Study abroad semester in Italy

Italy is a variegated country. The Italian peninsula exhibit a wide variety of landscapes and cultures. This is due to its extraordinary diversity of geological and administrative regions within a relatively small territory. First: land. In Italy you can experience alpine, hilly, lowland, maritime, arid, humid environments. They’re all quite close to each other. You never get bored of landscapes. Then, cultures. Italy had been divided for so many centuries in a very fragmented way that each region has its own character and flavor. Until some decades ago different languages were spoken from region to region or even from commune to commune, but technology and a higher literacy rate established Italian as a common national language.

History is omnipresent in Italy. Italy is the nation with the most UNESCO heritage sites in the world. Historical pieces of art are commonly found even outside of the major cities like Rome, Florence or Venice, with many smaller communes dating back to ancient times with rich and vibrant city centers. Roman Catholicism have played a pivotal part in the nation’s history and identity, with churches established even in the smallest rural areas.

Italy is also famous for its gastronomical products: wine, olive oil and pasta are just some of the Italian excellences that are exported abroad. Also, Italian cuisine is highly appreciated. From north to south there is an abundant variety of dishes and cooking styles for every palate. Social life is active, with the famous aperitivo being a staple of the Italian social scene.