress as nicely as possible. That aside, it is a friendly place to live and work and attend school.

Cost of Living
The cost of living is varied, depending upon where you live. There is a mix of different types of housing in Italy, from large dwellings to flats, and some families live with their extended families in one house.

Health Insurance
Italy offers many health plans and if you take up residence in Italy, you and your family may qualify for free benefits. There are online quotes you can get free of charge to see if you qualify.

Higher Education in Italy

Article 34 of the Constitution of Italy guarantees an individual's right to pursue higher education at a university or college. The Italian university system is highly specialized and very competitive. They have 42 state universities, six private universities, three technical schools, and twelve specialized universities.

Why Study in Italy?

A course of study in Italy would enrich someone with its unique atmosphere and access to many of the finer things of life, including art, music, wine-making, and many others. With their highly specialized course areas geared toward a specific field, you are bound to get the educational background you need to carry your career goals a step further.

Colleges and Universities

Colleges and universities in Italy are influenced heavily by the arts and humanities culture. There is the Academy of Fine Arts in Venice, Cesare Pollini Conservatory of Music, and the Polytechnic University of Bari, which is focused more on technology and technical engineering skills. There are many more to choose from with a variety of course offerings in various fields.

Academic Year

The first semester typically starts in September/October and ends in Jan/Feb. The second term usually begins in February or January and goes through May or early June.

Tuition Fees and Length of Study

Tuition and fees vary depending on the school you are attending. But you will find an affordable solution to meet your needs with so many schools to choose from. In general, most courses cost €850 - €1,000 per year.

Bachelor's degrees take around four years to complete, including the basic course requirements and extra curriculum requirements to complete the degree. The degrees are highly specialized and the courses prepare one well for their chosen field.

International Students

There are many opportunities for international students to study in Italy. Students from abroad are welcome to explore the possibilities and see what would be to their liking. There are also student exchange programs, whereby international students may study under an exchange agreement, under the authorization of the European Community Socrates Erasmus program. Other students may attend under the authorization of a bilateral agreement between an Italian university and a host school.

One of the key differences between studying in Italy and other countries is that most exams are oral.

There are many career and research opportunities available, upon completion of a degree from an Italian university. Law students may go on to pursue a career in a legal institution or practice as a lawyer. People in the humanities and arts may use their talents in many areas, including many of the artistic productions so prevalent in Italy.

Depending upon the specific area of study and the need, students who graduate from an Italian school will be ready to meet the demands of a changing society.

Student Visas

Students from abroad are welcome to come to Italy to study, but they are required to carry a student visa or passport and all the required documentation. In addition, the documentation may be required to be registered at the local police station. The most important thing about visas is to make sure you have the right type. Before entering your chosen school, check on the school's website for more information about which type you need. Registration can be made at the nearest Italian embassy or consulate.

Useful Tips

Italy is a beautiful country that holds many wonderful and unique artistic finds. Education in Italy is unique and very focused. Visas are required but are fairly easy to obtain. People in Italy are very family-oriented and artistic-minded. Getting an education in Italy goes beyond the walls of the classroom and into the artistic world of the arts and culture. Studying in Italy is an experience you will never forget.