The 4 Best Cities to Study Abroad in Italy
The 4 Best Cities to Study Abroad in Italy
You certainly can’t go wrong when deciding to study abroad in Italy. It’s situated on the Mediterranean coastline, boasting ideal year-round temperatures, and breathtaking views from the vineyards to the beaches. Hello, southern European sunshine!
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While all those saucy carbs and mountains of gelato are a given no matter what Italian city you dub your future temporary home, we’re highlighting four stand-out destinations that’ll make your Italian study abroad experience an unforgettable one.
FLORENCE
Home of the Renaissance, the pulsating aura of art, history, and culinary masterpiece make Florence a top choice amongst study abroad destinations. The compact city center and walkable streets put tourist, local hot spots, and Instagrammable scenery at the tips of your fingers.
Florence is often considered the art capital of the world, and from the Statue of David to Michelangelo’s Prisoners, it won’t take long for you to understand why. But, if Renaissance art doesn’t make your heart flutter, Florence still has an awful lot going in its favor. The city has an abundance to offer the foodie, fashionista, festival-goer, and museum aficionado, alike.
This study abroad destination is located in the heart of Tuscany, offering enchanting views where culture meets geography. Take a day trip to the Chianti Vineyards or spend your weekend wandering the breathtaking seaside villages of Cinque Terre. Scenic walks with a saltwater breeze- now, that’s some meditation we can get down with.
ROME
If history, architecture, and design are your jam, Rome is a no-brainer. Here, you’ll be surrounded by monumental gems like the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and Sistine Chapel. You’ll find medieval churches around nearly every corner, and a political stronghold with a history that holds its own.
Wander off the beaten path to visit the Catacombs of Rome. Spend weekend afternoons hunting for vintage Italian designer garments at some of Rome’s best shops. Indulge in a daily gelato. In Italy, it’s gotta be included in the five-a-day. Amirite? No matter your mood, it’s unlikely that you’ll run out of options to play tourist or blend in with the locals in the Eternal City.
Want to get away for a weekend? Studying abroad in Rome puts you in a central location and travel hub. So, you better believe seamless backpacking getaways around Europe are on the horizon.
SORRENTO
Sorrento is a mesmerizing coastal town in southwestern Italy. Built into cliffs, the dramatic views spanning the Gulf of Naples are a marvel on their own. From cliff-side hiking to underwater trekking, studying abroad in Sorrento will bring out the adventurer in you.
Here, you’ll be greeted with a delightful balance of Italian hustle and bustle in Tasso Square, charming nearby fishing villages, dazzling beaches, and easy access to Capri and the rest of the Amalfi Coast.
Oh yeah, and how do you feel about cheese? (If this question evokes anything but salivation, are you sure you’re considering the right country?) Reward yourself after a big exam with a visit to Piano di Sorrento to see and taste how Italian cheese is made!
VERONA
You might recognize this iconic medieval town from Romeo & Juliet. If Shakespeare and ancient art pique your interest, Verona’s rich history and culture is an obvious choice. If the English Renaissance makes your eyes glaze over, entertain visions of an evening concert or opera performance at the 25,000-seat, 1st-century Roman amphitheater or a weekend escape to the crystal-clear water of Lake Garda.
When your study sessions require an afternoon pick-me-up, join the locals in Piazzetta Pescheria and take in the picturesque streets and narrow alleys. Then, spend some time relaxing in the sun at Tosca Cafe Verona where the people-watching is as good as the coffee!
Studying abroad in Verona also allows for convenient access to Milan, Venice, and Bologna, so when you’ve got a few days for adventuring, your ticket will be waiting at Porta Nuova Train Station.
No matter which destination you choose, studying abroad in Italy is sure to be one of the best decisions you’ve ever made. So, as they say, arrivederci!