5 Best Places to Study Abroad in Italy: Your Ultimate Guide

Ready to study in Italy and wondering where to go for a semester or more? We’ve got the inside scoop on the five best places to study abroad in Italy! So...you want to study abroad in Italy. That’s easy to understand. Most people who talk about their travels to this alluring European destination do so with that heart eye emoji look in their eyes. Pizza and gelato are found far and wide, along with some of the oldest buildings and monuments in the world. It’s an obvious addition to any foodie or history nerd’s bucket list. But there are a lot of other factors to consider when you’re deciding where to study abroad in Italy.

What kind of amazing experiences will you have during Italy study abroad?

Narrowing down the best Italian city to study abroad is the first challenge. Each city in Italy has its own unique and distinct “vibe”. Because it only became a unified state in 1861, each area of Italy has a different cuisine, dialect, and culture. (In some ways, this is similar to the U.S., where foods are prepared differently based on where you are or how you grew up! Think: Manhattan clam chowder versus New England clam chowder). Each area also has different landscapes; you may feel that every Italian city you visit feels like a different country altogether.

To help you digest the overwhelming amount of information out there about studying abroad in Italy, we’ve narrowed down the 5 best student cities in Italy for you (and added some pros and cons for good measure!).

The 5 best places to study abroad in Italy

1. Rome

Universities in Rome offer programs for students of all backgrounds and career interests during Italy study abroad, plus beautiful, central campuses (and easy access to picturesque pizzerias!). With exquisite artwork, ancient architecture, and history on every street corner, Rome is THE choice for any history, art, design, or architecture student, who will feel right at home with amazing scenes around them, such as the Sistine Chapel and the Spanish Steps. However, science and technology students have incentive to choose Rome for studying abroad in Italy too, where they can learn about Italy’s contributions to modern science with comprehensive and relevant programs. Are you getting why Rome is (possibly) the best city in Italy to study abroad yet?

With pizza and cappuccinos around every corner, Rome is a top contender for best place to study abroad in Italy.

The Pros

• Rome is a cultural and political stronghold in Italy. Not only is Rome the capital of the country, its neighbor of Vatican City is also fascinating and filled with rich history. Students who want to learn more about the Renaissance and how religion plays a role in Italian culture today will find endless opportunities to do so. Rome is a real life history classroom for Italy study abroad, with ancient ruins and monuments living amicably among more modern architecture.
• Wanting to get out of town for the weekend? Rome is centrally located, making it easy for weekend travel or day trips to the beach, to a hot spring, or to a wine tasting in Tuscany. Some study abroad in Italy providers will include excursions in program costs to see amazing places like Pompeii, Florence, and the Amalfi Coast on a budget.
• ALL THE PIZZA! Rome is Italy’s “pizza expert” with pizzerias located all over the city. The variety of pizza types might seem overwhelming, but look at it this way: studying abroad in Rome gives you ample time to try them all! You can likely find pepperoni pizzas, vegan slices, gourmet pies, and even dessert pizzas within walking distance, no matter where you are in the city—making Rome a strong contender for the best Italian city to study abroad in. 

The Cons

• Let’s talk about the traffic situation. It’s a bit overwhelming for Italy study abroad students when they first land in Rome. The streets are congested and pedestrians are expected to do a bit of gymnastics to get around sometimes! It’s important to be very aware of your surroundings and to keep your phone put away while you’re trying to cross busy streets.
• If you’re looking for a summer study abroad program, keep in mind that Rome can get HOT during the summer. Be ready to buy a fan from a convenience store and a whole lot of sunscreen. The good news is that Rome offers endless museums and cafes that offer a nice break from the midday heat.

2. Tuscania

International students looking for a quieter study abroad experience will immediately love Tuscania, another best place to study abroad in Italy. It’s a vastly smaller area with less people than you’ll find in Rome or Florence. With medieval walls and cobblestoned streets, Tuscania is a window to Italy’s past. Being in a small town means Italy study abroad students have ample opportunities to experience full cultural immersion. Locals feel a strong connection to their history and traditions, and are very friendly in sharing that folklore with others.

Kick back, take it easy, and enjoy the peace and quiet in Tuscania!

The Pros

• Here is home to some of Italy’s most beautiful churches and museums. Just the photos of San Pietro and the Santa Marie Maggiore are enough to inspire and awe. The National Archaeological Museum in town is home to paintings, ceramics, and historic tombs native to the area.
• There are exceptional opportunities for cultural immersion. Students studying abroad in Italy will find they are among just a handful of foreigners in Tuscania. More often than not, locals are warm, inviting and open to providing directions or suggestions on where to go in town. Additionally, some study abroad providers offer homestays as a housing option, meaning you’ll get the full inside scoop on why Tuscania might be the best place to study abroad in Italy.
• Wanting to see more of Italy? You’re in a great location! Rome is 90 minutes away from Tuscania, Siena is two hours away, and you can even find yourself in Florence in less than three hours. A really nice perk to studying abroad here is affordable travel to other places around your host city. Tuscania provides a perfect location to easily check other parts of Italy off your bucket list.

The Cons

• The tourist crowds. Tourism is a huge part of Tuscania’s economy, but the downside to that is more crowded areas during the busy summer travel months. However, it’s not difficult to find a quieter “pocket” away from the crowds, as the tourists tend to flock to a few major areas like the San Giusto Abbey or the Castel Cardinale.
• English speakers may be harder to find. Practicing your Italian is essential in Tuscania, where English is not used as widely as it is in bigger cities with more international residents. (However, if full immersion is what you’re looking for, this might be something to add to your “pro” column, as you’ll certainly find it in Tuscania!) 

3. Florence

Florence (aka Firenze) is the birthplace of the Renaissance, so it should come as no surprise this gorgeous city made the list of best places to study abroad in Italy. Nestled on the banks of the Arno River and surrounded by Italian countryside, Firenze provides some of the country’s most stunning views. With amazing art like the statue of David and The Birth of Venus, Florence is an obvious choice for students interested in art history or liberal arts. It’s also a great host city for students who want to meet new friends from all over the world. The international student community in Florence is thriving!

We’re betting you’ll make a lot of friends in Firenze (Fir-ends, if you will), given the amount of study abroad opportunities here.

The Pros

• Frugal or short term study abroad students will find their mecca in Florence. Looking to get out of the snow this winter? Consider January term programs, when the average temperature in Florence is a comfortable, balmy 50 degrees! You’ll quickly realize why it’s one of the best places to study abroad in Italy.
• Florence is another great option for added travel around Italy! The beach is a 45-minute train ride away, and Firenze is surrounded by countless bucket list-worthy day trips. The historic towns of Luca, Pisa and San Gimignano are among the most popular stops; you have to get that iconic photo in front of the Leaning Tower of Pisa!
• There is truly something for everyone in Florence. From soccer matches to opera nights to the Florence Dance Festival, every hobby and interest is covered here. With a thriving international student community, it’s relatively easy to find soccer teams or volunteer activities to join. Foodies can rejoice too: Florence is home to fettunta, known more commonly around the world as bruschetta. Florentines celebrate the first olive of the season with the simple dish of grilled bread, garlic, olive oil, and sea salt.

The Cons

• Florence’s uneven streets present a unique challenge! Walking to class might feel a little more like stumbling to class, as the streets are uneven and some have potholes. In addition, the narrow sidewalks mean there’s not a lot of room for pedestrians. However, the ample shops and cafes provide opportunities to get out of the crowds and take a breath! 
• The endless carbs and gelato can be a good thing, but also a bad thing for students who want to eat on the healthy side. As with anywhere in the world you live, eating healthy in Florence might require a little less eating out and more planning ahead. Buy fresh fruits and vegetables at your local market and see what healthy take on an Italian dish you can come up with!

4. Milan

Milan, another best city in Italy to study abroad, sits two hours away from Florence in Italy’s Lombardy region. As the second largest city in the country, it’s a thriving, busy place and the home of high-end events year-round (like Milan Fashion Week—you may have heard of it—and Design Week). Milan has been Italy’s economic hub since the Industrial Revolution, making it a fantastic choice for students interested in economics or international business. Rome may have pizza and Florence may have gelato, but what Milan loves to boast about is their wide selection of wine. Students who study in Italy can join their study abroad providers in touring wineries and learning more about Milan’s booming wine industry.

Every day in Milan during study abroad in Italy will feel glamorous, even off the runway.

The Pros

• Milan has thriving music and LGBTQ scenes. There are no shortage of “gayborhoods” and the city is also home to an extensive electronic music scene. The venues and live shows are completely unique to Milan and add more flavor to a student’s cultural immersion experience.
• Rome may get a lot of attention when it comes to art and world history, but Milan deserves props, too! Milan is home to one of Leonardo da Vinci’s most famous works of art, The Last Supper. It can be found in the city’s Basilica di Santa Marie delle Grazie. It’s also home to the Duomo di Milano, a cathedral dedicated to the Nativity of St Mary. When you see the architecture for yourself, you’ll understand why the church took nearly six centuries to complete.
• Milan is an iconic spot and one of the best places to study abroad in Italy for culinary arts majors. Historic delis and restaurants can be found throughout the city, combining Milan’s culinary history and food scene in one delicious place. From meat to caviar to cheese to pralines, your palette and your resume will thank you for any time spent here.

The Cons

• At times, Milan’s Central Square resembles a horror scene out of the movie “Birds”. Occasionally pigeons can cover nearly every inch of the square, seeming to surround the statue of king Vittorio Emanuele II. Areas outside of the square seem to be safe from these occasional random takeovers!
• It’s harder to access nature and green spaces here. Milan is a busy, bustling area and getting to a quiet hiking spot or hot spring takes a little more time than other areas of Italy. However, a big city means more access to everyday products like skincare, clothing, and medical prescriptions.

5. Taormina

Taormina is, without a doubt, THE place to study abroad for theatre majors or movie fans. Concerts, plays, movie festivals, and premieres all take place at the historic Teatro Greco. Built in the 3rd century BC, the venue is a big part of why Taormina is considered the “jewel of the Mediterranean”. This quaint medieval village is perched on the summit of Mt. Tauro, providing fantastic views of the island of Sicily and its surrounding turquoise sea. Taormina is the best city in Italy to study abroad for students who want a bit more independence and access to outdoor activities. This beautiful city provides a completely unique study abroad experience.

Your study abroad experience in this volcanic hamlet will be positively explosive.

The Pros

• International students will be immediately charmed by the warm Sicilian hospitality that is found throughout Taormina. Sicily has seen a “crossroads of cultures” throughout the centuries, and because of that, families in Taormina are friendly and welcoming. Pedestrians in other cities may like to keep their heads down and avoid conversation, but that is NOT the case in Taormina. Expect to hear buongiorno almost everywhere you go and be sure to make time for casual conversation as you walk around town.
• The hilltop town is a perfect classroom for a variety of subjects. Students interested in literature, cinema, archaeology, geology, and more will find there’s plenty of learning outside the classroom in Taormina. The awe-inspiring Mount Etna is the largest active volcano in Europe; the nearby Aeolian Islands are tangible proof of the aftermath of a volcanic eruption, as all its islands and islets are of volcanic origin. 
• It’s a great place to get out of your comfort zone. Trying new foods might be on your list of reasons to study abroad, and you’ll certainly find ample opportunities in Taormina. Sicily is home to some of the world’s best sardine dishes, including pasta con la sarde (fresh sardines with wild fennel and capers). While you’re at it, try as many pistachio dishes as you can. Sicily is also home to the world’s sweetest pistachios, and they slip it in everything from pesto to gelato to swordfish.

The Cons

• Again… the tourists. Taormina brings in visitors all year long through Italian cruises, day trips, and hotel reservations in town. It’s easy to see why visitors want to come (have you SEEN those views?), but that doesn’t make it any better when things get extra busy.
• Expect some rain, depending on when your study abroad program takes place. From January to March, and again from October to December, Taormina sees quite a bit of rain. The summer is considered the area’s dry period, with December being the wettest month. Research average temperatures and forecasts for the timeframe when you plan to be abroad. This will help you make sure you have everything you need before you go.

Now you know where to study abroad in Italy!

By now, we’re hoping you have a sense of where to study abroad in Italy...and also that this is a country made for great sunsets.

The best place to study abroad in Italy may be up for debate, but it doesn’t hurt to have five solid contenders. Whether you’re a budding foodie, artist, historian, archaeologist, or just looking for some good, old-fashioned Eat, Pray, Love vibes, you will find your niche when you study in Italy in one of these idyllic locations.

Sparkling seas, picturesque countryside, and (obviously) pizza are all calling your name, so why not answer? Studying abroad in Italy will be an experience you remember for the rest of your life. it’s just up to you to decide which of the best places to study abroad in Italy will be your new home away from home!

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