Expert speaks about study purposes-travel opportunities in Italy

As we know, the situation today is constantly evolving and to disentangle the decrees and regulations is not always easy, so in this article, Dr. Nurcato, Psychologist, Anthropologist and Coordinator of Counseling of the IAN International Academy of Naples, tries to collect the answers to some common questions that aspiring international students are asking themselves about moving to Italy for study reasons at this particular time.

- “When shall we be able to study abroad again in complete freedom?” ( Manish S.)

“After the summer of 2020, Italy found itself in a new wave of infections, seeing the regional and even international borders of various countries close. These countries, however, since last June 15 can be reached for specific reasons, such as those of long-term study, subject to tampons and quarantine. “The borders remain open for students who wish to stay in Italy for a long term.” 

- But what are the conditions outside the Italian borders? When will we be able to travel to Europe again? (Kiran K. )

“Practically, it is already possible from June 15, 2020, the date on which European countries reopened their internal borders and restored free movement in the Schengen area. However, border management is the responsibility of each country so, despite the recommendations of the EU Council, several countries have decided autonomously to reopen, and Italy is one of them. “

- But is it possible to travel to Europe? (Michelle. M.)

“According to the latest Dpcm of January 14, 2021, in force until March 5, 2021, those who go to Europe (countries of list C)* or who pass through it, in addition to filling out a self-declaration, must undergo molecular tests or antigenic before departure, carried out by means of a swab and negative result. Those who come from *List C countries and who enter / re-enter Italy, in the event of failure to submit the attestation relating to the prescribed molecular or antigen test, are subjected to fiduciary isolation and health surveillance for 14 days from the date of their arrival. “

“I recommend that you always consult the *Re-open EU site to check for any restrictions on entry by local authorities.”

- "Do I have to swab if I come back from a European / Schengen country? (Oliver N.O.)

“The answer is yes: there is the swab obligation in Italy.”

- Is it advisable to enroll in a course in Italy for 2021? (Priya J.)

“Thinking about studying in Italy in the near future is a very personal choice, which could however prove to be decidedly intelligent. In fact, the Farnesina(Our ministry of External Affairs) assures its endorsement of international mobility for study and professional specialization reasons and nevertheless many airlines and institutes such as the IAN Academy, are adopting flash refund policies and flexibility of entry dates in the case trip should be subject to changes due to new government provisions not foreseeable at the moment “

- What situation do I find in Italy at the moment? (Ajay N.)

Based on the decree law of January 14, 2021, which extends the state of emergency in Italy until April 30, 2021, differentiated measures are in force from Region to Region, divided into four risk bands (white, yellow, orange and red). The so-called territories in the red zone are those that have adopted extremely restrictive measures but nevertheless ensure the normal performance of infrastructural activities and basic necessities for citizens. At the moment Campania, the region of competence of IAN Academy, is in the yellow zone, which means that it is out of danger of high infections.

- How has the labor market adapted to the new crisis? (Adedoy A.)

“I must say that in March, unlike pandemic and immediately after the first lockdown, the unemployment rate in Italy decreased by 0.4 percentage points compared to the previous month and by 0.8 compared to a year ago. In the same period, the number of people employed also increased: there are 60,000 more workers, or 0.3 per cent of the total. Among the latter, the majority, ie 44,000 people, have permanent jobs. This increase is certainly due to the opportunities given to us by internationalization and the global market that many Italian companies are taking, which in recent years have been outsourcing the local market to foreign opportunities.

"What are the most requested jobs in Italy during this pandemic period? (Henry A.)

“Surely the international profiles who have already carried out a professional training can be advantaged for the jobs as companies are constantly looking for specialized professionals according to specific criteria and rules, today with the pandemic many companies are aborning and therefore companies are also exploring the infinite market resource that the web offers, so in my vision the international candidate certainly has a chance of exponential growth within the panorama that will develop over the next 10 years “.

- What are the precautions to be taken in the event of a transfer to Italy? (Appah M.)

“At the moment it is necessary to perform the molecular swab and that it is negative to get prepared for the trip for study purposes”

To stay informed about the travel restrictions inherent to the Coronavirus pandemic, we recommend that you monitor the website of the Crisis Unit of the Farnesina *Viaggiare Sicuri, the International Air Travel Association *(IATA) website, our page dedicated to the *Coronavirus, where you will find advice on travel and our global list of inputs from third countries updated in real time on which parts of the world you can reach Italy.