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.

STUDYING in Italy for five years may be quite a long time but you need to do so if your family will be living here. If your father is an ambassador assigned to Rome or the point man in a multinational company here and has relocated all his family to this wonderful country, then you must be compelled to adjust and take up college here. If your interest is in the field of electronics and communications engineering, then you have nothing to worry about because the universities in Italy are very reputable and very credible. In terms of quality, nothing can beat them and they are excellent as far as European standards are concerned.

But one thing you must watch out for is that the medium of instruction here is Italian. Yet you can still afford to learn that because it takes only three academic semesters or 18 months to be fluent in Italian. Just take the Italian language program at the university that you are planning to enroll. Schooling in college is not a race after all so don’t immediately go to school once you’ve reached 18. Enroll first in an Italian language course. Anyway, you can be competitive after graduation.

In an Italian language course, you will be paired with a native Italian who wants to learn English as a second language. Because of a European Union mandate, all high school folks here in Italy learn a second language and a few of them take up English. But this is not the English that you have spoken as a first language since they’re only taking up British English in their studies. So in other words, your language exchange partner will help you cope with Italian and in return, you must also teach him or her English words, correct vocabulary and all that.

In an Italian language course too, you may be immersing with an Italian family. Italy is a relatively safe country anyway so you don’t need to be embedded at the ambassador’s residence in the embassy all the five years of your stay here. You need to explore Rome and other places, visit the Vatican, visit the European fashion capital of Milan, visit the vineyards in Tuscany, visit the only pedestrian city in the world and at the same time the only city in the world sitting on a lagoon which is Milan or visit the headquarters of Catholicism which in itself is a sovereign nation, the Vatican City. Explore the Colosseum and other exotic places in Rome and eavesdrop on the conversations of the locals. If you have understood these conversation flows fluently, then you have surely learned Italian.

But then again, if you are wary to proceed taking up college in Italian, you can always enroll at the American University in Rome. The American University in Rome is intended for American students who are living in Rome as well as locals who want to learn English more and take up bachelor degrees in English as the medium.

Whilst studying, if you find yourself enjoying foreign life, why not consider taking on your career abroad? By completing a TEFLcourse you will provide yourself with a paid ticket to travel the world, imparting your language skills to willing and interested learners worldwide in one of the many TEFL or TESOL jobs!