Glossary
3+2 system
The structure of Italian university degrees, consisting of a 3-year *Laurea Triennale* followed by a 2-year *Laurea Magistrale* for specialization.
Example:
The Italian 3+2 system allows students to earn a bachelor's equivalent in three years before pursuing a master's equivalent.
Extracurriculars
Activities outside of the regular academic curriculum, which are less emphasized in Italian schools compared to their popularity in the US.
Example:
Unlike in the US where sports and clubs are very popular, extracurriculars are fewer in Italian schools.
Istituto Professionale
A specialization track within *scuola superiore* focused on practical subjects like engineering or crafts, designed to prepare students for immediate employment after graduation.
Example:
For those who want to enter the workforce right after high school, an Istituto Professionale provides the specific skills needed for immediate employment.
Istituto Tecnico
A specialization track within *scuola superiore* that combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, including internships, often leading to technical jobs.
Example:
Students interested in engineering might attend an Istituto Tecnico to gain both academic knowledge and hands-on experience through an internship.
Laurea Magistrale
The second stage of the Italian university 3+2 system, a 2-year specialization program pursued after the *Laurea Triennale*, equivalent to a Master's Degree.
Example:
To deepen their knowledge in a specific field, students often continue their studies with a Laurea Magistrale after earning their Laurea Triennale.
Laurea Magistrale Quinquennale
A specific 5-year university program in Italy for fields like Law, Arts, and Music, which combines the *Laurea Triennale* and *Laurea Magistrale* into a single, longer degree.
Example:
Aspiring lawyers in Italy typically pursue a Laurea Magistrale Quinquennale directly, rather than the separate 3+2 degrees.
Laurea Triennale
The first stage of the Italian university 3+2 system, a 3-year program equivalent to a Bachelor's Degree.
Example:
After completing scuola superiore, many students enroll in a Laurea Triennale program to begin their university studies.
Liceo
A specialization track within *scuola superiore* focused on theoretical knowledge in specific fields like humanities or science, primarily preparing students for university.
Example:
If you want to study literature at university, choosing a Liceo specializing in humanities would be the best path.
Number grades
The grading system used in Italy, where student performance is typically evaluated using numerical scores.
Example:
In Italy, students receive number grades on their report cards, while in the US, letter grades are more common.
Saturday School
A characteristic of the Italian education system where students attend school on Saturdays, unlike the typical US system.
Example:
One key difference between Italian and American schools is the presence of Saturday School in Italy.
a differenza di
An Italian transition phrase meaning 'unlike' or 'in contrast to,' used to highlight a difference between two things.
Example:
A differenza di the US, Italian schools often have classes on Saturdays.
esame di maturità
The final end-of-year exam taken by students in their last year of *scuola superiore*, which is crucial for graduation.
Example:
After five years of scuola superiore, Italian students must pass the challenging esame di maturità to receive their diploma.
invece
An Italian transition word meaning 'instead,' used for contrasting information.
Example:
In Italy, high school lasts 5 years, invece in the US, it's typically 4 years.
mentre
An Italian transition word meaning 'while,' used for comparing or contrasting simultaneous actions or ideas.
Example:
Students in scuola media often stay in one classroom, mentre those in scuola superiore move between classes.
scuola dell'infanzia
Italian kindergarten, a non-mandatory stage for children aged 3-6, focusing on early childhood development and socialization.
Example:
Before starting primary school, many Italian children attend scuola dell'infanzia to learn and play with others.
scuola media
Italian lower secondary school, a 3-year stage for ages 11-14, equivalent to American middle school.
Example:
After scuola primaria, students move to scuola media where they typically stay in the same classroom for most of the day.
scuola primaria/scuola elementare
Italian primary school, a mandatory 5-year stage for ages 6-11, featuring a standardized curriculum across the country.
Example:
During scuola primaria, students learn foundational subjects like Italian, English, and mathematics.
scuola superiore
Italian upper secondary school, a crucial 5-year stage for ages 14-19, equivalent to American high school, with different specialized tracks.
Example:
The scuola superiore prepares students for either university or immediate entry into the workforce, depending on their chosen specialization.
sia...che
An Italian transition phrase meaning 'both...and,' used to connect two elements that are equally true or applicable.
Example:
The Italian education system emphasizes sia group work che individual work.
università
The Italian university system, a network of public and state-affiliated institutions known for their historic universities and a 3+2 degree structure.
Example:
Many students dream of attending a prestigious università like the University of Bologna to study subjects like art history or international business.