Language
Italian is the official language in Italy, spoken by the majority of its inhabitants, including those in the Republic of San Marino and the Vatican. Various regional and local dialects are also used.
If you're planning to move to or work in Italy, it's essential to learn Italian, as knowing the national language will make daily life easier, especially in the beginning. There are a plenty of opportunities to learn Italian language:
- Host organisation: Ask your host organisation about Italian language courses for international guests.
- Local schools and associations: Many language schools and local associations offer Italian courses.
- Italian Cultural Institutes: If you want to start learning Italian in your home country, contact the nearest Italian Cultural Institute.
If you're interested in obtaining a language certificate, make sure that the chosen language school is recognized and qualified to issue official certificates.
For more information about language courses, contact your host organisation or the nearest EURAXESS Centre.
Culture
Four of the ten oldest universities in the world are located in Italy! They are the University of Bologna (1088), the University of Padua (1222), the University ‘Federico II’ of Naples (1224) and the University of Siena (1240). Europe’s first Conservatory is also Italian and was established in Naples in 1808, and the world’s first art academy was founded in Florence by Giorgio Vasari in 1563.
Italy’s special and distinctive ability to combine tradition with innovation distinguishes the country. Indeed, a certain savoir faire has been handed down from generation to generation, a talent for turning the known or expected into something altogether new. Small and medium-sized enterprises make up 92% of active businesses and collectively contribute to Italy’s commercial reputation and worldclass brands.
Moreover, thanks to its vital links to the Mediterranean, Italy has historically been at the centre of a continuous exchange of civilizations. A cultural flow that has made it rich in precious treasures, both tangible and intangible. Italy has 58 sites registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List, the highest number in the world.