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Your Identity in Italy

Below you will find information that may help you in planning for your Education Abroad experience. We know it’s not possible to encompass all of your intersecting identities into one page, but we hope the resources listed can serve as a helpful starting point. You are your own best expert. We invite you to meet with your Program Manager or contact our Access and Inclusion Coordinator at inclusionabroad@colorado.edu to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.

 

Disability Accommodations

Individuals with disabilities can and do participate in Education Abroad programs, but you may find accessibility and accommodation in different locations to be very different from the United States. For example, in Rome, accessibility updates have eliminated architectural barriers, however, archaeological and cultural protection regulations still make some areas difficult to access. Students may find that sidewalks are narrow and uneven, and cobblestone streets make access difficult in some areas. While every student’s experience is unique, check out our Disability or Different Abilities while Abroad page for general information, questions to consider, and next steps for studying abroad with a disability and click through the list below for resources relevant to Italy and your host university. 


Resources for Italy

External Resources

Bocconi University Resources 
Bocconi University operates in a similar manner to Disability Services here at CU. They arrange learning access support for students who have a medical condition, injury, illness or disability that impacts their ability to study. This support can involve such arrangements as alternate exam arrangements, accessible housing, access to assistive technology on campus, learning development support, etc.
 
  1. Before You Leave: 
    • In order for arrangements can be determined and organized, submit the Health & Wellness Worksheet on your MyCUAbroad checklist and a get letter from CU’s Disability Services that documents your condition and needs and the support that they provide for you.
    • Review Bocconi's Support and Access information and reach out to your Program Manager to coordinate accommodations with Bocconi. 

Gender & Gender Identity

You may find that the level of acceptance differs between Italy and the United States. Generally, Italians hold a progressive attitude toward gender roles and expectations, evident at legal, cultural, and social levels. This is especially true in larger urban areas. It's essential to seek local resources and support networks that cater to your specific needs and location. Check out our Gender & Gender Identity resource page, which provides a list of questions, tips, and general resources. Additionally, you can find specific resources related to Italy and your host university by clicking through the list below.

 

Resources for Italy

External Resources
 
Bocconi University Resources 

Sexual Orientation & Sexuality

Acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community can vary by culture, and you may find your host culture more or less welcoming of your sexual orientation than what you experience in the U.S. Italy demonstrates significant openness and acceptance towards individuals identifying within the LGBTQIA+ spectrum in many urban areas. However, the nation still has progress to make in terms of legal recognition and protection. While everyone’s experience is unique to them, check out our Sexual Orientation & Sexuality resource page for a list of questions, tips, and general resources to explore. Click through the list below for resources specific to Italy.

 

Resources for Italy 

External Resources
 
Bocconi University Resources 

Racial & Ethnic Identity

Students of different ethnic and racial backgrounds may encounter unique challenges transitioning from life in the U.S. to life as a student living abroad. This experience can vary based on your race/ethnicity as well as your host community. While Italy doesn't employ race as a categorization factor, the majority of its population is perceived as white Italian. Urban centers in Italy are progressively becoming more diverse and inclusive, drawing individuals from various countries and cultures. While everyone has different experiences, our Racial & Ethnic Identities Abroad page provides general resources to help you prepare for your time abroad. Check it out in addition to the resources below, specific to studying in Italy.


Resources for Italy

External Resources
 
 

Socioeconomic Status

U.S. students are generally perceived as coming from wealth, which is due to how Americans are typically portrayed in media. If you do not feel that this perception matches your identity, this may be a jarring experience at first. You may find that this results in inflated prices in markets and shops where bartering & haggling is the norm. How you address this may depend on your budget and/or interest in engaging. A good resource for you will be friends & local program staff who can help you navigate this process and provide tips on the typical cost of goods where you are studying. See the Budgeting page of our Accepted Student Guide for tips on lowering your personal expenses while abroad.

Resources for Italy

 

Resources for Families

Do your parents, family, or support systems have concerns about you studying abroad? Have them contact our office to speak to a Program Manager, who can provide further information, address concerns, connect them with additional resources, and refer them to our Diversity & Identity Abroad page.

Education Abroad is committed to serving a culturally diverse community of students and is dedicated to providing inclusive international experiences for students from all backgrounds. Please contact our Access and Inclusion Coordinator at inclusionabroad@colorado.edu with any questions or concerns.

Last Updated July 2023