Western Europe

Italy – Study Abroad

Mission Trips

The Basics

POPULATION

59 Million

LANGUAGE

Italian

RELIGIONS

Roman Catholic

Boasting in its placement as one of the top five most visited countries in the World, Italy is sure to sneak into the corners of your heart as a nation and people who are as lovely as they are intellectual and as humble as they are proud. This most delightful destination is home to world epicentres of art, religion, fashion, and wine. We’d be remiss not to mention the historical significance of this great nation, specifically the rich history of the ancient Roman Empire which lends to us a wonderful segway into the conversation on religion. If you know much about the history of the Christian Church, you’ll be well acquainted with the reality that the population of Italy is overwhelmingly catholic. Over 70.5% of the population, whether they are active in their faith or not, claim to be Catholic. Nearly 21% of the population are of the muslim faith, which doesn’t come as a shock when we evaluate the geographical location of Italy. It’s also estimated that somewhere around 14% of people are non-religious. Understanding this drives us to join the efforts of our faithful ministry partners on the ground in the Southern region of Italy. They’re working to eliminate spiritual poverty as folks are hungry for and are actively pursuing a spiritual experience that lasts.

Culture

Italians are generally affectionate people and may not be as mindful of personal space as you’d like or expect.
Direct eye contact is expected in conversation.
The Italian people are direct in their communication, talk with the majority of their bodies, and it’s not uncommon for them to speak at the same time as someone else.
A typical greeting varies by closeness, but don’t be shocked when they move in for a hug. If you become good friends, you can certainly expect a kiss on the cheek. Probably even one on each cheek.

Explore

What can we say.. there’s so much to see..
The Vatican, Sistine Chapel, Venice, the Trevi Fountin, and Roman Colosseum are obvious fan favorites, so make sure you check those out.
If you’re looking for a weekend getaway spot, you should certainly look into a train to the Amalfi Coast. You won’t regret that.

Upcoming Italy – Study Abroad Mission Trips

These trips help make a difference in this country by serving alongside local ministries. You can join them!