You’ve narrowed down your study abroad options. There are only two countries left on your list: England and Italy. Now it’s time to decide, but you’re torn between the two.
On the one hand, you see yourself meandering the streets of Florence, but on the other hand, you could be exploring the Tower of London. Which one should you choose? If you’re wondering if you should study abroad in England or Italy, you’re in the right place.
With positives and negatives to each country, it can be hard to make the right choice for you. Here, we will explore the two countries to help you decide which one may be right for your academic goals and personal dreams.
6 Differences Between Studying Abroad in England vs. Italy
Choosing to study abroad in a place that fits your needs and goals will help you make the most of your experience.
To make your decision easier, let’s explore the differences between studying abroad in England vs. Italy. These are only a few of the major ones, but they are the major factors to consider:
1. University ranking and admission
When it comes to university ranking, England takes the cake. Cambridge, Oxford, and Imperial College London make it to the top 10 universities in the world! Even the lesser-known universities will give you a great education.
It’s safe to say that the admissions process is competitive and tedious. However, if you’re a high achiever looking for a university with the biggest names in the world, there’s no place like the UK.
Italy, although not home to the top-ranking universities, has leading programs in various majors. Choose anything from art history, fashion, journalism, and international business to engineering and physics.
Whether you study at the Università di Bologna or Sapienza University of Rome, you’ll still receive a quality education without such a rigorous application process and at a fraction of the cost.
2. Tuition and cost of living
How much does it cost to study abroad in England vs. Italy? This answer is another major part of the decision-making process, right?
This depends on a lot of factors, like which university you choose, how long you stay, and whether you find a good scholarship program. However, in general, the cost of attendance and cost of living is cheaper in Italy. Let’s break this down (note that exact costs may change from day to day based on current exchange rates):
In London, tuition per semester is about 10,000 pounds (the equivalent of about $13,000). The cost of a sandwich is about $12, a beer $6, and a room is about $2,700.
In Rome, on the other hand, you’ll study for around $5,000 per semester, enjoy dinner for $16, and can get a one-bedroom apartment for $1,200. So keep that in mind when choosing whether to study abroad in Italy vs. England.
Learn More About the Costs of Studying Abroad
3. Language requirement
You’ll be reading those signs in no time if you practice Italian in Italy.
No need to learn a new language in the UK. Feel free to focus on your study program without the added stress of learning a foreign language. This can be a huge relief for those who feel uncomfortable learning another language or want to focus more on their field of study.
That said, the importance of mastering a foreign language is invaluable. Italy will make you work for your cappuccino. An advanced beginner’s level of Italian is helpful to get around the country. Depending on the program, you may also need to learn the language for your studies.
4. Culture and lifestyle
What about social norms and customs? It’s safe to say that the UK is a lot like the U.S. People greet each other with handshakes, meet on time, and eat dinner by 6 p.m. Did we mention the pub crawl culture?
There are a few differences, like the British dry humor and beans on toast for breakfast, but there’s not a huge cultural gap between the U.S. and the UK. Since there’s not much to adjust to, it makes it easier to focus on your studies.
Italy, on the other hand, operates a little differently. Beyond the new language skills, you must adapt to Italian culture. Expect more emotionally expressive behavior, late train arrivals, and dinners at 8 p.m. Italians are more laid back in some ways and more particular in others.
If you study abroad in Italy, you’ll get the opportunity to learn these nuances firsthand. It will be an exciting adventure pushing you out of your comfort zone to embrace a new culture.
5. Weather
Cloudy skies are an iconic part of the experience in England.
The UK is very famous for this one thing: cloudy and rainy weather. Ask anyone who has spent time in London and they will all agree that you can count the number of sunny days on the one hand. Well, that might be an exaggeration, but it’s safe to say the island nation is not known for its sunshine.
Italy, on the other hand, is a different story. Though the entire country is not as sunny as the coast of Sicily, even the north boasts of ample blue skies. Studying abroad in Italy would be a better option for those trying to avoid the winter blues.
6. Cuisine
Food is a cultural difference that needs a category of its own. England and Italy couldn’t be more different in regards to gastronomy. Fish and chips might be tasty, but they say the best British food is at an Indian restaurant. Chances are you’ll be exploring more international food options if you study abroad in England.
Italy, the land of pizza and pasta, has much more to offer. If you’re a foodie, you’ll love the many options in Italy. You might also be surprised to know that the cuisine differs in each region and province, and even each city!
Where the Mediterranean south is known for olive oil and tomato sauces, the country’s north uses more butter, risotto, and hearty stews. Travel to a new city every weekend and try something new while you’re studying abroad in Italy.
5 Similarities Between Studying Abroad in England and Italy
When asking yourself if you should study abroad in England or Italy, it’s important to know what things they have in common. Here are the top five similarities when studying abroad in England vs. Italy:
1. Respected global education
Add to your resume by taking classes at a world-renowned university.
Whether you study abroad in England or Italy, you will get a recognized education. As long as you attend an accredited institution, you’ll often be able to add the courses you take abroad to your university credits without a problem. Get the same education (or better) at a much lower rate than universities back in the U.S.
If you are looking to knock off some general education classes, like foreign language, why not do them in Italy? Or if you have a history class to cover, wouldn’t it be more fun to learn about European history while walking through the Tower of London?
2. Connection to a global community
When you’re across the Atlantic, no matter if you are studying abroad in England or Italy, you are much closer to the rest of the world outside the Americas. Being in a Western European country connects you more to what is happening globally.
In Europe, there is a lot of collaboration and interaction between neighboring countries and cultures. You will have the opportunity to travel the rest of Europe at an alarming fraction of the cost. Imagine studying in England and flying to Spain for a weekend on the beach for only $50.
3. Public transportation
Don’t have a car right now? No worries. You’re covered. Busses, subways, trains, Europe has it all.
You can easily get from city to city and country to country through public transportation. What a relief to know that you can get anywhere you want without a car.
You’ll also get the chance to travel between European countries too. Take the Eurail with an affordable pass and explore several destinations in the same month. Both England and Italy have these travel advantages due to their public transportation systems.
4. Rich history and cultural heritage
You’ll come face to face with history wherever your turn.
From castles to the Colosseum, these two countries are top tourist destinations for a reason. They are saturated with history. Instead of history books and museums, Italy and England have a history that stares right in your face.
Almost every street you turn down, or pub you walk into is a piece of history. The past and the present are intertwined as historic architecture still makes up the buildings used for modern life. You won’t be bored meandering through the Cotswolds or the narrow streets of Florence.
5. The opportunity to build cultural intelligence
Getting out of your home country challenges you. It changes your perspective on reality and helps you adapt to different social norms and expectations. It challenges your concept of “normal” in the context of culture and teaches you how to not assume people “should” act or behave according to the expectations of your culture. You learn to cultivate cultural sensitivity.
As the world becomes more globalized, cultural sensitivity becomes more vital. Your experience abroad will give you that competitive edge and, more importantly, the understanding and empathy to work and collaborate with people from other cultures.
Whether you study abroad in Italy or England, you will learn how to build this unique set of skills. That will help you stand out from the crowd in your life after college.
Get matched with 5 study abroad programs in Western Europe right now
4 Study abroad programs in England and Italy
Ready to find the perfect program?
You’re making a great choice wherever you end up! Here are four programs to help you find the perfect fit:
1. Study in England with World Endeavors
- Why it’s great: Spend a semester in Lancashire, England. You’ll study at Edge Hill University with students from all over the world in single-room accommodations. Get that British college experience as you explore rural Lancashire. Get a top-notch education in a tight-knit community with competitive sports programs and performing arts. You’ll also be free to travel to nearby cities like Liverpool and Manchester during your program.
- Where? Ormskirk, England
- Read World Endeavors reviews
2. USAC Italy: Viterbo-History, Art, Photography, and Journalism
- Why it’s great: Study in Italy’s medieval city of Viterbo, a town not far from Rome. If you’re a lover of art and history, this is a place for you. Through courses in subjects like history, art, Italian, photography, and even journalism, you’ll get to enjoy the art and culture. It’s not all theory, though. Build job-ready skills for your future career. Get away from the English-speaking tourist spots and into the authentic Italian culture.
- Where? Viterbo, Italy
- Read University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC) reviews
3. CIEE Open Campus Block in London, England
- Why it’s great: Study in London and explore the city’s art scene. If you like a bustling city full of diversity, history, and culture, this program is for you. You’ll be within walking distance from the British Museum, Theatreland, and Buckingham Palace. Meet students from across the globe in a structured program in the heart of the city. This program is perfect for those fascinated by British and European art and culture, both old and new.
- Where? London, England
- Read CIEE Study Abroad reviews
4. AIFS Abroad in Florence, Italy: Semester
- Why it’s great: Stay an academic year or semester and explore all things Florentine while getting credits with Fairfield University. Not only will you be getting an academically competitive education, but you’ll also have the option to take advanced Italian. Apart from the traditional tracks, the program also offers Fashion Management and Marketing programs. When you’re not studying, you’ll get Italian cooking classes, guided walking tours, cheese tours, and day trips to other cities like Pisa.
- Where? Florence, Italy
- Read AIFS Abroad reviews
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Pints or pizza? Either way, you’ll love studying abroad
Deciding if you should study abroad in England or Italy is the first step to an amazing adventure!
There’s a lot to think about, but hopefully, this list makes your decision process easier. You’re making a good choice whichever destination you choose since there are benefits to both places. Once you narrow down your goals, passions, and dreams, you’ll be on the way to knowing your answer. Remember, any study abroad experience will change your life!
Can’t decide? Here’s another idea. There’s no need to debate whether to study abroad in Italy vs. England if you choose both! Whether that’s different semesters or a shorter two-week abroad experience, you don’t need to limit yourself. So, drink your pint AND eat your pizza too!
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