Italy
Just like Rome wasn't built in a day, it'll take a whole lot longer than a day to experience all that Italy has to offer and become a part of its unique culture.
Study in Italy
Language. Art. Architecture. History. Religion. Food. Fashion. Just like Rome wasn't built in a day, it'll take a whole lot longer than a day to experience all that Italy has to offer and become a part of its unique culture.
“As a junior in high school, going from the foothills of the Rocky Mountains to a small town right outside of Milan was by far one of the best experiences of my life. I lived with a family of five (two host sisters and one host brother) who showed me the in's and out's of the area. Although my exchange was two years ago, I still remain very close to my host family, and have been back to visit since”
- Sidney
+ More About Italy
Ciao! Do you find yourself dreaming of rolling Tuscan hills, with vineyards covering the landscape? Perhaps you see yourself in a small town in Umbria, winding through the quiet streets and exploring the charming stores and piazzas, or maybe a bustling city rich with history is more your thing. One thing for certain is that Italy has something for everyone! From the cosmopolitan Rome to the relaxing towns to the north, to the Amalfi coast and the island of Sicily, Italy will continue to amaze you with one beautiful scene after another.
Italy is known for its considerable architectural achievements, such as the construction of arches, domes and similar structures during ancient Rome. After all, many of the Roman ruins are still intact today! While on your exchange you'll have the opportunity to see many of the different styles of architecture that were developed by Italians; on an optional trip to Rome you will have the opportunity to see these styles played out in the iconic structures of the Roman Forum, Coliseum and other Roman ruins throughout the city! Rome is a city that must not be missed. Even in the countryside, the unique architecture is impossible to ignore, as you pass by ancient aqueducts that still dot the Italian countryside.
As Italy is the birthplace of the Renaissance, it is bursting at the seams with famous paintings, sculptures, frescos, and more. With the statue of David in Florence, the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Cathedral in Rome and the "Leaning Tower of Pisa" in Pisa, Italy is filled with many world famous works of art and places to see. In fact, Italy has the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites of any country in the world!
Another signature aspect of Italy is the food. Everyone knows that Italy is the home of pizza and pasta, but no one does it quite like a real Italian. From authentic Neapolitan pizza, pastries, gelato, freshly brewed espresso, and farm fresh cheeses, Italians love their food – and love to savor and enjoy it. In Italy there is no such thing as “fast food,” because Italians truly take pleasure in their food and drink and always make time to sufficiently enjoy it and the company of their dining partners. It will be common for you to spend 3 hours at a meal, laughing and talking with friends and family, who will always try to feed you more delicious food!
Italians are a fun-loving people, who love to laugh and show their emotions. You’ll be welcomed into your Italian host family with open arms, and learn all about life in this incredible country. So what are you waiting for? Apply to Italy today, and go on the journey of your dreams!
Online Resources
To learn even more about Italy we recommend:
- Visit your local library to find reference books, travel guides and essays, Italian language dictionaries, and many more country resources
- Use an internet search engine to find informative websites
- Ambasciata d'Italia Washington DC
- US State Department information page on Italy
+ Scholarships Available
Scholarships for 2020 programs have not yet been confirmed. Applications for 2020 Summer/Fall scholarships will open in the Fall of 2019. The YFU Financial Aid Fund can be applied to any program and will remain available for 2020 Spring programs until September 15. The YFU Legacy Grant can be applied to any program at any time of application. For more details on the Financial Aid Fund, Legacy Grant, and previous merit-based scholarships please visit our scholarships page.
Learn more about scholarship details and application deadlines.
+ Programs & Tuition
Fall Year: $12,995
Art Fall Year: $12,995
Music Fall Year: $12,995
Dance Year: $14,995
IB Fall Year: $12,995
Bilingual Fall Year: $12,995
Science (Bilingual) Fall Year: $12,995
Catering Fall Year: $12,995
Fall Semester: $10,995
Art Fall Semester: $11,495
Music Fall Semester: $11,495
Dance Fall Semester: $11,495
Bilingual Fall Semester: $11,495
Science (Bilingual) Fall Semester: $11,495
Catering Fall Semester: $11,495
Fall Trimester: $11,495
Summer: $5,995
Science (Bilingual) Summer: $5,995
Applications for tuition based programs must be submitted by October 1 for winter/spring departure programs and March 15 for summer and fall. Applications submitted after this date will be considered on a case by case basis depending upon availability.
+ Additional Information
Visa Information
Information regarding visas and other immigration processes will be provided upon enrollment.
Additional Costs
For students participating in the year-long program to Italy, it is possible to take an examination and receive an official Language Certification at a small cost. The "Permesso di Soggiorno" (Residence Permit) required in order to study in Italy will cost an additional fee. Program tuition does not include personal spending money or school-related costs such as books and school trips.
Choose Your Program
+ Academic Year Programs
For either a semester or a year, you can have the opportunity to study in Italy and live with a host family! While in Italy you will have the chance to become fully immersed in their culture first hand as you enjoy the cuisine, learn the language, and build friendships that will last a lifetime. Students are able to enroll in a standard public high school or a special interest school where they will take courses focused on a particular interest.
School
Students in Italy can study in one of four different education tracks: Liceo Scientifico, Liceo Classico, Liceo Liguistico or Istituto Tecnico e Commerciale. These high schools focus on subjects such as Sciences, the Classics, Languages, or Business. All education tracks include Italian, English, Math, History and Philosophy, Physics, History of Art, Biology or Chemistry, and Physical Education. The Scientifico track includes all three sciences in addition to Computer Science, the Classico track includes Greek and Latin, the Linguistico track includes three other foreign languages, and the Tecnico e Commerciale track includes Economy and Law, and Accountancy. Exchange students may choose a track to follow, but each program is tailored to accommodate the student's language ability.
Orientations
All students applying for the semester or year program must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation, which usually takes place in mid-July. This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas. All students will participate in a one-day local pre-departure orientation in May or June. Students will attend a post-arrival orientation as well as a re-entry orientation, both of which are 3 days long and are held in Milan. For full-year students, a mid-year orientation will also be provided. Generally, regional orientations are also provided for students throughout their programs, enabling them to reflect on their experiences and meet with other exchange students.
International Baccalaureate School
Students on the IB school program attend an IB school in Italy. Applicants are expected to have attended an IB school in their home country. Students on this program will live with a local Italian host family, but will attend classes in English, the standard language of all IB schools worldwide. IB School tuition fees are paid to the school and are not included in the YFU program tuition. These can range from €7000 to €20,000, depending on the school and will be determined after a student is placed.
Bilingual Schooland
Students on the bilingual school program have the opportunity to attend a high school where courses are taught in both Italian and a second language. Students that choose to enroll in a sciences track of high school will be able to choose between English, Chinese, and Spanish as their secondary language. Students that choose to enroll in a classics track of high school will be able to choose between German and French as their secondary language. On this program, most classes are taught in Italian, but some (history, geography, sports, etc.) are taught in the second language.
Dance School
Students on the dance school program will be enrolled in a Liceo Coreutico, where they will take standard higgh school courses in addition to learning about and practicing the art of dance. Students will have the opprotunity to study many disciplines of dance and choreagraphy. Previous dance experience is required.
Art School
Students on the art high school program will be enrolled in a Liceo Artistico, where they will take standard high school courses in addition to several high level art classes. No previous artistic training is required, but students that do not have art classes on their recent transcripts are required to submit a letter explaining why they are interested in the arts and attending an art high school. Students should expect to submit a portfolio upon request.
Music School
Students on the music high school program will be enrolled in a Liceo Musicale, where they will take standard high school courses in addition to several high level music classes. No previous music training is required, but students that do not have music classes on their recent transcripts are required to submit a letter explaining why they are interested in music and attending a music high school. Admission requirements vary depending on the school, and YFU will be in touch after students apply regarding any necessary supplemental materials. Costs for music supplies, instrument rentals, and activities are not included in the YFU program tuition.
Science School
Students participating in this program will be enrolled in a Liceo Scientifico, where they will take standard high school courses with a special concentration in the sciences. No previous study is required, but students that do not have high performance in science courses or extensive scientific credits are required to submit a letter explaining why they are interested in the science and participating in a scientific program.
| PROGRAM | CODE | DEPARTURE | RETURN | FULL TUITION |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Year | 0720 | late August | mid June | $12,995 |
| Art Fall Year | 1412 | late August | mid June | $12,995 |
| Music Fall Year | 1413 | late August | mid June | $12,995 |
| Dance Fall Year | 1413 | late August | mid June | $14,995 |
| IB Fall Year | 1410 | late August | mid June | $12,995 |
| Bilingual Fall Year | 1409 | late August | mid June | $12,995 |
| Science Fall Year | 1409 | late August | mid June | $12,995 |
| Catering Fall Year | 1409 | late August | mid June | $12,995 |
Tuition Includes
- Placement with a host family
- Enrollment in a local Italian high school
- Airport transfers
- Domestic and international travel
- All pre-departure and post arrival orientations
- Pre-program support by trained YFU staff
- Support from a YFU Italy Area Representative while on program
- Week-long Italian language course after arrival for year and semester students
- Comprehensive insurance
Optional Excursions
There will be an opportunity to participate on an optional trip each semester at an additional cost to the student. More information on the location, duration, and cost of this trip will be offered upon arrival in Italy.
Age Requirement
Fall departure: July 30, 2001 - July 30, 2004. Spring departure: December 30, 2000 - December 30, 2003. Trimester: August 31, 2001- December 31, 2004. Students who do not meet this age requirement or will graduate from high school before the start of their program will be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis.
Language
Italian. Previous language study is not required.
Host Family Placement
Host families may be located anywhere throughout Italy. Rural areas and mid-sized cities are most common and generally have excellent public transportation. Students are rarely placed in large cities such as Rome. Most placements for students can occur in the following counties in Italy: Lombardy, Lazio, Sardinia, Sicily, Marche, Tuscany, Emilia Romagna, and Veneto. While these counties include major cities such as Rome, Milan, Bologne, Pisa, Caligari, Catania, etc., placement in the county could be anywhere, not necessarily in the cities themselves.
+ Semester Programs
For a semester, you can have the opportunity to study in Italy and live with a host family! While in Italy you will have the chance to become fully immersed in their culture first hand as you enjoy the cuisine, learn the language, and build friendships that will last a lifetime. Students are able to enroll in a standard public high school or a special interest school where they will take courses focused on a particular interest.
School
Students in Italy can study in one of four different education tracks: Liceo Scientifico, Liceo Classico, Liceo Liguistico or Istituto Tecnico e Commerciale. These high schools focus on subjects such as Sciences, the Classics, Languages, or Business. All education tracks include Italian, English, Math, History and Philosophy, Physics, History of Art, Biology or Chemistry, and Physical Education. The Scientifico track includes all three sciences in addition to Computer Science, the Classico track includes Greek and Latin, the Linguistico track includes three other foreign languages, and the Tecnico e Commerciale track includes Economy and Law, and Accountancy. Exchange students may choose a track to follow, but each program is tailored to accommodate the student's language ability.
Orientations
All students applying for the semester or year program must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation, which usually takes place in mid-July. This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas. All students will participate in a one-day local pre-departure orientation in May or June. Students will attend a post-arrival orientation as well as a re-entry orientation, both of which are 3 days long and are held in Milan. For full-year students, a mid-year orientation will also be provided. Generally, regional orientations are also provided for students throughout their programs, enabling them to reflect on their experiences and meet with other exchange students.
International Baccalaureate School
Students on the IB school program attend an IB school in Italy. Applicants are expected to have attended an IB school in their home country. Students on this program will live with a local Italian host family, but will attend classes in English, the standard language of all IB schools worldwide. IB School tuition fees are paid to the school and are not included in the YFU program tuition. These can range from €7000 to €20,000, depending on the school.
Bilingual School
Students on the bilingual school program have the opportunity to attend a high school where courses are taught in both Italian and a second language. Students that choose to enroll in a sciences track of high school will be able to choose between English, Chinese, and Spanish as their secondary language. Students that choose to enroll in a classics track of high school will be able to choose between German and French as their secondary language. On this program, most classes are taught in Italian, but some (history, geography, sports, etc.) are taught in the second language.
Dance School
Students on the dance school program will be enrolled in a Liceo Coreutico, where they will take standard higgh school courses in addition to learning about and practicing the art of dance. Students will have the opprotunity to study many disciplines of dance and choreagraphy. Previous dance experience is required.
Art School
Students on the art high school program will be enrolled in a Liceo Artistico, where they will take standard high school courses in addition to several high level art classes. No previous artistic training is required, but students that do not have art classes on their recent transcripts are required to submit a letter explaining why they are interested in the arts and attending an art high school. Students should expect to submit a portfolio upon request.
Music School
Students on the music high school program will be enrolled in a Liceo Musicale, where they will take standard high school courses in addition to several high level music classes. No previous music training is required, but students that do not have music classes on their recent transcripts are required to submit a letter explaining why they are interested in music and attending a music high school. Admission requirements vary depending on the school, and YFU will be in touch after students apply regarding any necessary supplemental materials. Costs for music supplies, instrument rentals, and activities are not included in the YFU program tuition.
Science School
Students participating in this program will be enrolled in a Liceo Scientifico, where they will take standard high school courses with a special concentration in the sciences. No previous study is required, but students that do not have high performance in science courses or extensive scientific credits are required to submit a letter explaining why they are interested in the science and participating in a scientific program.
| PROGRAM | CODE | DEPARTURE | RETURN | FULL TUITION |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | 0613 | late August | late January | $10,995 |
| Art Fall Semester | 0613 | late August | late January | $11,495 |
| Music Fall Semester | 0613 | late August | late January | $11,495 |
| Dance Fall Semester | 0613 | late August | late January | $11,495 |
| Bilingual Fall Semester | 0613 | late August | late January | $11,495 |
| Science Fall Semester | 0613 | late August | late January | $11,495 |
| Catering Fall Semester | 0613 | late August | late January | $11,495 |
| Fall Trimester | 0668 | late August | late November | $11,495 |
Tuition Includes
- Placement with a host family
- Enrollment in a local Italian high school
- Airport transfers
- Domestic and international travel
- All pre-departure and post arrival orientations
- Pre-program support by trained YFU staff
- Support from a YFU Italy Area Representative while on program
- Week-long Italian language course after arrival for year and semester students
- Comprehensive insurance
Optional Excursions
There will be an opportunity to participate on an optional trip each semester at an additional cost to the student. More information on the location, duration, and cost of this trip will be offered upon arrival in Italy.
Age Requirement
Fall departure: July 30, 2001 - July 30, 2004. Spring departure: December 30, 2000 - December 30, 2003. Trimester: August 31, 2001- December 31, 2004. Students who do not meet this age requirement or will graduate from high school before the start of their program will be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis.
Language
Italian. Previous language study is not required.
Host Family Placement
Host families may be located anywhere throughout Italy. Rural areas and mid-sized cities are most common and generally have excellent public transportation. Students are rarely placed in large cities such as Rome. Most placements for students can occur in the following counties in Italy: Lombardy, Lazio, Sardinia, Sicily, Marche, Tuscany, Emilia Romagna, and Veneto. While these counties include major cities such as Rome, Milan, Bologne, Pisa, Caligari, Catania, etc., placement in the county could be anywhere, not necessarily in the cities themselves.
+ Summer Program
Experience all that this beautiful country has to offer by spending next summer in Italy! You’ll live with an Italian host family and immerse yourself in Italian, absorb colorful culture, and make new friends in your local community. You can spend your time joining extracurricular activities, playing local sports, attending local festivals and events, and even volunteering in your community! Students who are interested in participating in a science-specialty program are also able to participate in the summer!
You’ll live with an Italian host family and immerse yourself in Italian, absorb colorful culure, and make new friends in your local community. You can spend your time joining extracurricular activities, playing local sports, attending local festivals and events, and even volunteering in your community!
Age Requirement
Fall departure: July 30, 2001 - July 30, 2004. Spring departure: December 30, 2000 - December 30, 2003. Trimester: August 31, 2001- December 31, 2004. Students who do not meet this age requirement or will graduate from high school before the start of their program will be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis.
Language
Italian. Previous language study is not required.
Host Family Placement
Host families may be located anywhere throughout Italy. Rural areas and mid-sized cities are most common and generally have excellent public transportation. Students are rarely placed in large cities such as Rome. Most placements for students can occur in the following counties in Italy: Lombardy, Lazio, Sardinia, Sicily, Marche, Tuscany, Emilia Romagna, and Veneto. While these counties include major cities such as Rome, Milan, Bologne, Pisa, Caligari, Catania, etc., placement in the county could be anywhere, not necessarily in the cities themselves.
| PROGRAM | CODE | DEPARTURE | RETURN | FULL TUITION |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | 0174 | late June | late August | $5,995 |
Tuition Includes
- Placement with a host family
- Airport transfers
- Domestic and international travel
- All pre-departure and post arrival orientations
- Pre-program support by trained YFU staff
- Support from a YFU Italy Area Representative while on program
- Comprehensive insurance