A study abroad in Italy is much more than a "vacation." Rather, you are an active participant in the country and the people on a study abroad. You learn the language, the customs, and make your host city your home. Because a study abroad in Italy isn't simply about collecting course credit, it is about learning something new, about learning how other people live.
Italy is a particularly beautiful country to study abroad in. Steeped in history, the foundations of Western civilization can be traced back to several of her cities: Rome, Florence, Bolognia, Modena, Venice, Milan - and all of these are easily available to you via Eurail pass.
Of course, you will also be learning. Taking classes in Italian language and culture make the experience of being in the country that much fuller, and allow you to take something away from the experience beyond simple photos or knick-knacks. A study abroad in Italy allows you the opportunity to actually become part of the country as a short-term resident.
Even if you aren't interested in language course work, there are still several important study abroad programs in many different fields which would not necessarily be available to you. With Rome being the largest city in the European Union, for example, there are several opportunities for learning in both business and law you won't find anywhere else. Architecture programs around the world can teach about the construction of Il Duomo in Florence, but only a study abroad in Italy to that city can literally show it to you.
The benefit of making real contacts with industry professionals in Italy also cannot be discounted. When you enter the professional world, you can not only demonstrate to a potential employer that you have learned business or law or architecture outside of the ivy towers of college, but if you make connections while there, you can come with important references. Both of these will help you greatly in starting your career.
Look into taking an international study abroad in Rome with CEA today. There will never be a better time in your life to see the world.
