The Italian programme stretches over a period of three years; therefore it is recommended that students enrol as early as possible upon starting their studies at the University.
The objective of these programmes is to give students a good command of the language in its four different aspects: listening, reading, speaking and writing. The courses also aim at giving and insight into the contemporary Italian culture and society.
Students taking Italian are encouraged to travel to Italy during the course of their studies, preferably in the summer period after completing their second year. In order to facilitate these trips, the Italian sector has built up links with the Italian Universities of Perugia and Siena who have put on offer several scholarships since the year 2000.
The Italian government has also contributed to the development of Italian studies at The University of Hong Kong by providing a full-time teacher since 1998. Locally, the Italian section cooperates closely with the cultural service of the Italian Consulate General jointly organizing cultural and social events.
An agreement was signed in 2000 between the Italian Business Association of Hong Kong, the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Hong Kong and the the Language Centre of the University of Hong Kong to provide the students of Italian at The University of Hong Kong with an opportunity of working in Italian companies which are members of the Chamber of Commerce. To improve their knowledge and use of spoken and written Italian, this internship programme is offered only during the summer.