In Europe, the 24-hour system of "military time" is most frequently used. The first 12 hours of the day are the same in the 12-hour and 24-hour systems (1:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.). The last 12 hours of the day are a continuation of the morning hours.

For example:
9.00 = 9:00 A.M.
13.00 = 1:00 P.M.
15.30 = 3:30 P.M.
22.45 = 10:45 P.M.
Note that a period is often used in the place of the standard colon.

Subtract 12 from the 24-hour figure to get the 12-hour equivalent (18.50 minus 12 equals 6:50 P.M.).

The Date

In Europe, the date is written day-month-year. Example, September 2, 2005 is written: 02-09-05 instead of the American 9-2-05. Notice that this can be confused with February 9th, 2005. This is important when filling out forms or dating any documents during your study abroad experience in Italy.