If you want to study abroad in Italy, a fantastic experience awaits you. Naturally, you will be there to enrich your overall academic experience, but it is also one of the best places in the world to go for culture, history, food, and arts. So, when you are not busy studying, what are some of the things and places not to be missed?
Rome
It should be obvious that Rome is one place that you have to spend some time here. You can even hop on over to another country while visiting Rome by going to the Vatican. Other not to be missed sites include:
- The Colosseum, a place of true history.
- The Villa Borghese gardensfor real peace and quiet.
- The Pantheon, one of the best-preserved pieces of ancient architecture in Rome, if not the world.
- The Vatican Museums.
- Raphael’s Rooms.
- Peter’s Basilica.
- The Sistine Chapel.
Venice
Venice is another place with a fantastic and rich cultural and architectural history and not to be missed. The Piazza San Marco, where you can find the three key sites of interest in the city (Torre Dell’Orologio, Dodge’s Palace, and Saint Mark’s Basilica) are all there. Naturally, you need to have a trip on the waterways, preferably the Grand Canal. And make sure you have some gelato while you’re here as well.
Milan
If you have any interest at all in fashion, then you have to go to Milan. While here, visit the Rectangle of Gold, called the “Quadrilatero d’Oro”, where you will be able to visit some of the world’s greatest fashion houses. Unless you were given an unlimited credit card by some rich uncle back at home, you may have to stick to window-shopping only, unfortunately. Do also visit the Chiaravalle Abbey, run by monks, where you will learn that living humbly without money is also possible. A sobering experience when you have just seen (and perhaps bought) a bag worth over a thousand dollars!
Other Areas of Italy
Italy is a huge country and it has something to offer for everybody. Tuscany is a firm favorite, home to cities such as San Gimignano, Pisa, and Florence. If you do study in Tuscany, you can expect to come back quite a bit heavier than before, because this area is all about the foods and wine.
Alternatively, you can visit Umbria, an area of outstanding natural beauty. Orchards, high mountains, and rolling hills will make you feel as if you are on a different planet. And the rustic towns, fortresses, and castles will make you feel as if you travelled back in time.
One thing is for sure, if you are studying in Italy, you are guaranteed to never spend a moment bored. There is just too much to see and to do while you are there. It will be the experience of a lifetime and once that you will never forget. For that alone, a study experience like this is worth it.