Italy is not only a peninsular country, but also a real mountainous and island country, mountains and hills account for 80% of the land area. The Apennine Peninsula is surrounded by large islands such as Sicily and Sardinia, and other small islands dotted in its Mediterranean waters. In the north of the Apennine Peninsula are the Alpine mountain ranges, and in the Alpine mountain range on the border of France and Italy there is the highest peak in Europe - Mont Blanc, and the Apennine mountain range from north to south diagonally across the entire peninsula. Italy has many rivers, the largest of which is the Po River, which is 652 kilometers long. In addition, there are major large rivers in the center of the country, such as the Tiber, the Adige, and the Arjo. The rivers are surrounded by alluvial plains, such as the Po Plain, which lies between the Alps and the Apennines in the north. Ice and snow melting water originating from the Alps is collected in the Po River by many small streams and flows into the Mediterranean Sea from the northwest to the southeast. For thousands of years, the sediment on both sides of the Po River has alluviated along both sides of the river to form the Po River Plain with a high level in the northwest and a low level in the southeast, which is the breadbasket of Italy. Because Italy is in the Eurasian continent, the African continent plate extrusion zone, so more mountains, more hills, and more active volcanoes, the famous volcano Vesuvius, Mount Etna. Italy's lakes are scattered, the most concentrated in the north is the most famous. Larger lakes are Garda Lake, Marjorie Lake, Lake Trasimeruo and Lake Como, of which Lake Como because of the beautiful scenery and become Italy and Europe's famous tourist and vacation destination.
Surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea on three sides, and with the natural barrier of the Alps in the north blocking the influence of the winter cold front on the peninsula, the climate in Italy is typically Mediterranean, mild and pleasant. Winters are warm and rainy with lots of precipitation, while summers are cool and less cloudy. The temperature is moderate throughout the year, with little change in temperature. However, because of the long and narrow terrain, the territory is mountainous and located in the Mediterranean Sea, there is a big difference in climate between the north and the south. Cold winters in the northern region, the Alps temperature can drop to minus 20 degrees, and some mountain peaks even year-round snow. Italy's four seasons of sunshine, birdsong, flowers, fruit constantly. Italy's good climate every year for the Italian treasury "waiting" into thousands of tourists and hundreds of millions of dollars.
Italy's socio-economic profile
Italy is the birthplace of Europe's ancient civilization, in this land had nurtured Spartacus, Dante, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Galileo, Marco Polo, and other great figures, there are Renaissance paintings and sculpture, there is the seat of the Pope, the Vatican.
Italy is full of passion and romance, with its scenic coastline, world-famous music, exciting soccer, and colorful entertainment. The cities of Italy have their own characteristics: Rome's civilization and culture, Florence's paintings, Venice's commercial tourism, Milan's industry and commerce and exhibition industry, Turin's Fiat car manufacturing industry have all made the world aspire to and marvel at.
Italy is the world's most developed six industrial countries and one of the trade countries, mainly steel, machinery, chemicals and electricity four basic industries, in recent years, the rapid development of crude oil processing capacity, has been the world's fourth. Italy's automobile, chemical, clothing and shoe industries are well developed, and its household appliances, marble and granite, precision instruments and all kinds of machinery and equipment are popular. It has always been China's most important trading partner in Europe, and more than 800 enterprises and companies have invested and built factories in China. With the development of international trade and China's progress towards WTO, more and more Italian companies are committed to exploring China's huge market. Numerous Italian companies provide high-income employment opportunities to Chinese people who know Italian: some Chinese students choose to continue their studies in Italy in universities with interests and prospects; some Chinese students, after mastering the Italian language, work as Chinese agents for famous Italian products; some Chinese students end up choosing to migrate and stay in the local area to work and develop because they are interested in the romantic and cozy atmosphere of life in Italy.
Italy is one of the top six economies in the world in terms of welfare. First of all, let's look at the health care: according to the Italian health care system, all Italian citizens enjoy public health care for the rest of their lives. In the local medical treatment, has bought medical insurance, medical expenses paid by the insurance company; did not buy medical insurance, chronic diseases can belong to the Catholic Church hospitals free treatment, acute diseases can go to the national hospitals can also go to the church hospitals free treatment. In the church to see the doctor does not ask the patient's nationality and identity, no country in the world except Italy has this kind of welfare system. Let's look at housing again: Italian architecture is famous all over the world, with various styles of buildings intertwined with each other, reflecting the life of the Italian people and the level of culture and art. Italian people's housing is comfortable, per capita housing area is among the highest in the world, because the government attaches importance to environmental protection work, greening and public **** environmental health is also very satisfactory. In addition, Italy is also unique to the annual August national paid vacation welfare system. Every August, in addition to transportation, post and telecommunications, the military and other parts of the industry part of the personnel, the rest of the country's enterprises and institutions all stop working, people have to the seaside or mountain villas to go on vacation, to fully enjoy the fun of life, and the month's wages are issued, known as Europe and the United States of America's welfare the most.
Overview of Italian higher education
Italian education is the first to open a modern university education system of the precedent, in Europe and the world education history occupies a very important position. Italy's existing 88 universities, including 54 state universities, 13 private universities, 11 colleges and universities, *** there are 329 departments, 772 specialties. Among them, the specialties of fine arts, design, music, sports and so on are renowned in the world. Comprehensive universities are the most important part of Italian higher education. There are about 64 comprehensive universities in Italy, *** with more than 300 departments and specialties. These universities are both centers of study and research and centers of vocational training. They have a four-year course of study in the humanities, natural sciences, pharmacology, mathematics and information sciences, a five-year course of study in physics, chemistry and engineering, and a six-year course of study in medicine and surgery. Italian higher education institutions have the right to issue autonomous regulations within the limits of the law. Each institution of higher learning has an education committee.
The university adopts a credit system, as long as you reach the required credits in your chosen field of study, you can graduate, and you can apply for grants during your studies. The Italian curriculum is slightly different from China's: China's four-year program is considered to be a university college, Italy's undergraduate degree is usually completed in three years, and the postgraduate program is one to two years, and the Italian government provides high subsidies to students enrolled in postgraduate programs. China's high school diploma certified by the Chinese Consulate in Italy can be directly to the university registration application to read a professional, China's university diploma certified by the Chinese Consulate in Italy, you can apply for specialization in Italy, the master's degree, graduate school, some of the majors can be directly upgraded to continue reading.
Italian education and science and technology developed, higher education and scientific research are very famous, especially focusing on teaching and scientific research joint. The state's annual investment in education and subsidies in Europe accounted for the first, and it is typical of Italy does not have entrance exams, university education is compulsory, foreign students can also be enrolled for free. After 2000, due to the large influx of foreign students (Asia, South America, Australia), the Italian Ministry of Education began to implement a symbolic fee for public institutions (such as the University of Rome, the annual fee for ordinary majors is only about RMB 4,000 yuan, and the annual fee for special majors, such as the medical profession, is about RMB 8,000 yuan, while in the U.S., the tuition fee for the same majors is as high as $20,000 per year). (The annual tuition fee for the same specialty in the United States is as high as 20,000 dollars).
Italy is the first western country in Europe and the world to develop higher education and establish a university. The University of Bologna was founded in 1087 and has a history of nearly a thousand years. It is not only Europe, but also the world's oldest university. At the end of the twelfth century and the early-mid thirteenth century, Italian higher education was fully developed. Italy in this period established a number of old European universities, which like the University of Padua, the University of Pavia, the University of Naples, the University of Pisa, the University of Florence and the University of Rome, etc. are all famous European universities, the world's leading universities.
Most of the state universities in Italy are heavily subsidized by the state, giving generous welfare benefits, making the cost of higher education has been greatly reduced, the burden on students is light, and the educational environment is more relaxed. This advantage makes Italian education very attractive to students from all over the world.
The advantages of studying in Italy
Europe is one of the world's academic research and higher education centers, many countries have the world's leading universities. Italy with its unique climate and scenery and full of artistic flavor of the cultural background exudes endless charm of studying abroad, and gradually become the desire and attention of students to study destination. The overall development level of Italian universities is very balanced, and each has its own characteristics. The rigorous academic style and high quality of teaching is the fundamental reason why Italian education can go to the world.
The main advantages of studying in Italy are reflected in the following aspects:
Advantage one: the humanities background has a long history
As we all know, the position of Italian universities in European universities is particularly important, because Italy is the first in Europe to open the first of the modern education university of the pioneers! The Italian university education system has had a "world-class" impact on the education system of European and world universities. Like other European universities, Italian universities are very old, but they are also very dynamic. New wine in old bottles" can be said to be a true reflection of Italian universities. In recent years, many new professions and new colleges have taken root, sprouted and thrived in Italian universities. Italy's Bologna University, the University of Rome, Milan Technical University and other institutions are world-class universities. Italian universities with a long history of humanistic background is one of the main advantages for Chinese students to choose to study in Italy.
Advantage No. 2: public education and low tuition
So far, Italian universities still retain the original tradition of not treating education as a profitable industry. The annual tuition fee for international students is about RMB 20,000 to 30,000 yuan, and with this alone, Chinese students studying in Italy can save $10,000 to $15,000 per person per year, and in four years, a **** can save $40,000 to $60,000 in tuition fees. For ordinary Chinese families and Chinese students, this is not an ordinary expense.
Advantage No. 3: The lowest cost of living index
The cost of living for international students studying in Italy can be said to be relatively low! Each person needs only RMB 3000-4000 per month.
Advantage No. 4: high level of medical benefits
International students studying in Italy, as long as the unified student health insurance, the monthly payment of about 50 yuan of student health insurance premiums, you can enjoy free medical care throughout Italy, solving the majority of Chinese students' worries.
Advantage No. 5: good language test
Italian universities require applicants to provide proof of English language proficiency in a wide range of categories: IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, CAE certificate or CPE certificate are recognized, which can eliminate the need for Chinese students to repeat the examination.
Advantage No. 6: Work after study
Italian law provides that foreign students studying in Italy can work 24 hours a week after study. According to the Italian labor wage standard 60 yuan / hour calculation, Chinese students can earn about 6000 yuan per month, with this money to deal with all the costs of studying in Italy is more than enough.
Advantage No. 7: free enrollment and low threshold
Italian universities have independent administrative power, the implementation of free enrollment system. The university entrance requirements are low, as long as the student has a high school diploma and equivalent, can be enrolled in any university in Italy. Some universities can reduce or waive part of the enrollment fee for low-income families, and international students with excellent grades will be eligible to apply for university scholarships.
Advantage No. 8: Skilled migration is popular
There is a serious shortage of skilled professionals in Italy, and in recent years, there has been a serious loss of local skilled professionals in Italy. 1998 saw the enactment of the first immigration law in Italy*** and the country, which explicitly stipulates the legal guarantees for foreign students to study and work in Italy and to migrate to Italy. All this not only provides Chinese students with the possibility to work in Italy, but also provides Chinese students with the opportunity to immigrate. Chinese students spend less money to study in Italy, but after graduation they have a variety of choices in Italy, either to stay or to return, to stay or to go as they wish.
As with other European countries, there are some language barriers. Although most state universities teach in English, for Chinese students who don't know Italian, it's still necessary to systematically conduct about 500 hours of Italian language training before going to Italy, which will create a lot of convenience for the future life of students. On this basis, Chinese students should consider their family's financial condition, language ability, school status, specialty and future career path to make the best choice.
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Italy and China, in addition to the 24 publicly-funded students sent by Italy and China, there are more than 100 self-funded students from China every year. Compared with citizens of other European countries, Italians are more enthusiastic about Chinese people. With the clear encouragement and support of the Italian and Chinese governments' policies on studying in Italy, the rate of visas granted to Chinese students at Italian embassies and consulates in China has been increasing in recent years. As an emerging ideal study destination, the great potential of Italian education is gradually emerging!
P.S.: Italian - the language of art
The official language of Italy is Italian, and Spanish, English and French are also spoken in civil society. Therefore, if you study in Italy, you can receive a variety of foreign languages at the same time, which is very suitable for today's society for the development of complex talent needs. At present, there are a lot of people in China who have a very high level of English, only know this international language does not have too much competitiveness, mastering a variety of foreign languages in order to become a contemporary foreign language talents.
Italian pronunciation is not as complicated as English because it is phonetic and written in the same way, without the need for phonetic notes, easy to learn. In addition to being used in its own country, Italian is also the official language of San Marino and the Vatican, as well as the lingua franca of the Lugano region of Switzerland, and it is also spoken in many countries and regions in the Americas and Africa.
The Italian language sounds very beautiful, and people say that Italian is "as clear as the wind, and the vocabulary is like a flower in bloom". Italian is known as the "language of art", when the world-famous tenor singer Pavarotti sang in Italian, bringing people endless artistic enjoyment.
The latest Italian student visa guide
Recently, the Cultural Affairs Department of the Italian Embassy in China indicated that Chinese students applying for a student visa to Italy need to provide the following materials:
1, the registration certificate of the Italian public or private school. If the Chinese student has applied for an Italian scholarship, a notarized certificate of the scholarship of the school in question, clearly stating the duration of the scholarship and its total amount, is required, and no financial guarantee is needed for the Chinese student holding an Italian scholarship. If a Chinese student goes to Italy only to learn Italian, the Italian Embassy or Consulate in China has the right to test the applicant's language level and decide whether to accept his/her visa application.
2. Financial guarantee: a translated and notarized bank credit certificate. The certificate should state that the fee can be activated in Italy from the moment the applicant obtains the entry visa, and guarantee that the monthly financial guarantee for Chinese students during their study stay in Italy will be 516 euros (about 3,800 yuan).
3. Translated, notarized and certified academic certificate. The certificate must be related to the course that the Chinese student will study in Italy, and the certificate must be obtained after 12 academic years of study.
4. A visa form issued by the Italian Embassy in China and a passport photo.
5. A valid passport (note: the passport must be valid for at least three months after the visa).
6. Proof of student health insurance from an Italian insurance company.
7. Proof of accommodation (provided by the Italian school).
Note: This type of student visa needs to be approved by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, so the issuance of this type of visa is slower. Moreover, the duration of stay of the visa issued to Chinese students does not exceed 12 months, but Chinese students can renew the visa in Italy according to their study needs. According to the latest immigration law, if a foreign student obtains a diploma in Italy, he/she can change his/her student status, engage in a job and open his/her own business, and apply for a permanent residence card in Italy after 5 years. In addition, according to the relevant Italian law: Chinese students must apply for a residence permit at the Aliens Office of the police station where the school is located within eight days of entering Italian territory after obtaining an Italian student visa, otherwise they will be expelled from the country.
The compatriots who intend to go to Italy to study, please note that the need for 200 hours of Italian language training certificate, want to learn the language can also go to their foreigners University of learning, but must have a high school diploma. Siena foreigners University of each stage of the language training is almost about 2 months, the tuition fee of 6000-7000RMB, does not include accommodation and living costs. The tuition fee is 6000-7000RMB, not including accommodation and living expenses. When you finish your studies, you have to pass the CILS level exam, and only those who are qualified can enter the university that the student applies for.