Officially known as the Italian Republic, the country is found in southern Europe. The official language is Italian and the cultural rich capital is Rome. Many of the world's oldest universities are located in Italy, in particular the University of Bologna (founded in 1088). There are three Superior Graduate Schools with "university status", three institutes with the status of Doctoral Colleges, which function at graduate and post-graduate level.

A foundation year will prepare students to complete their more advanced degree curriculum. With required courses, students get a good idea of what life will be like when they are accepted into their degree program and begin to pursue their dreams.