[Must-see for international students!] What to prepare in advance for studying in Italy, a popular study abroad destination
Hello to everyone considering studying abroad in Italy.
Italy is a country filled with beautiful historical architecture, rich culture, and art, and is a dream destination for many people to choose as a study abroad destination. Studying abroad in Italy is a very attractive new adventure in life! In this article, we will introduce how to prepare for studying abroad in Italy.
1. Obtaining a passport
When planning to study abroad, the first thing you need to do is get a passport. Make sure it has enough validity. If your passport expires during your stay in Italy, your visa application may not go smoothly. Generally, you need a validity period of at least six months from the date of your intended return. Applying for or renewing a passport can take time, so we recommend starting the process early!
2. Applying for a student visa
To apply for a student visa (long-term visa) to study in Italy, you will need to apply for a student visa. We will explain the visa application process and the procedures to follow after you arrive.
■About applications
To apply, you will need a letter of admission from an Italian educational institution, a financial statement proving your living expenses during your stay, proof of overseas travel insurance, a passport (valid for at least six months from the date of application), proof of address showing your address for the duration of your stay, and a visa application form.
■ Submitting a visa application
If you are staying in Italy for more than 90 days you will need a visa.
Visa applications are made at the Italian Embassy or Consulate General. Visa application interviews are scheduled on the Italian Embassy or Consulate General's website. It is important to make arrangements early, as appointments may be difficult to get during peak periods.
■ Receiving your visa
Visit the embassy or consulate at the appointed time and submit the necessary documents. It usually takes a few weeks to process your visa, but in some cases it may take longer. Once the process is complete, the embassy or consulate will notify you and issue your visa. Follow the notification to collect the visa affixed to your passport. Once your visa has been issued, you can proceed with preparing for your trip to Italy.
The application process can take some time, so we recommend that you start preparing at least three months before you plan to start your studies. You will also need to register as soon as you arrive.
■Procedures after arriving in Italy
When you arrive in Italy, you will need to obtain a residence permit ( Permesso di Soggiorno ), which you can do at a local post office or police station. The residence permit is an important document that proves your legal stay in Italy, so you should apply for it as soon as you arrive.
3. Consider getting a health check and purchasing overseas insurance
There are two types of insurance available for you to use while studying in Italy:
1) Overseas travel insurance (private insurance) :
Overseas travel insurance available in Japan is private insurance that covers illness and injury during your study abroad. You will sign a contract with an insurance company before you travel. Check the scope of coverage, compensation, and period of compensation, and choose a plan that meets your medical needs at your study abroad destination.
This insurance generally covers emergency medical expenses, hospital treatment costs, and possibly expenses upon returning home, but may exclude some expenses, such as dental treatment and routine medical services. If you wish to purchase overseas travel insurance in Japan, contact the insurance company before traveling and choose an appropriate plan. Have them issue you a certificate of enrollment, which you will then submit when applying for a visa.
2) Italian National Health Insurance ( SSN: Servizio Sanitario Nazionale ) :
International students in Italy can also enroll in the Italian National Health Insurance ( SSN ), a widely available health service in the country that significantly reduces the cost of general and emergency medical care. With the SSN , you will receive the same medical care as Italian residents, but you will have to pay a small copayment.
The application process is done locally and costs about 150 euros per year. After applying, you can receive medical treatment at designated medical institutions. If you want to apply for SSN after arriving in Italy, you can apply at the local post office or local health office ( ASL: Azienda Sanitaria Locale ). Required documents include your passport, residence permit, and proof of address for your stay.
Find out how to enroll and what is covered in advance, and choose the insurance plan that's right for you.
4. Money management
First, calculate the total cost of tuition and living expenses. Tuition includes not only tuition fees, but also textbook fees and facility usage fees. Living expenses include housing, food, transportation, insurance, daily necessities, etc. Check the university's website and study abroad information sites to find out the approximate costs and create a budget. It is especially important to calculate living expenses and create a budget in advance, as rent and transportation costs can be expensive in large cities such as Rome, Milan, and Florence.
Next, think about how you will prepare your funds. If you have savings, you can base your plan on that, but if necessary, you should also consider applying for scholarships and grants. Many universities and organizations offer scholarship programs for international students. Scholarship information can be found at your university's international student office or scholarship information website. It is important to check the application deadline and application requirements, prepare the necessary documents, and apply early.
5. Housing arrangements
Choosing where to live in Italy is also important. You have the option of university dormitories, homestays, apartments, etc. Dormitories are located within the university facilities, making it easy to commute to school and allowing you to interact with other students. Homestays have the advantage of allowing you to practice the language and experience the culture by staying with a local family. If you rent an apartment, you can choose one that suits your lifestyle. Be sure to also consider safety and convenience for commuting to school when making your selection.
6. Transportation
We will introduce you to the best ways to get around while studying in Italy!
1) Train
Italy has an extensive rail network for intercity travel. It is operated by railway companies such as Trenitalia and Italo , and offers high-speed trains and regional trains for intercity travel.
While this will vary depending on the route and when you make your reservation, you can save money by taking advantage of student discounts and early booking discounts.
In addition, major cities (such as Rome, Milan, and Turin) have subways that allow you to travel efficiently between major areas. Subways can be used with the same ticket as buses and trams, and they arrive at your destination in a short time, making them convenient for commuting to school or shopping.
2) Buses and trams
In major cities (Rome, Milan, Florence, etc.), buses and trams cover the entire city, making them convenient for commuting to school and sightseeing in the city.
7. Means of communication
When studying in Italy, securing a means of communication is an important item that you must prepare. There are ways to use your existing smartphone in Italy, such as a Wi-Fi router, SIM card, and eSIM (embedded SIM ). In particular, eSIM is a digital SIM that is built directly into your smartphone, unlike conventional physical SIM cards, and does not require the replacement of a physical card. You can start communicating immediately by simply configuring simple settings online. There is no need to rent, carry, or charge a Wi-Fi router, which significantly reduces the hassle.
■ VOYAGE eSIM is recommended for traveling to Italy
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summary
When studying abroad, it is important to think in advance about what you want to learn and what skills you want to acquire. For example, choose a field that is directly related to your interests and career, such as deepening your business knowledge, dramatically improving your language skills, or acquiring specialized skills.
By making these preparations thoroughly, you will be able to enjoy your life studying abroad in Italy with peace of mind. A life of study abroad filled with new experiences and learning awaits you. Get ready and start your wonderful life abroad! We hope you have a wonderful time studying abroad in Italy!
The contents of this blog post are provided based on information available at the time of writing. Therefore, we ask that you always check the latest information for yourself.
