Thinking of studying abroad in Italy but not sure where? Whether choosing a university-based program or an independent experience, here is a roundup of the best programs plus several important considertions before immersing yourself in the Bel Paese.

Set your study abroad objectives

First ask yourself why you’re going to study abroad in Italy. Is it to spend some time with a fellow classmate or boyfriend? To learn the language? To study a specialized subject or a specific region? To see as much of Italy as possible and/or travel to other countries?

Pick a location in Italy that fits your needs. A fashion designer might find it more advantageous to study in Milan even though the Tuscan hills are breathtaking. An architectural student may benefit more from being in Rome than a small town.

Shelley Ruelle, former Director of the Accent International Rome Study Center, believes the students who enjoy their time best in Italy “keep their expectations fairly neutral, meaning that rather than trying to adapt the experience to what they might have expected, they accept the experience.”

Italy is unashamedly itself and changes for no one. The little quirks and traditions that might have been amusing to you as a tourist in Italy can be frustrating to a resident. It is best to pick a place where you’ll benefit the most and adapt yourself rather than ask Italy to change while you are studying there.

Immerse yourself in the country and the language

Once you’re there, you will have to seek out opportunities to learn and enjoy your new country. You may not have had a choice where to study, but wherever you are in Italy, you can really immerse yourself in the la dolce vita.

Have Italian at Hand.

Bring a small dictionary with you and keep it in your pocket wherever you go. Try to speak the language and you will see that people will respond to you. Be patient when someone doesn’t understand you the first or second time you say something. Keep trying and speak Italian. YOU are the guest in their country.

Go Solo.

Don’t always rely on fellow classmates to explore the city or where you’re studying. Strike out on your own sometimes. Not only will you discover new things, you’ll rely only on yourself to comprehend and be understood. Gather knowledge and experiences by yourself and then seek to share with others what you learn during your stay.

Live like a local.

Italians like seeing a familiar face. If you enjoy a morning cappuccino, take an extra few minutes to ask a question or two to the barista. Buy your bus ticket from the same Tabaccheria or fruit from the same fruttivendolo so you can start a relationship with some of the locals. Every phrase you offer, even if incorrect, will open up a new conversation and opportunity to speak the language and learn. Click here for more tips on living like a local.

Get Involved.

Ask your professors or check English language publications and websites for opportunities to volunteer, meet people or join a sports group. Even watching the game every Wednesday or Sunday may open you up to a new group of people. Taking part in local celebrations and holidays is also a great way to show you’re interested and meet locals.

Make an Exchange.

Find a language exchange with an Italian. Many schools will have Italian teachers that they recommend, or you can put up some flyers at the local high school or university for a language exchange, or answer an ad yourself. English language publications are again a great source of exchange requests for finding someone in your area.

Ask Away.

A sure way to get a lot of conversation and opinions is to ask questions about the town itself – favorite places to eat, information about historical landmarks. Italians love to talk and complaining is sometimes considered a national pastime.

Where to Study

Bologna

Home to one of Europe’s oldest universities, Bologna is considered THE Italian university town by Italians. A constant flow of Italian and international students keeps the city young and vibrant, while its size remains small enough so that you’re not fighting for sidewalk space with the tourists. English will be useful for you to interact with international students, but you’ll need to use Italian when off the main streets of the city. You’ll find plenty of language exchange partners as students in Italy are really interested in learning and speaking English.

Food is wonderful in the Emilia-Romagna region, home of tortellini, prosciutto di Parma and many other delicious Italian essentials. Bologna’s position in Italy is central and you’re only a direct train ride away from most of Italy as well as Europe.

University programs:

Bologna.

Rome

Romans are notoriously proud of their city. Living there, you too will become proud of the vast amount of architectural history and beauty that surrounds you. Ancient ruins are tucked back in alleyways and the very cobblestones the Vespas bounce over have a story of their own. English is spoken widely enough that you’ll be able to get by with basic Italian and a mix of English, but there are many areas of the city where only Italian is spoken and they should be discovered!

If you’re not used to big city life, you may feel a bit lost in Rome, which has several million people moving in and around it daily. There is a lot of traffic and getting around the city can sometimes be unpredictable and time-consuming. If you go out in the center, you may find more tourists and students than Italians. Rome is closer to very interesting parts of the country like Puglia, Campania, and Sicily.

Universities / Programs in Rome:

Torre Vergata (appears Italian only)

Florence

Florence is the most popular destination for students and it’s obvious why. It has the right combination of natural beauty, rich history and a small-town feeling that remains quintessentially Italy. You’ll meet a lot of fellow students as potential partners for exploring the city and you can share that cappuccino after 11am without any reproving glances.

Other Study Abroad Options in Italy

Milan is best known as being the fashion capital of Italy, and according to some, the world. While it’s not renown for lush green hills or sunny coasts, it has its own appeal, especially for fashion or design students and is well-connected to explore the rest of Europe.

University Programs:

University of Milan

Politecnico

University of Bocconi

La Cattolica

Siena and Perugia are both small yet charming little towns in central Italy that have international student populations and many specializing in language. Pavia is located just outside of Milan and students make up almost 1/3 of the population. Arezzo is a small town close enough to Florence to return often, and far enough away that you feel you’re deep in Tuscany. Genova is along the beautiful Italian Riviera and you can make weekend trips to Cinque Terre or Nice. Naples, a large coastal town is a favorite for students but chronic bureaucracy and mafia problems make it a choice for the not faint-of-heart.

Final Preparation Tips

Wherever you stay you’ll have Italy’s train system available to you, which means that you’re never without a means to see the country. Explore and map out potential trips online before leaving since train schedules in Italy are set for an entire calendar year.

Get a head start on your study abroad and familiarize yourself with basic Italian phrases and start making lists of what to do and see before you leave. Browse as many guide books in bookstores and websites as you can for ideas and make a master list to consult when you need inspiration.

Community Connection

Before you go, connect with these matador community members. Katiebas is in Rome, along with Fillipo, who can help you organize tours. Julianne is in Venice. And you can find many more matador travelers in other places around Italy by visiting here

Photo by Kresta King Cutcher

Alexis Wolff explores the most unique and exciting study abroad opportunities on the African continent.

A decade ago, simply deciding to study abroad in Africa assured that your experience would be unique. Today, with growing interest in the continent and more study abroad options than ever, those seeking an experience different from their classmates also need to pick the right program. Here are some to consider:

Equatorial Guinea – Arcadia University’s Bioko Island Program

What better place to learn about sustainable development and conservation than on a tropical island in the Gulf of Guinea? In addition to intensive academic coursework and extensive field study with experts at the National University of Equatorial Guinea, students give back to the host community through various service learning opportunities, including teaching ESL or working in a clinic.

Kenya – The School for Field Studies’ Wildlife Management Studies Program

This is no ordinary semester in Kenya. Students don’t live at universities in Nairobi but instead in thatched-roof bandas at three different bush camps in geographical regions at various stages of development. Learn about elephant ecology, interview local Maasai about conservation priorities and assist the Kenya Wildlife Service in a number of field research projects. Students also have the opportunity to complete direct research of their own.

Niger – Boston University’s Niamey International Development Program

In addition to classroom studies of development, language and society, all students complete an individual community service placement that examines Niger’s culture and ongoing development efforts.

Past students have worked at a non-profit dedicated to free and fair elections, volunteered at an orphanage and apprenticed with a Tuareg silversmith.

South Africa – CIEE’s Service Learning Program in Cape Town

Education takes place not only on the campus of the University of Cape Town but also in the townships in and around the city where students volunteer. Past community service placements have included a mobile clinic and a youth advocacy non-profit. Students complete a final project based on the service they have performed.

photo by Kresta King Cutcher

Tunisia – Popular Culture & Globalization in the Arab World

This new program based in Tunis allows students to study popular culture through the lens of diverse media in the Arab world.

Living with host families, students complete seven weeks of coursework before a four-week independent project.

Sample topics include Bluetooth and dating, Arab reality TV, homosexuality in Islam and malls and social change.

This is just a sampling of the many exciting opportunities for students to experience Africa. Talk to your university’s study abroad office about other programs, find a good travel insurance policy, and go for it! A semester abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Make yours count.

Community Connection!

Becky Timbers is a photographer currently working on a cruise ship in Baja who participated in the Kenya Field Studies program a couple years ago.

Did you study abroad in Africa? Wondering if you should? Please leave a comment below!

photo by – Nick –

Spain is one of the most diverse countries in Europe. Though Castilian is the official language, there are several spoken languages as well as regional dialects. These differences are only a part of what to consider while figuring out where to study.

Madrid

Madrid is the capital, and as such is a cosmopolitan city with a great metro system, food at all hours, entertainment, and what many argue is the best nightlife in Europe.

Madrid has undergone huge changes in the last decade. As it has increasingly become a center of business in Europe and a premiere destination for travelers from all over the world, Madrid has lost some of it’s authentic Spanish charm and it has gotten a lot more expensive. This is not all bad of course, depending on what you’re looking for.

Just in the last five years, many of the tiny coffee shops that once served whiskey and coffee side by side and were adorned with legs of Jamon on the walls have been replaced by sleek new restaurants and bars. This has made the nightlife and general experience of going out in Madrid more colorful and diverse than ever. Madrid is also the most convenient place to get flights and trains, which, if you plan on doing a lot of travel while you study abroad, is something to take into account.

Barcelona

Barcelona, or “BCN” as it is commonly referred to by locals and expats, is another cosmopolitan city with a great nightlife and the unique culture of Catalan. Barcelona is known for its colorful party lifestyle and is sprinkled with impressive art and architecture from Antonio Gaudí and many other legendary innovators.

It is perhaps an even more popular tourist destination than Madrid which makes it a constantly-churning melting pot of people, languages, and cultures. With that however, comes crime and theft. Walking around by yourself at night, especially drunk, is a bad idea.

Las Ramblas, the big strip where people go to hang out, is a cool place, but can be dangerous; opportunists lurk in many of the city’s hot spots hoping to catch someone slipping. You need to keep your eyes open at all times and your hands on your valuables. Barcelona also has some great beaches that can be reached easily via metro, bike, or on foot.

photo by eduardpitt

One important thing to note regarding studying Spanish in Barcelona is that Castillano (the Spanish most people learn in high school and college in the US), is not the dominant language of Barcelona. Most locals in BCN speak Catalan, which is quite different from Castillano. If you want to learn Spanish that you can use elsewhere–especially in Latin America, make sure your program offers courses in Castillano.

Sevilla

Considered by many as the capital of Andalucia, Sevilla is a center of well-preserved Spanish culture. The summers are blistering hot, as Andalucia almost touches Northern Africa, but the hot nights tend to inspire people to go out. With over 4,000 bars, Sevilla boasts the most bars per person of any European city. A great nightlife is guaranteed and many of the restaurants serve some of Spain’s tastiest traditional cuisine.

Considered by many as the capital of Andalucia, Sevilla is a center of well-preserved Spanish culture.

Sevilla has a good bus system and is currently building a tram that will connect the city and the surrounding suburbs with above ground and subway cars. In addition, because Sevilla isn’t as large or crowded as Madrid or Barcelona, it’s cheaper. At a local bar in Madrid, a beer might cost anywhere from 4-6 Euro; in Sevilla it’s 2-4.

Sevilla also has great festivals throughout the year. Semana Santa (Holy Week) and Fería de Abril, are in close proximity for a reason: after a week of holy processions, the Sevillanos get wild for Fería. Full of friendly people, and situated next to a beautiful river, Sevilla is solid choice for the study abroad student looking for balance of parties and authentic Spanish culture. Madrid can be reached pretty easily for a weekend by taking a high-speed train called the AVE. It takes 3 hours and costs $50 USD one-way.

Granada

This small city in the Sierra Nevada mountains was the former capital of the Ottomans and Ferdinand and Isabel. At first you will find it hard to understand people. Words are clipped and colloquialisms dominate the dialect. However, if you can master the language here, no matter where you go in the Spanish speaking world, you should be able to understand what’s being said.

This small city in the Sierra Nevada mountains was the former capital of the Ottomans and Ferdinand and Isabel.

Granada has a law that says with any purchase of a beer you are entitled to free plate of tapas, so if you’re short on cash you can just head to the bar. This phenomenon has made Granada the Spanish capital of tapas and one can drink and eat for hours jumping from one bar to the next.

Due to it’s close proximity to N. Africa and large Moroccan population, Granada has some of the best kebabs in Spain. It is also home to another treasure: La Alhambra. This fortress and palace complex left by the Moorish monarchs is one of the most impressive tourist attractions I’ve ever visited and should not be missed–regardless of where you study in Spain.

Salamanca

Salamanca is a typical college town; most of the people there are between the ages of 18-35. The nightlife is fantastic. Only a short bus ride from Madrid, Salamanca can be pretty cold in the winter and boiling hot in the summer. It’s a great place to study abroad because of the Intercambio program offered at the university. Students will speak part of the time in Spanish and part of the time in English, thus privately tutoring each other.

Oviedo

Oviedo, located in northern Spain, can be very cold in the winters and warm but not too hot in the summer. Tourism in the city is minimal, and you’ll have to speak Spanish to survive. Getting thrown into this environment can be intimidating, but it’s the fast-track to fluency, and can be made easier when you arrange a study / homestay program such as the one offered by Eurolingua.

San Sebastián

San Sebastián, located just south of France, on Spain’s northeastern coast, has just over 180,000 people, making for a cozy atmosphere and a laid-back way of life. It’s known for some of the best surfing in Spain. IHSpain offers a combined surfing and Spanish program.The city is located in the Basque region, and it’s necessary to learn a little Euskadi (the Basque language), to read the street signs.

Valencia

photo by icanteachyouhowtodoi t

Valencia is a large beach city. The locals speak a dialect of Catalan. In March, Las Fallas, a huge festival, brings people from all over Europe. Valencia will pretty much shut down for the festival. Every day will be filled with drinking, dancing, and singing. At the end of the festival, all of the floats (made of paper mache and some of which rise 70 ft tall) are burnt to the ground. No matter where you study in Spain, try to make it to the last weekend of Fallas. It is like no other party on Earth.

Which Program is Right for You?

There are hundreds of independent study abroad programs available if you aren’t going through your home university. Programs range in difficulty, price, and options, such as staying in an apartment with other students or living with a host family. One of the best programs available is Academic Programs International. API offers the same services and excursions as other programs, but it’s much cheaper. One semester with API will cost a little less than $9,000. With that in mind, if you go to an expensive school, you stand to save a lot of money by studying abroad with API. Another good program is International Studies Abroad. Like API, ISA has programs throughout Spain, offering placement, student assistance, and excursions. A semester with ISA will cost a little over $9,000.

For more information, contact these Matador Experts on Spain: