Studying Abroad in Italy vs the UK?
Hi, I am planning on studying abroad this coming up summer. I can’t decide from Italy and the UK.
In Italy, I really wanted to be studying in Rome specifically. However, from my school, there is no program for Rome, and I have to be studying in Florence, while taking a language course (Italian obviously). I have no interest in taking Italian. Italy was my first choice however, but I was ideally thinking Rome.
In the UK however, I want to be in London. The institution (University of Sussex) is a hour away from London so it works I suppose. I was wondering, I know that students in Europe take trains and stuff to visit other countries on the weekends. Do students do this as well from the UK, you know cause it’s an island and all. Do they just book flights and take a plane?
If you have experience of studying abroad in either countries I would appreciate your opinions and/or experience. Thanks.
If you don’t want to study Italian, I wouldn’t recommend the course in Florence (although Florence really is a stunning place!) because you just won’t enjoy yourself. If you hate the course it’ll ruin the whole experience.
Students in the UK don’t tend to just book flights and take a plane at the weekends, no. However, you can get flights cheaply from the UK to other countries in Europe. For example it’s possible to get a return flight to Italy/Spain/France for around £70 ($112) So obviously you can do it occasionally, but not all the time! Costs of living in the UK, particularly around London can be very high and students here are famously poor; not living a jet set lifestyle! But certainly when they can afford a holiday there’s plenty of opportunity to explore Europe.
Studying abroad is a fantastic experience, and I’m sure you’ll learn a lot of valuable lessons and skills whichever destination you pick! Good luck!