1. It’s a mecca for international students.

Italy has long been a hotspot for international students with tens of thousands flocking to this picturesque peninsula every year to study at leading schools such as Fondazione Alma Mater, Rome Business School, Free University of Bozen Bolzan, University of Parma, University of Trieste, University of Siena. On a University Magazine ranking of the top study abroad destinations for U.S. students, Italy claimed the second spot behind the UK, beating Spain, France, Germany, Ireland, China, Australia, Costa Rica, and Japan. In fact, more than ten percent of US students who studied abroad in 2017 – 2018 did so in Italy.

2. You can learn Italian.

Not only is Italian the official language of Italy, it is also the official language of parts of Switzerland. Italian is also an official language of the European Union and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. Heralded as the most romantic of the romance languages, Italian is the world’s most studied language for both culture and pleasure. Due to Italy’s rich culture and history, Italian is an invaluable language for lovers of art history, literature, archaeology, philosophy, music, food, fashion and design, and more. If you are hoping to work in one of these fields, fluency in Italian can be a major selling point with employers.

3. A wide range of Italian degrees are taught in English.

If you are fluent in Italian or hoping to become so, studying in Italy makes great sense. Italy is also a great international study spot for English speakers thanks to the preponderance of English language coursework. Cities like Florence, Rome, and Siena, in particular, are known for universities which offer extensive English-language programming.

4. Its academic offerings shine across many disciplines.

When we think of Italy, we often think of arts, fashion, design and culture, and with good reason. Italy lays claim to many of the world’s most famous fashion and design brands, with a history of leadership in art and architecture dating back centuries. Studies in Italy are particularly strong in these areas, with many top design and fashion schools located in the country, including IED, Istituto Europeo di Design, which has schools in Milan, Cagliari, Como, Florence, Rome, Turin, and Venice. Whether you want to study accessory design or luxury goods marketing, you will find a program covering it.

5. Its higher education system shines.

There are nearly 100 universities throughout Italy, as well as many specialized institutions which fall under the auspices of its higher education sector. A total of 30 universities were included in 2019’s QS World University Rankings, including 12 in the top 500. Some of Italy’s most prestigious universities date back centuries, and have spent those years training the world’s greatest leaders and scholars.

6. The culture and the cuisine

Considered the birthplace of Western civilization, Italy is also known as a “cultural superpower”, so much so that it’s a perennial top finisher on US News & World Report’s Cultural Influence Rankings, which measure seven attributes relating to a country’s cultural influence.

In addition to boasting a rich legacy of art, architecture, literature, music, sculpture, theater, science and technology, and style, Italy has the world’s largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as well as more than 3,000 museums. According to Charles Abbot’s Italy, a full half of the world’s great art treasures are located in this boot-shaped peninsula.

7. It’s relatively affordable.

While international students do not have access to tuition-free higher education, tuition fees do tend to be affordable, especially at public universities. Additionally, scholarship funding is available both through the government and individual universities.