Is Italy a good place to study Aerospace Engineering?

[FAlonso]

I have applied to (and expecting admit) to a university in italy for masters in aerospace engineering. I also have the grant to study over there. However, I am confused reading the general perspective of italy as a place to study and live since their economy has been going down for years with no hope of any major turnaround any soon.

However, one big plus that sometimes makes me feel like going is the grant I've got (covers tuition+living). But on the same time, I fear this short term apparent positive is not big enough to cover any negative thing that happens next. Can someone who has lived in Italy/studied there put some light on these facts that can help me make decision?

I also have applied to Austria for aerospace. The fee isn't an issue but due to no grant for that, I fear for expenses in longer run as I have finances enough for one year there. And then in European countries like these, you don't get any student job unless you have good command of language over there.

Advices are welcomed.

Regards

 

[Greg Bernhardt]

Have you visited either Italy or Austria before?

 

[FAlonso]

No I haven't been abroad ever. However, I have contacted a lot of people in Europe and received almost from everyone, a negative feedback. Although I was advised to avail scholarship. But doesn't make sense if at same time they tell that Italy is not the place to be in right now

 

[Greg Bernhardt]

I would be cautious in making a big commitment in a place you've never visited. Either visit these places or focus on schools closer to home.

 

[FAlonso]

I also take this as an opportunity to get to know the European world, culture and industry. So I think in that sense, going to any country abroad would be worth it. However, I am more concerned about post-studies employment situation. Something about Italy everyone has warned of, and Austria has had better reviews. Also I would like to know about aerospace industry in Europe as a whole

 

[Vanadium 50]

Having lived for a few years on the French-Swiss border, I can tell you that there is no such thing as a monolithic "European culture" - it's very much dependent on country. There is a cute panel on this in Asterix in Switzerland:

 

[FAlonso]

Well regardless of that, people from my country who have gone to European countries for studies (France, Germany) report the work environment in general is better than here no matter what the nationality of people working.

Anyhow I also got an admit from Austria, albeit, without any grant. I do have expenses to live through for one year at my own (personal saving). Everything is in favor of Italy, except the employment situation, especially for non-EU. I know this comment of poor employment is a general one, and may not apply to all of the sectors, hence, I am looking to seek advice from people involved directly who can somehow give a better advice regarding making a choice. I know in Austria it ain't that easy too.