Foreword

Why to study in Italy

            It is my pleasure to introduce you this guide on how to study in Italy, aimed at providing Vietnamese students wishing to complete their education in Italy with an essential overview of the Italian university system.

            Let me first of all explain to you why studying in Italy is a big opportunity. The Italian University system is considered to be one of the oldest and most reputable in Europe. Italy has in fact a long-standing and appreciated tradition of higher education and Italian Universities are among the most active and dynamic on the European academic scene. Italian Universities are renowned worldwide in areas such as architecture, design, cultural heritage conservation, etc. Besides its traditional strong points, Italian Universities can also offer wide range of choice in all disciplines.

            In recent years, it has become easier to overcome one of the major obstacles to gaining access to Italian Universities: the Italian language. Those of you wishing to study in Italy have a variety of alternatives: you can either attend one of the courses held at the Department of Italian Studies of the Hanoi University of Foreign Studies or at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Ho Chi Minh City. Furthermore the Vietnam-Italy Friendship Association and the Hanoi Cultural Centre “Dante Alighieri” organize both general courses for beginners, intermediate and advanced level and tailor-made courses according to your needs and requirements. If you do not have the chance to learn Italian, do not rule out the idea to study in Italy; in fact more and more courses are held in English. This guide will present you with more details in this regard.

            Do not miss the opportunity to get a European-standard education in a country where the relationship between the cost of studying and the value of the benefit that results from it, is very good compared to other countries. You will enjoy Italy with its extraordinary culture and charm, its easy-going and friendly people; you will discover a country full of dynamism and enthusiasm, which will teach you more than you can expect!

            I would like to thank Antonio Maconi and Silvia Rubino, two young and skilful trainees of our Culture and Information Office, who are the authors of this handbook. Should you need to know more on how to study in Italy please contact us at culturale.hanoi@esteri.it.

              Alfredo Matacotta Cordella

                                                                                             Ambassador of Italy