The Italian language is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful (if not the most beautiful) spoken languages in the world today. Il parlar gentil (the gentle language), as it is affectionately referred to by its speakers, is spoken by roughly 63 million people in the world today.

Learning Italian can open the door to a new understanding of one of the world's richest cultural traditions and most vibrant and vital contemporary societies. From the Renaissance to the Unification, Italian culture and politics have helped shape Western culture over the past 500 years.

So why should you study Italian? Studying a foreign language provides myriad opportunities. It will allow you to glimpse new ideas, new perspectives, new ways of thinking, and new friendships and relationships. Perhaps you're of Italian descent or you plan on traveling to Italy for business or for pleasure. Perhaps you're a college student planning on spending a semester or a year at a study abroad program in Italy. Whatever your reason, establishing a level of proficiency in the language will only enhance your experience.