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Italy

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Accommodations and Accessibility

The IFSA team is ready to help you plan for various accommodations you might need abroad. We’re here to support you and help you prepare for a successful study abroad experience.    

Early planning is key. First, it’s important to know that options for accommodations vary by country, city, and university. This makes it important to share your requests for academic, mental health, diet, religious practices, housing, physical disabilities, and other accommodations early in the planning process. Connect with your IFSA Enrollment Counselor or with our Health, Safety and Wellness team at hsw@ifsa-butler.org as soon as possible.   

The information you share on your health and wellness and housing forms supports this process. After receiving these forms, our Health and Wellness team will follow up as needed to help you arrange accommodations you may need. Our goal is to plan carefully with your help, working with our Argentina team as needed.   

Academic accommodation. Please let your IFSA Enrollment Counselor know if you need accommodations and detail your needs and concerns. Your Counselor will do as much as possible to help you make arrangements in advance. When you’re in Italy, you can work with our resident IFSA team and your professors to complete arrangements. 

Mobility. In Italy, the law prohibits discrimination against individuals based on disability. Still, many Italian cities are known for older infrastructure and historical sites that can challenge those with limited mobility or other disabilities. Many cities in Italy have narrow or no sidewalks and cobblestone streets. Rome is full of hills and bumpy streets. Many major attractions in Rome offer accommodation upon request, though some can be challenging to access. With some planning, students can find many alternate and accessible attractions. Rome has multiple forms of public transportation, including buses, trams, and the metro system, which can be helpful for students with disabilities. Public transport is not always reliable and can be crowded. 

We encourage you to research the areas and programs you’re most interested in and contact an IFSA Enrollment Counselor to ensure adequate accommodations can be made. 

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Mental and Physical Health

Maintaining your mental and physical health while abroad is a priority, and we’re ready to help you plan to support both. We’re here to help you work with CISI insurance to find local health care abroad, as well as to create a plan for your specific needs. Early planning is key, so don’t hesitate to work with our Health and Wellness team early in the application process and ask for guidance from your Enrollment Counselor. Please share your needs on our health and housing forms, so we can follow up. 

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Sport and fitness. To stay active, consider joining a sports team, club, or local gym. Running, walking and biking along the Tiber River are also great options. Our IFSA Rome team can help you find clubs to play soccer (football), basketball, rugby, and other sports, and recommend places to hike, bike, run, and walk.  

Check with the IFSA team about CISI insurance coverage for injuries sustained during sports. Coverage is generally broad but there are exceptions for high-level competition. 

Eating healthy. Look for fresh, nutritious foods at supermarkets such as Carrefour, Coop, and Conad, health food stores like NaturaSì, and local farmers markets and street markets. 

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Faith Communities

Studying abroad will likely introduce you to new religions and faith communities around the world. If you plan to practice your religion abroad, consider researching the customs, laws, and places of worship at your destination. 

Vatican City, home of the pope and the Catholic Church government, is within of Rome. Most Italian citizens are Roman Catholic, but it is not the only religion active in Italy. About 30% of Italian Catholics actively practice.  

To stick to your religious and dietary preferences while you’re abroad, start by contacting your host university chaplaincy or student faith organization, or talk to the IFSA Rome staff. 

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Considerations for Women

Tradition collides with modern ways in Italy. Gender roles are more traditional here than in the U.S., though evolving. Historically, women manage the household while men work outside the home, but more women are joining the workforce. Italian culture values politeness and chivalry, with men often opening doors or offering help as gestures of respect. Staring is more common in Italy and is not considered rude. Italians place a high value on appearance, with the concept of fare la bella figura (making a good impression) deeply ingrained.  

Italy is generally safe for travelers. Petty theft is the most common crime, especially in tourist areas. Students should take personal safety precautions, such as avoiding walking alone at night, being aware of surroundings, and blending in with locals by adopting local dress and behavior. University students dress more formally here, with a focus on stylish and well-coordinated outfits. To avoid standing out as a tourist, avoid wearing loud symbols like college sweatshirts.   

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Race and Ethnicity

Experiences of people of color in Italy vary widely. Contrary to popular belief, racism exists in Italy, though it takes different forms here. While Rome and other major urban areas are more ethnically, culturally, and financially diverse than smaller towns in Italy, students generally report Italians to be welcoming and tolerant of difference. 

As an American, you might experience othering related to their status as an American, despite your race or ethnicity. Sometimes students are mistakenly singled out as American, even if they’re from a different country, but seeking a degree in the U.S. The IFSA resident team is always available to support you. Just reach out anytime. 

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Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

Same-sex marriage and gender-neutral partnerships are legal here, but there is some prejudice against LGBTQIA+ people.  Despite religious standpoints of this largely Catholic nation, there are many LGBTQIA+ people and communities in Rome. The city is typically more accepting than more rural areas and has a higher concentration of LGBTQIA+ affirming citizens.  

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More Support

From help managing money to supporting first-generation college students, our professional advising staff and onsite teams are here for you.  

On a budget? Ask the IFSA team for a list of free and more affordable activities. 

Student Perspectives

Read about living and learning in Italy Student Stories.