Italy, officially known as the Italian Republic, is a country in Southern and Western Europe. It consists of a peninsula that extends into the Mediterranean Sea, with the Alps on its northern land border, as well as nearly 800 islands, notably Sicily and Sardinia.
Italy is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, including the art works of Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Tintoretto, and Caravaggio, the operas of Verdi and Puccini, and the architecture of Venice, Florence, and Rome. The country has a history of political instability, with several dozen governments since the end of World War Two. In recent years, populist parties have gained prominence, and in 2022, Italy elected its first far-right led government since 1945.
Italy is a popular destination for international students due to its diverse programs, high-quality education, and rich culture and history. The Italian education system prioritizes inclusion for all, offering state-funded public education at any level.
Italy has played an important role in academia, fostering the reform of European higher education through the Bologna Process. Students pursuing an education in Italy will gain valuable knowledge in the classroom and important cultural competency in one of Europe’s youngest republics