NO wonder why Rachel Bilson is cast in the movie Jumper which made Hayden Christensen’s female and gay fans confused on whether to adore him as Jumper or Anakin Skywalker. That’s because Rachel Bilson is Italian-American and most of the scenes in the movie Jumper are set in Italy. My parents are all Italian immigrants but I’ve never been to Tuscany, hometown of both sets of my grandparents. But I will surely be there during spring break.
Of course, I will also be visiting Rome on my trip with my parents. In fact, my parents have already bought through Expedia the Alitalia airline tickets for the four of us (including my younger sister Monica). I am not just a movie buff and as a fan of economic studies, I am glad that we Italian-Americans have contributed in our own little ways to help steer the United States economy from recession and being patriotic by spending a few bucks through our one-week vacation to Italy. By spending in hotels in Rome and Tuscany during spring break, we also play ode to our Italian heritage and contribute to the economy there.
My Italian actress idol is Monica Bellucci. I first saw her convincingly perform as Jesus’s mother in The Passion of the Christ. Later, I saw her playing opposite Bruce Willis as a missionary in Africa in Tears of the Sun. She must be a good actress because she has captured the fancy of Hollywood producers. And they are not just B-rated movies that Monica is hired, they are big-budgeted productions such as The Passion of the Christ and Tears of the Sun. Remember that Tears of the Sun has been handpicked by West Point as a supplemental tool in teaching their students how to do a covert Special Forces military operation accurately.
Monica Bellucci really did justice to the producers of all the Hollywood movies that she has starred in and that’s what makes her my idol. In one of the saddest movies I have ever seen, Irreversible, she played the role of a pregnant woman who was mercilessly raped and killed. And that’s why I adore Monica Bellucci as an actress. But then again, Monica is pure Italian. I also want to throw my moral support to actors of Italian descent in the United States like Anthony LaPaglia who is an Australian-Italian but now in the United States as a mainstay in Jerry Bruckheimer’s Without a Trace.
IN Italy, the people in 2008 are already growing more liberated in this country of mostly Roman Catholic which hosts the headquarters of Roman Catholicism itself at the Vatican. When Pope Benedict XVI attempted to visit University of Rome last week, he was jeered by students who do not like his seemingly anti-science views. As the chief of the Swiss Guards protecting the Pope lamented, it’s easier to visit a dangerous country such as Turkey rather than visiting the University of Rome.
This is just a testament to the fact that Italy is really a free country outside the influence of the Vatican City. In return, Vatican City is mum on the nation’s politics. Even during World War II at the height of Benito Mussolini’s reign when the dictator allied himself with the Axis Powers, Vatican City is tightlipped on the issue.
Right now, what Italy is doing is to protect its own economy from a credit crisis which has gripped the United States hard in 2007. Banks in Italy are shielded from the crisis because they do not follow the same credit structure implemented in the United States. Despite that, the central bank of Italy is not taking chances. This early, the Bank of Italy has urged its citizens to cut on spending for consumer items as well as other services if they want to avail of tax cuts. This is to protect their economy even though their constituency is that democratic – they can urge the government to cut their taxes. But that is certainly not a feasible measure right now as every euro in Italian hands must be let go so the economy can keep on revolving. But with the constant influx of tourists to such cities as Rome, Venice and Milan, the economy in Italy is still very robust and very vibrant to this day indeed.
These three cities have lots of tourists for a variety of reasons. Rome hosts the Vatican City whose Roman Catholic religion encompasses all around the globe as well as it is also the center of prehistoric European civilization. Do you know that Rome has long been there before Christ was born and it is the origin of contemporary European languages such as English, French and German? On the other hand, Venice stands out for two reasons – it is the only pedestrian city in the world as well as the only city on earth sitting on a lagoon. Milan is of course the fashion capital of the world - even those from London, Paris and Madrid are catching flights, vols and vuelos to get here!
Another strategic measure that the central bank of Italy has imposed is to encourage merger among local banks so their assets can be consolidated and they can withstand any possible economic outfall in the future. Another thing that the central bank of Italy has to look out for in 2008 is for prices of commodities in the nation not to fluctuate. So when you visit Italy, help us maintain the bullishness of our economy. Dump your cash here in return of memorable giveaways to your families back home.
The country of Italy is not a bad country for education, though the country honesty produces small amount of percentage of graduates from the other western countries but still Italy has been rushed with over a million of students worldwide to venture their studies here. The country of Italy generally has 90 institutions specifically from the higher education, including the 47 state universities. There are also a number of private institutions and over 20 establishments for physical education. Aside from that, Italy has two language universities and culture. If you ever land your foot here in Italy, you will notice the rampant universities lay in every city of Italy, and there are limbs of them in some other region. Italy’s oldest University is the University of Bologna which was established since 11th century. Despite its age, the university continues to reign and appointed of having a high standard system of education. Particularly in Rome, there are three Universities found in here and the University of La Sapienza is the oldest one.
Studying abroad has many differences from our homeland, regarding on education system and more. In Italy the higher education is manipulated by the Ministry. Most of their Universities are organized into faculties with having different subjects as well as departments, which they are in-charge with the research matters. Italy Universities provides degree subjects in which include music, which is taught mostly in academies or conservatoires. The secondary school is fortunate since they can take any of the subjects provided. For those who were taken the most complicated and serious degrees such like architecture, medicine, dentistry, veterinary and science is required to set for the entrance examination. And for those students who were Non-EU is subject to take Italian-language exam unless they have already the CILS certificate.
When enrolling at Italy’s universities, enrollment fees are expected. It can be paid at the beginning of the year or through installments throughout the year, including regional taxes of around 80 euros. For those overseas students, they are required to provide for translation for their further qualifications which is comparable to high school diploma or 12 years of education. Applicants should pass their applications to the Italian consulates by the month of May for enrolment which will follow the month of September. The curriculum of each subject is highly standardized which is a good idea for every students of both the Irish and overseas students.
Most of the students here are living with their parents except for those who were overseas. They mostly enrolled themselves in the Universities nearby the city, like in Rome, and more. While other students accommodated themselves enrolling in the Universities in the northern part of Italy, acquiring part time jobs for their own. Universities in Italy do not only motivate students and help them nurture themselves but it also provides them better understanding on the environment around. Universities here were sophisticated allowing their students to share knowledge on the updating news regarding on the specific topic or discussions they currently discussed. The professors are open-minded and ready to approach whatever their student’s suggestions, questions and comments.
