Culture & Diversity Travel Guide to Italy

The Italy Destination Guide will provide a historical overview, scholarships, health and safety tips, and identity-specific resources to ensure students feel prepared with insight and resources for their global experience in Italy. The information shared below is a bird’s eye view and is meant to provide some country-specific context. We encourage students to conduct further research and chat with relevant points of contact, including advisors, program leaders, international student services at the host campus, internship coordinators, or peers who have traveled to Italy to better understand their host country and/or city.

Known for its art, history, and appetizing dishes, it is no surprise that Italy ranks second as a leading destination to study abroad. Who wouldn't want to try the most authentic pasta and gelato this world offers? Most recently, Italy attracted about 16% (30,610) of study abroad students from U.S. institutions, according to the 2022 Institute of International Education Open Doors Report .

From the ancient Roman Empire throughout centuries, Italy has heavily influenced global culture. Italy’s identity can be described as a blend of rich history and tradition intertwined with elements of modern culture. These characteristics draw some of the richest collections of art, cuisine, music, and culture than any other country.

If you are planning to study abroad, Italy’s institutions of higher education are reputable and offer various options for students across disciplines, depending on the particular study abroad program. Additionally, you do not necessarily need to go to Italy to learn the language (although we always recommend you immerse yourself in this way). While Italian is the national language, there is a robust infrastructure for accommodating international visitors to Italy, so U.S. students, even with low proficiency in Italian, can usually navigate life as a student in Italy.

Italy is an ideal destination if history, culture, design or architecture are subjects you would like to explore during an international experience. Cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice boast world-renowned architecture and are home to arguably the most treasured collections of works by the Renaissance's greatest artists. Italy has more UNESCO Heritage Sites than any other country. From the Colosseum in Rome to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy offers must-see architectural wonders that a painting or photo could not do enough justice. If nature is what drives your interests, the Alps are a great place for a ski trip or an outdoor adventure. The beautiful landscapes of Sicily are also worth paying a visit.

Although Italy is generally considered a welcoming country, depending on your identity, your experience may be affected by the status of Diversity and inclusion in the country. With the large increase in North African immigration into Italy, tensions between Italians and immigrant groups have heightened. Unwelcoming attitudes toward non-European people have also increased. When it comes to U.S. students, students of color often report that in Italy, what first stands out is that they are American before it is acknowledged that they are a person of color.

Italy tends to be a more socially conservative country, especially in the North. The influence of the Roman Catholic Church affects some of the social policies in the country. For example, same-sex civil unions have been legal in Italy since 2006; however, same-sex marriage is still not legal. Additionally, society remains largely patriarchal, and street harassment (cat-calling) of women by men is not uncommon.

The Italian Roma community is one of the largest ethnic minorities in the country. Due to the lack of disaggregated data, the size of the community remains uncertain, with Council of Europe estimates of between 120,000 and 180,000. A significant proportion do not have Italian citizenship.

Italy has historically been an overwhelmingly Catholic country, but this is now changing as significant numbers of Italians now self-identify as practicing or atheists. Among Italian citizens, 3.5 percent of the population is estimated to belong to religious minorities, including a range of non-Catholic Christian denominations.

You cannot always predict the hiccups that may occur during your time abroad, but taking the proper measures to ensure your health and safety in Italy will help you better respond to unplanned situations.

Health

Health insurance is mandatory for all international students and expats in Italy. Students participating in a study abroad program of any duration must have international health insurance, usually included in the program costs and provided by your academic institution or program provider. If you are traveling independently, research international options available to you within your current healthcare provider. You can also look into international health insurance companies that provide various plans and choose one that best suits the type and duration of your travels in Italy.

In the case of an emergency, be sure this information is easily accessible by storing your insurance card in a transportable and secure place, creating a copy of your health insurance card, or storing the information in your phone. It is also helpful to be aware of nearby hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies in case you require these services or resources.

Safety

No matter where you are in the world, whether it is your hometown or a new city, it is important to be alert and practice awareness of your surroundings. Italy is a fairly safe place; however, there are a few precautions any traveler should take while navigating the country.

Pickpocketing is common in city centers and sites that are attractive to tourists. Many giveaways can signal someone is a tourist, from accent and Italian language proficiency to something as subtle as mannerisms and how one walks. The goal is not to mask that you are a visitor but to protect your belongings and ensure you do not fall victim to theft. Here are a few tips:

• Be aware of your surroundings
• Leave valuable items at home whenever possible and only travel with your necessities
• Avoid being flashy or careless with valuable items
• Ensure your bags and pockets are tight and completely zipped
• Have a travel partner when possible

Aside from petty crimes, such as pickpocketing or scamming, most travelers can expect a safe and comfortable experience in Italy. However, at BeGlobalii, we acknowledge that experiences can vary by identities and others’ perceptions of them. Be sure to talk to your home university advisors regarding any individual health & safety concerns you may have.