The Middle East region has experienced tremendous turmoil throughout history. Programs that focus on Middle East studies give students an opportunity to learn more about the countries in this region, how they have developed and what struggles they face today.

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.