How to study in Italy for free

The delicious pasta, the melodious language, the mesmerizing architectural works that add even more romance to the Italian atmosphere. For those interested in studying abroad, Italy will always be an attractive country. Italy ranks second in popularity for students who crave cultural enrichment.

Italy is the second most popular destination for students who crave cultural enrichment.

Students in Italy visit museums where they admire centuries-old paintings, gaze at churches and its fanciful facades, at ancient ruins that glimpse life in Roman times. However, measuring the level of knowledge with non-traditional methods of learning is not as easy as with exams and coursework.

In this case, however, it is not as easy to measure the level of knowledge with non-traditional methods of learning as with exams and term papers.

Let's add that most students choose a summer, a semester, or an entire year for an overseas internship. Be that as it may, it is quite difficult to pay for your studies abroad, because the student has to save money in many ways.

The student has to save money.

I wish I could study in Italy for free

Unless you win the lottery for a paid trip, it will be quite difficult to study abroad. But look on the bright side: studying abroad – a great idea, because it makes your life brighter and adds a big plus to your resume.

If you're willing to put all your efforts into finding the right destination for you, you'll order Italian «gelato» («gelato» translated from Italian) and say «va bene!» («good!») sooner than you think. To help you get started down the long road, we've put together the following tips to show you the way to an affordable education in Italy.

List of the best programs we think

Students who don't mind studying in Italy on a tight budget, see the programs recommended below. You (and your wallet!) can thank us later.

Organizations that offer low-cost study abroad ($10,000 or less):

1. API in Rome, Florence

2. USAC in Torino, Viterbo

3. AIFS in Florence

4. GlobaLinks in Milan

5. IES Abroad in Rome

6. Accademia Italiana in Florence, Rome

Low-cost language programs ($2,000 or less):

Academia Italiana in Florence.

1. Aspire by API in Florence

2. Lingua Viva in Florence

3. WEP International throughout Italy

4. NRCSA in Sicily

5. CESA Languages in Milan

6. Language Studies International in Florence

Some of the programs listed offer  better services for students than other organizations. Check the ratings and alumni reviews.

Before you leave for Italy

When you've researched the information about the university you've chosen, you'll probably want to make a financial plan for yourself. At first, it may seem like you're putting yourself in a huge financial hole because of studying abroad, but saving up and collecting scholarships will ease your financial worries.

If you're going to study in Italy, you'll want to make sure you have a plan.

Scholarships to study in Italy

Students in need of financial aid can find a variety of scholarships to study abroad. Many colleges and study abroad organizations offer scholarships for students – such as CAPA, CIEE, AIFS and CEA. In most cases, students must be prepared to fill out the necessary paperwork and write one or two essays at the time of application.

Student Abroad

While many students think of study abroad as being done in the classroom, classes in Italy include opportunities to gain valuable experience outside the classroom. Students can get hands-on experience, whether in a summer fashion program in Florence with «Global Experiences» or in a study of bottlenose dolphins in Sardinia with the BGRI program. Even though many internships are usually unpaid, the cost to the student is much lower than in most study abroad programs.

The student's expenses are much lower than in most study abroad programs.

Apply on your own

There is another option with which you can reduce costs, skip the intermediaries and already apply directly to Italian universities. Students can find universities in major cities such as Rome, Florence, Bologna, Milan and Naples. This will not only give you the opportunity to find the right university for you, but also to see the largest cities in Italy.

But keep in mind that if you decide to arrange your own study abroad internship on your own, you will also be responsible for your flight, accommodation and visa. Sometimes this option does bring a lot of hassle, but it's still more beneficial than the others.

When you look at the list of study abroad costs, don't you wonder what you're paying for?

Flight search

While most students spend quite a bit of their time looking at tuition details, lodging information, and meal costs, it's just as important to consider the cost of airfare. Depending on the time of year, tickets can cost up to several thousand dollars, so be careful.

According to Kayak, those planning an international trip should stick to the rule of thumb for making flight arrangements «34 days before departure». Plenty of travel experts also recommend booking tickets for Tuesday or Wednesday, when prices tend to go down.

While you're in Italy

Well, you've finally made it to Italy. Better remember all the money-saving tips, because it's here in Italy that all the techniques for saving and budget planning will prove especially useful. Keep reading for tips, tricks and tricks to keep your budget on track while you study in Italy.

Dine at home

One of the best ways to reduce your «financial burden» while studying abroad in Italy – is to keep track of your expenses and be mindful of all your spending. If you live with your family, try to eat as much food as you can with them. As a rule, home-cooked meals – is one part of the program that you pay for.

Similarly, if you share an apartment with someone, it's better to cook meals with your roommates and don't spend money on food from cafes or restaurants. Buy your groceries at the local outdoor market, rather than the usual stores, whenever possible. Sometimes you can buy takeout, but it should not be a daily habit.

Transportation

Bike, take public transportation, or walk whenever possible. Cabs seem like a convenient means of transportation, but they can end up costing you a lot of money if you're not careful. And, if you plan to take a lot of train rides throughout Italy and Europe, book a «Eurail Pass» before the journey itself.

Free events and discount cards

Nightclubs – are a great way to experience the local culture, but they can be expensive nonetheless. Since the cost of admission and drinks can leave you empty-handed, you may want to look for inexpensive or free events. However, don't limit yourself to nightlife venues; there are plenty of other places to visit, such as during the day.

Many museums and art galleries offer free admission on certain days or during certain times of the day. Also, don't forget to use any student discount cards you have (such as those obtained through «STA Travel»). Students from Florence can also get free student «WhenInFlorence» cards.

Remember that studying abroad – an investment in your future, not just a semester off. Embrace it, and your hard work will pay off in the long run. Well, you can find programs and universities in Italy right at studyqa.com!

Material prepared by: Maria Ostapova