Study Abroad in Italy: Many Chinese students choose to learn Italian in Assisi

World
Europe

03:49

More and more Chinese students are going abroad for their studies. With that, an increasing number are choosing Italy. Yet to access Italian universities, one must have a certain level of fluency in the Italian language. But instead of studying in the big urban areas of Rome or Milan, many Chinese students have chosen the central Italian medieval city, Assisi, as Natalie Carney reports.

There is a rather unique sight amongst the back alleys and ancient buildings of charming Assisi – Chinese students.

It may be no surprise that the City's medieval Cityscape, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2000 draws in many Chinese tourists, but these Chinese are staying and it's no wonder since most are art students.

LUCIANA CHINESE STUDENT IN ASSISI "It's very ancient. I love the history of Assisi. While staying at home, I've painted several panoramas of this city. After I will go to Perugia to study oil painting."

ENZO CHINESE STUDENT IN ASSISI "I'm here to study Italian, and then I will go to the University of Carrara to study sculpture."

This is the fourth year The Italian Language Academy has been welcoming Chinese students through the "Marco Polo - Turandot" agreement between China and Italy to encourage Chinese students to study in the country.

And according to course director Gaia Chiuchiù, a well-known Italian language teacher, they're seeing a rapid increase in enrolment each year.

GAIA CHIUCHIÙ, COURSE DIRECTOR THE ITALIAN LANGUAGE ACADEMY "The students learn a lot, they progress quickly. They have become familiar with people in Assisi. Since they live like two minutes walking distance from the school, they have the chance to chat with the locals, which is very important when you're learning a language."

Today is the final exam for some and passing is essential for them to access the Italian university, conservatory or academy they pre-enrolled in.

LORENZO CHIUCHIÙ THE ITALIAN LANGUAGE ACADEMY "Italy is considered THE place to study art and music. Let's say that 60-70 percent of requests are for art studies. Many ask for scientific subjects too, mostly engineering. Some for law or economics."

But by holding program in historic Assisi, it is also about a deeper connection with the Italian culture.

GAIA CHIUCHIÙ, COURSE DIRECTOR THE ITALIAN LANGUAGE ACADEMY "So maybe they have to present the part of the City they particularly like. And when this happens, we learn how rich of ideas and sensitivity they are. I have to say I have learned a lot from our students because their perspective is new, it's different."

And this is all welcomed by the city's 30,000 residents.

STEFANIA PROIETTI MAYOR OF ASSISI "They live with enthusiasm, these young people, and walk the streets, speaking and learning from Italians. They also give economic breath to the city, when it's not in its high season. There is great enthusiasm from the city of Assisi."

Most of these students have been living here for more than 6 months now and while they have fallen in love with the artistic beauty of the small city, they also find it, well a bit too quiet at times.

LUCIANA CHINESE STUDENT IN ASSISI "Assisi is a beautiful place, but is a little boring to live in cause there are not so many young people."

ENZO CHINESE STUDENT IN ASSISI "I think it is the best place to study because normally it is not crowded."

For others not able to visit this beautiful medieval city, Assisi will be featured in China's upcoming HB City in Changsha set to open in September.

Natalie Carney, CGTN, Assisi.