Study in Italy

Study in Italy 

Italy certainly has plenty of charms to tempt tourists and international students alike: a diverse landscape including mountains, islands and active volcanoes; an immense cultural and historical legacy; iconic historic and architectural sites including Rome’s Colosseum and the Pisa’s Leaning Tower; incomparable cuisine; an impressive history of inventions and discoveries… and, of course,universities in Italy include some of the world’s oldest and most prestigious.

Aside from the monumental legacy of the Roman civilization, Italy has a long history of being ahead of the game, with many significant discoveries, inventions and innovations originating in Italy. Notable Italians include explorers Christopher Columbus, Amerigo Vespucci, Giovanni da Verrazzano and Marco Polo; Leonardo da Vinci, who proved the world is round and not flat; Alessandro Volta, who studied electricity (recognize the term ‘Volt’?); and Galileo Galilei, who discovered four moons around Jupiter and invented the thermometer.

Other famous Italian inventors include Angelo Moriondo (espresso machine), Johann Maria Farina (eau de cologne), Francesco Di Giorgio Martini (automobile), Salvino Armati (eyeglasses), Bartolomeo Cristofori (piano) and Ambrogio Calepino (the first widely translated dictionary). The origin of the word ‘university’ is also attributed to Italy, and the University of Bologna is believed to be one of the very oldest in the world.

Italy is also known for famous fashion houses such as Gucci, Benetton, Armani, Prada, Versace and Dolce & Gabbana, and its luxury car brands, including Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati. Oh, and did we mention the food…?

Student Cities in Italy 

The top universities in Italy are spread across a wide area, as are the rest of the country’s attractions, meaning plenty of attractive choices for those planning to study in Italy. Find out more about some of the most popular cities for students…

Rome 

Where to start with the Italian capital? Well, most people probably start with the main sights – the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, the Forum, the Spanish Steps or the catacombs. But as a student in Rome, the fun lies in discovering new sides to the “Eternal City”. Simply walking around can be a great way to feel the energy of the city – at once reminiscent of ancient Roman history and thriving with a modern, cosmopolitan vibe.

You might also want to take in a show in one of Rome’s many theaters, or enjoy a large outdoor performance at the Stadio Falminio or Olympic Stadium. If you’re keen on literature, why not enjoy a night out at a ‘book bar’ – a sort of stylish fusion of bar, library and book club. For bargain hunters, Rome’s antique fairs and flea markets offer reams of vintage and second-hand goodies waiting to be discovered. If you’re brave enough, you might even rent a scooter and try to navigate the notoriously chaotic Roman traffic.

There are a range of excellent universities in Rome, particularly the Sapienza - Università di Roma which is ranked joint 213th in the QS World University Rankings 2015/16 , making it Italy’s third highest-ranked university. Other notable universities in Rome include the Universitá degli Studi di Roma - Tor Vergata (ranked 401-410 in the world) and the Università degli Studi Roma Tre (701+).

Milan 

Celebrated as one of world’s best cities for students, Milan offers the full package: world-class universities, a high standard of living, and a large and diverse student population. A thriving economic hub in the north of the country, Milan retains a strong sense of its past, while simultaneously representing modern urban Italian life.

The city’s cosmopolitan population coexists alongside a wealth of historical sites such as the Duomo di Milano, La Scala, the Brera, the Pirelli tower, the San Siro, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele (an ancient and glamorous arcaded shopping gallery) and the UNESCO World Heritage Site Santa Maria alle Grazie Basilica, which contains the famous painting The Last Supper.

As well as being Italy’s leading financial center, Milan is also recognized as a world leader in the fashion and design industries, designated a ‘Fashion Capital of the World’ alongside London, Paris and New York. If sports are more your thing, you’ll probably know Milan as the home of two of Italy’s biggest football teams, AC Milan and Internazionale.

With eight universities in Milan, the city has the largest student community in Italy. Its higher education options include Italy’s highest ranking entry in the 2015/16 rankings, Politecnico di Milano (187th in the world). It is also home to Italy’s fourth highest-ranked university, Università degli Studi di Milano (306th). Other internationally ranked universities in Milan include the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (471-480) and the University of Milano-Bicocca (601-650), while the Università Commerciale Luigi Bocconi is known as one of Europe’s top business-focused universities and a favorite of employers seeking graduates in this sector.

The Università degli Studi di Pavia (UNIPV), at 501-550 in the world rankings, is also located just north of the city of Milan and offers a range of international programs taught in English.

Pisa 

Once you’ve climbed the famous Leaning Tower and taken one of those photos where you pretend to be holding it up, you’ll find there’s a lot more to Pisa than this one iconic landmark! Pisa has more than 20 historic churches, several palaces and a series of stunning bridges across the River Arno. During the summer, it’s popular to relax along the banks of the river, sipping drinks bought from one of the area’s good wine bars. Must-see places include the Piazza dei Miracoli, the Pisa Baptistry, the Camposanto Monumentale, the Borgo Stretto (with strolling arcades and a Gothic-Romanesque church), Medici Palace, the Royal Palace and the Palazzos Gambarcorti and Agostini – and you’re bound to discover plenty more for yourself.

While you might not find so many clubs or live music venues in Pisa, the city does offer some alternative music venues, disco bars and karaoke bars. Meanwhile, you can enjoy a leisurely dinner or drink at one of the city’s restaurants and bars, have a walk in Piazza Garibaldi and the riverside Lungarni, or treat yourself at one of Pisa’s spas.

The city gets much of its life from its student population, who organize all kinds of parties, shows and cultural events. Among universities in Pisa, the main one is the Università di Pisa, ranked joint 367th in the QS World University Rankings 2015/16. The university’s most famous past student is Galileo Galilei, who studied there in the 16th century and went on to become one of the world’s most famous astronomers, physicists and inventors. Along with the University of Pisa, the Scuola Normale Superiore and the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies of Pisa make up the Pisa University System, which is recognized as one of Europe’s leading education hubs.

Bologna 

Although less familiar to foreign visitors, Bologna is well known among Italians, and not just because it is the largest city and capital of the Emilia-Romagna region. Bologna is known as the culinary capital of Italy, famous for its cuisine (la cucina Bolognese). With a rich musical history, Bologna has also been named a Creative City for Music by UNESCO, and music lovers can enjoy open-air concerts held at the Conservatory, the Opera School, the Theatro Comunale (Opera Theater) or the hundreds of other music associations operating in the city and surrounding area.

Bologna also has one of Italy’s largest and best-preserved historic centers, known for its vibrant red-brick buildings, iconic Due Torri towers, and almost 40km of arcaded porticoes – sheltered corridors which make it possible to walk long distances in all weathers. The city’s pervasive shades of red, from terracotta to burnt oranges and warm yellows, have given it the nickname Bologna la rossa (Bologna the red).

Having developed around one of the world’s oldest universities, Bologna remains very much a university town, with a large and diverse student population. There is also a thriving nightlife, an active gay scene, a good live music scene, and almost a hundred concerts every year featuring international rock, electronic and alternative bands. Other study-break activity options include a restored silent and sound films festival in July in the Piazza Maggiore, three major car museums (Ducati, Lamborghini and Ferrari), and a Formula One collection.

Among universities in Bologna, the highest-ranked is the Università di Bologna (UNIBO) – which is Italy’s second-highest entry in the latest QS World University Rankings, at joint 204th. Other higher education institutions in Bologna include the Collegio di Spagna (within the University of Bologna, for Spanish students); a branch campus of the US’s Johns Hopkins University; the Academy of Fine Arts of Bologna and the Collegio Superiore di Bologna. You might also consider taking some classes at the Carpigiani Gelato University, where you can learn to make authentic Italian ice cream.

Applications, Fees & Visas

Applying to universities in Italy 

University application procedures in Italy vary depending on whether you are an EU or a non-EU student, and whether you’re applying at undergraduate (referred to as ‘first cycle’) or graduate level (second and third cycle). The Study in Italy website run by the Italian Ministry of Education has all the information you’ll need about applying to universities in Italy – but keep reading for an overview of key steps.

In general, the first step is to contact the university of your choice to check the entry requirements for your chosen degree program. Once your eligibility is confirmed, you must submit a pre-application request form to the Italian embassy or consulate in your country of origin along with the relevant documentation (see below). You will need to get your documents translated into Italian by an approved translator. The form you need to fill out will vary depending on whether you are an EU or non-EU student and your degree subject. For example, non-EU students applying to study at institutions for arts, design, music and dance will need to fill in the form Model A-bis, while other students will need to fill the form Model A.

Documents you may need to provide include:

• Completed application form to receive a Letter of Academic Eligibility and Suitability (Dichiarazione di Valoro in Loco/ DV) 
• Completed relevant pre-enrolment form
• Copy of your school leaving qualification/certificate of completion of high school education if you are an undergraduate applicant, or copy of your undergraduate qualification certificate if you are a postgraduate applicant
• Transcript of exams, including name of each passed exam and detailed syllabi of each course attended
• Two passport-sized photographs, one of which you must sign
• Any other documentation that can support your application (which must all be translated into Italian)
• You may also need to provide proof of proficiency in Italian by passing and presenting the results of an Italian language exam.

If you are an EU student, the embassy through which you are applying will send you a Letter of Academic Eligibility and Suitability (Dichiarazione di Valoro in Loco/ DV), which acknowledges your foreign studies prior to applying to universities in Italy. The embassy will then send your documents to your chosen university and you will receive confirmation of acceptance (or rejection) directly from the university. If you are a non-EU student, the Italian embassy or consulate will find out if your application meets the criteria for a visa to study in Italy.

Applying for a visa to study in Italy 

You will only be issued a visa to study in Italy if you can demonstrate that you:

• Have suitable accommodation in Italy
• Have sufficient funds to cover all costs you might incur during your studies in Italy (including tuition, accommodation, transport, textbooks and living costs)
• Have sufficient funds to be able to travel back to your country of origin at the end of your studies, or proof that you have already purchased a return ticket
• Are entitled to medical care in Italy, either through private health insurance or an agreement between Italy and your native country
• You might also need to show proof of certificate of payment in full for your degree program.

You can find out if you will need a visa to study in Italy using this handy tool offered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ministero degli Affari Esteri). Most of the time, the visa is free; however, some candidates may need to pay a visa processing fee. You will also need to present all necessary documents giving evidence of the requirements outlined above, as well as:

• Completed visa application form
• Evidence of having paid the visa application fee (if applicable)
• Passport valid for at least three months after your course ends
• Two passport-sized photographs, one of which you must sign.

Tuition fees and financial aid in Italy 

Tuition fees at universities in Italy differ depending on the institution and course, as institutions set their own rates. According to government guidelines, average fees are between €850 (~US$925) and €1,000 (US$1,090) per year at public universities in Italy, while private universities will be more expensive. Some specialized courses may also charge higher fees, while doctoral students receiving a grant from their university of choice will not need to pay fees.

International students are eligible for the same scholarships and grants as local students, assessed by academic merit or financial need. This applies to scholarships, student loans, housing assistance, meal tickets and fee waivers. These services are managed by the university’s DSU Office (Diritto allo Studio Universitario – Right to Education), which also provides useful information and services for students including counseling, extra-curricular activities, sports, transport and other practical matters.

Arrival in Italy

Having arrived in Italy, all students (including those from within the EU) must apply for a residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) by registering with the local police within three months of arrival. International students on a long-stay student visa (more than 90 days) must apply for a residence permit at the local post office and may have only eight working days from arrival in which to register; check with the international office in your chosen institution to make sure. International students on a short-stay student visa (up to 90 days) must make a declaration of presence (Dichiarazione di Presenza) to the local police (Questura). You should carry the declaration of presence or residence permit with you, as you may be asked to show it to police or public safety officers.

Study Abroad Statistics

10 Reasons to study abroad

Save Money While Studying Abroad

Preparing for Study Abroad

Are you thinking about studying abroad during your college years? Or if you are lucky you’ve already been accepted into a study abroad program! Getting ready to study abroad in another country can’t be done properly overnight. Studying abroad is not just an extended vacation… For a semester or sometimes even a year, you will be living in a new city, thousands of miles away from your family and friends.  Here is a list of tips to get ready to study abroad and make the most out of this amazing experience.

1. Research your destination 

Knowing the basic history, culture and customs of the country you have chosen will greatly improve your study abroad experience. Purchase a couple of travel guides and start reading! Check out Tripadvisor to plan the sites you will visit first when you arrive, and plan which cities and towns you would like to explore during your trip. Check out the culinary specialties you need to try.

Learning about your study abroad destination will not only make you more and more excited as your trip gets closer, but it will also keep you out of trouble. Foreign laws can be very different than what we accustomed to in the United States, and what would result in a minor write-up on campus could land you in jail in another country. So before you jet out for what will surely be the best experience of your life, do your research and know what to expect!

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2. Learn the Language

If you are travelling in a country where English is not the primary language, learning the basics of the foreign language will come in extremely handy. We definitely recommend getting Rosetta Stone, which is the best language learning software currently out there. Basically, Rosetta Stone combines interactive technology with native speaker voicing and a visual environment to mimic the complete immersion process. You can get through the lessons on your iPhone or your tablet, and it’s actually really fun to do.

We’d recommend completing at least Level 1 in your new foreign language in order to learn the basics. Knowing these can help you to overcome the first few days of adjustment. If you have time before you leave try to get through Level 2 as well to be able to initiate conversation with locals, and have a better understanding of your surroundings. You can even get a student discount at Rosetta Stone to make it an even better deal!

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3. Save up.

Creating a savings plan will be your best bet for being prepared financially while abroad. You want to make sure that you will always have money in your pocket for weekend trips, shopping, dining, or in the case of emergency.

You can also search for study abroad scholarships through your school or program for additional aid to use during your time abroad. Creating a plan and knowing your options will allow you to have the most fun with what you have to spend.

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5. Get ready for departure

• Check out Immigration requirements

Studying abroad almost always requires a study visa. While your school will assist you through the application process, make sure you are pro-active and aware of all deadlines. Have your passport renewed well in advance if it is close to expiration, as you almost always need a 6 months validity to enter any country.

• Make a doctor’s appointment

Your doctor will be able to advise you with any vaccinations or medications required for traveling to your destination. Keep in mind that you might want to travel to neighboring countries while you are abroad, so it better to be safe than sorry. Getting a full physical before studying abroad is always a good idea as well. Ask your doctor for basic prescription medication to carry with you: upset stomach, antibiotics, an EpiPen if you have any allergies, etc… Navigating the pharmacy aisle is a foreign country can be a very daunting task.

• Get appropriate health and travel insurance.

Even if you are still covered under your parents’ health insurance, you will most likely need your own coverage while you study abroad. Getting a good travel insurance will also pay off in case of trip interruption, loss of luggage, or any travel related unpleasant circumstances.

4. Create a communication plan.

Once you arrive at your study abroad destination, one of your first order of business will be to get yourself a cell phone. Make sure to purchase an unlocked cell before you leave so you can buy a prepaid SIM card to use when you get there. Call your US service provider before you leave to make sure your phone can be used abroad in case of emergency over the first couple of days. The last thing you want is to find yourself stranded on your layover without a phone. For instance, T-Mobile offers unlimitedinternational data and text, so you can use all these tools right at your fingertips to help you stay in touch.

Apps like Viber, Skype or WhatsApp also come in very handy to keep in touch with your friends and family back home. Make sure to use those apps over wifi to save your data. Use Instagram, Facebook and Twitter to give everyone updates on your whereabouts. You could even consider starting a blog where you update everyone on your adventures.

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5. Prepare yourself mentally.

The idea of getting out of your comfort zone and saying goodbye to your friends and family for a couple of months can be very scary. But try to think of all the excitement that is yet to come! Head for this new experience with an open mind. Foreign cultures are different, not weird or wrong. While studying abroad you will meet many amazing people that you will form new friendships with. Never forget that you also have a strong support system at home that will help you get through the challenges. Now start packing, and enjoy the ride!

5 Questions To Figure Out Where to Study Abroad

5 Questions To Figure Out Where to Study Abroad

So you’re eager to study abroad, but not sure where. With so many opportunities available around the world it can be difficult to choose just one. If you’re finding yourself in this exact situation, start by asking yourself the following questions. By taking some time to reflect you’ll be able to conquer this overwhelming process of figuring out where you should study abroad.

Do you want to study in a city or rural area?

If you are more accustomed to urban life, then you know that big cities have it all: lots of people, access to cultural institutions, and endless activities going on day and night.  However small towns can also offer benefits such as a more traditional way of life and extra practice in the local language and customs.

Do you want to study in a common or less conventional destination?

Most students prefer to study in Western Europe, where they are drawn to the enticing mix of history, culture, languages, and food. However some also choose less conventional destinations like, Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. Any place you choose will offer a wide array of experiences, and each will present its own challenges.  

Do I want to experience a culture that is familiar or completely foreign to me?

You may wish to experience your ethnic heritage in a new culturally meaningful way, and studying abroad is an excellent way to do this. Or maybe you wish to learn more about a culture that is far removed from your own way of life. The “right” choice will be the one that best fits your intentions.

Do I want to challenge myself in a non-English speaking environment?

Many students are multilingual which can offer a wider choice of destinations. However, you are not limited to only studying abroad in countries whose languages you speak. If you are up for a challenge and confident in your ability to communicate, then go for it! If not, stick to countries with your native language or choose one where you know you will be studying the language.

Do I want to live in a warmer or cooler climate?

Remember that you will be abroad for an extended period of time, which means sometimes adjusting to weather you may not be accustomed to. Only consider places where you will be comfortable with the temperature during the time of year you would be going. If your idea of being abroad is on a beach under palm trees, then Europe probably isn’t for you.

By taking the time to think about these questions, you can get a better idea of where you may want to study abroad. Do your research and you will end up being as prepared and confident as possible when making your final decision. And don’t forget that no matter where you study abroad, you experience is sure to be memorable!

24 Apps That Will Make Your Study Abroad Trip Easier

In an increasingly technological world, it's hard to imagine life without a laptop and smartphone. Long gone are the days of internet cafes and international phone cards for study abroad students.

When you pack for your study abroad adventure, don't bother lugging around a huge guidebook. Throw your smartphone in your bag, and with a few handy apps, you'll have all the information you need to create a fantastic study abroad experience!

To make your time abroad the best it can be, we've compiled the ultimate list of apps you need to download before you hop on the plane.

Language

If you're studying abroad in a country that doesn't speak English, there are plenty of apps you can download to practice your language skills or help you translate.

Google Translate (Free)

Download Google Translate: iPhone | Android

If you have a data plan (which is super easy to get in most countries), the Google Translate app will be your best friend during your time abroad. The app has a bunch of special features you can use, depending on the language. For many languages, you can translate a recording of your voice or a piece of text by scanning it, rather than a typed sentence. You can listen to your translations spoken aloud, and even access your translation history when you're offline!

This app is perfect for exploring your host city and translating on the go. You can even use it to help you with your assignments and language classes. Just be sure not to translate an entire assignment. It never ends well.

Duolingo (Free)

Download Duolingo: iPhone | Android

If you're heading somewhere where one of the many languages offered by Duolingo is spoken, this little app will become your best friend while killing time waiting for the train or in between classes. This (free!) app will help you learn new vocabulary and grammar in whichever language you're learning using interactive flashcards and games. Trust me, it can become addictive.

Transportation

Whether you're studying abroad for one month or one year, it's important to learn how to get around your home city. Be sure to check if there are any local bus or subway apps where you can plan routes, check times and get directions.

Uber (Free)

Download Uber: iPhone and Android

While Uber may have had a bit of controversy in the last year, the company is going strong in many cities all over the world. Check to see if your city uses Uber and download the app to quickly catch a cab anywhere. One of the best features? You can pay by credit card and enter your destination in advance -- which is wonderful if you're trying to explain where you're going without a common language.

GoEuro (Free)

Download GoEuro: iPhone and Andriod

This is more for the students studying in Europe, but if you're one of them, it's a really handy app for your weekend travels and figuring out the fastest / cheapest route to get there. It will compare the prices of train, bus, and plane tickets from to/from your destination.

The train might have the best views, but it could be twice as expensive as a flight. And who knows, that bus ride from Madrid to Bilbao might actually be faster and cheaper than a train. GoEuro will help you figure out the smartest option for your trip.

App to help you hail taxis (Varies)

Many cities also have similar apps you can use to hail taxis. Ask a local if there are any taxi apps you can download so that you can always catch a cab whenever you need one. Some places thrive on taxi apps and it's a necessity to download them. For example, where I'm studying in China it's all but impossible to get a taxi without calling one on the app first.

Local public transit app (Varies; Usually free)

Most major cities will also offer an app that helps you navigate the buses, trains, and overall public transportation, using maps and timetables. Some will also let you enter your starting and ending point and guide you through all the steps of getting there, and when!

For example, heading to Paris? Get RATP (it's translated into a dozen languages). London? Then you'll need CityMapper. Going to Madrid? Madrid EMT. Sydney or Melbourne? GetTripView. None of the above? Then do a quick Google search for "public transportation app for __" to see what your city's options are.

Google Maps tends to do a fairly good job of mapping out public transportation, but it's still not as good in some global cities as it is here in the U.S. In Bangkok, for example, if you rely on Google Maps versus Bangkok Transport Map, you won't always be presented with all the route options that are actually available.

Entertainment

When studying abroad you're going to want to explore and enjoy your local city. Need a good restaurant or bar? Want to know where the nearest bank is? FourSquare is great at home (and abroad!) but these apps have you covered.

Foursquare, Yelp, or Zomato (Free)

You likely already have a go-to app for discovering new places to eat at home, and chances are they might work abroad as well. It really depends on where you are, but whether your go to is Foursquare, Yelp, or Zomato, definitely open that app when you first land to see if it's helpful in your host country. They may not have the same comprehensiveness as they do back home, but don't ditch it until you try it!

Where to Go? (Free)

Download Where to Go: iPhone | Android

This app will help you find the closest restaurant, bar, grocery store or historical site using location technology. It will even give you directions from your current location to your chosen destination. If you're a bit spontaneous, you can even use the "Shake to Suggest" feature, which will give you a random destination in your vicinity.

AroundMe (Free)

Download AroundMe: iPhone | Android

This app will give you a complete list of businesses in your area. Everything from restaurants and bars to hospitals and gas stations. You can sort by category and distance, and even add phone numbers to your contact list or email the info to a friend. Best of all, AroundMe also has a map and will route directions for you.

Foodspotting (Free)

Download Foodspotting: iPhone | Android

For all the foodies, Foodspotting is the best app for finding restaurants around you. Using location technology, this app will search all of the nearby restaurants, giving you a large list to chose from with exact locations. This app even provides user-generated photos and reviews so that you can be sure you're picking a good place.

Finance

While it may be tempting to go crazy and buy all the pashmina scarves or macaroons, it's important to budget during your semester abroad. You'll probably be using more cash than you're used to, meaning many currency calculations and messy tabs accumulated through sharing change. Never fear though, these apps will keep your checkbook balanced!

Mint (Free)

Download Mint: iPhone | Android

The ultimate checkbook, this app lets you record your expenses in a ton of different categories. You can set your budget for the month and track your spending in each category to make sure you're on track. You can even link up your credit cards and bank account so that your transactions are automatically tracked or manually enter your cash spending.

Get in a good habit of recording your expenses abroad, and maybe you'll even keep using the app back home. Won't your parents be proud?

Converter Plus (Free)

Download Converter Plus: iPhone

Not only does this app convert currency, it constantly updates to the latest and most accurate conversion when connected to the Internet. If you're American, you may want this app for more than just financial reasons as it also converts temperature, distance, weight, speed and volume.

How fast is 30km/hour? How tall are you in meters? How many kilograms does your bag weigh? How hot is 25 degrees Celsius? Use this app to learn how the rest of the world functions.

Splitwise (Free)

Download Splitwise: iPhone | Android

If you and your friends are notorious for keeping long running tabs on who owes who, this app will be your lifesaver. In this app you can create individual events and list the people involved in each event. The app even lets you select the currency used in the transaction, and will do currency calculations for you.

At the end of an event, you'll end up with a nicely calculated tab of who owes whom and how much. Then, easily pay your friends using Venmo.

So if you and your roommate go on a weekend trip to France, all those Euros your roommate owes you can be nicely added to the long list of pounds she owes from after school pub nights in the UK. No more "forgetting" to pay your friends back with this app.

Photography

There's no better way to cherish your study abroad memories than with a full SD card of photos from your time abroad. Now that smartphones have better and better cameras, there's almost no need to bring a digital camera on your trip. With these handy apps, you can edit and share your photos with your friends back home.

Instagram (Free)

Download Instagram: iPhone | Android

What would our lives be without Instagram? With this app you can edit your photos with the perfect filter, #hashtag them to perfection and make all of your friends back home jealous of your Eiffel Tower or Great Wall selfies.

Adobe Photoshop Express 2.0 (Free)

Download Adobe Photoshop Express: iPhone | Android

This app comes with all the basic editing features you could ever need. Color adjustments, filters, and special effects. Plus, it's free -- which is always nice.

Communication

How do the locals communicate in your host city? Some places use basic SMS texts while others use internet texting apps like WhatsApp and Viber to communicate.

Heading to South Korea or Taiwan? Be sure to download Line so you can chat with the locals using cute emojis.

Studying in China? WeChat will become your life. Not only is it a texting app, but it now also serves as China's version of Facebook with a social media app included included with the texting.

Be Sure to Pack Your Smartphone

It's amazing how technology has turned the smartphone into the world's best travel tool. From language barriers to hailing cabs to balancing your checkbook, the worlds app developers have you covered.

When you're studying abroad, your smartphone can impact your experience in two very different ways. It will be tempting to use technology as a crutch. You may want to cling to apps like Facebook, Instagram and Skype to feel comfortable in a place so far from home. While these apps are great for keeping in touch, sometimes you'll need to put down the phone to really enjoy your study abroad experience.

On the other hand, apps can be great for integrating into the local culture. Use Line to send emojii texts to your new Korean classmates, download the local buss schedule to explore the city or use local entertainment apps to find the best restaurants your city has to offer. Technology is what you make of it, so be sure to try and limit your Facebook time and live in the moment.

Can you think of any amazing apps we're missing? Be sure to let us know in the comments!