University at Buffalo (UB)
Benvenuti! Would you like to be fluent in one of the world's most-studied languages? Do you enjoy studying the culture that shaped historic thinkers such as Michelangelo, Dante and Montessori? Are you interested in learning more about Italy's world-renowned contributions to food, design and architecture? If you want to master the language spoken by more than 60 million people around the globe—from Switzerland and the U.S. to Canada, Australia and Brazil—then UB's Italian program might be the perfect fit.
Our small, engaging language courses are taught in Italian right from the start, immersing you in pronunciation and grammar to help you build your skills quickly. Along the way, you'll study various aspects of Italian life throughout history, from Roman architecture and Renaissance art to modern film and fashion.
As a student within the Department of Romance Languages and Literature, you'll also have opportunities to learn about other Romance languages and cultures that share common origins and characteristics.
As an Italian major, you'll be strongly encouraged to spend at least a semester taking classes in Rome, Florence, Milan or another city in Italy. As one student said, her host family "made me feel welcome in their home and helped me learn more about the Italian language and culture."
Closer to campus, many students do internships—including tutoring international students in local schools. These real-world experiences help you improve your language skills and cultural awareness.
At UB, you can also collaborate with faculty on research projects, join student clubs (including language groups), and make new friends at film screenings, conversation tables and other events.
Lead people on food tours of Italy. Translate best-selling books into Italian. Teach Italian at a high school. These are just a few of the ways you can use your talent and expertise. Popular career paths include:
Many students also go to graduate school to study language, education, law, business or other fields.
Whether you need help interpreting a text, practicing your grammar or deciding what to do after graduation, the right teacher can make all the difference. At UB, you'll find professors and mentors who are here for you, every step of the way.
Our faculty experts have edited and published numerous books, partnered with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to support the study of Italian, and shared their work in leading publications such as "The Italianist," "Italian Studies," and "Renaissance and Reformation."
Throughout the department, you'll find faculty members who specialize in a variety of Romance languages and cultures, giving you even more opportunities to explore and learn. Of course, our professors have also earned numerous honors for their work with students, including the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching.