Student Exchange Programs in Italy

Study in one of the world’s most charming countries

A student exchange program in Italy is filled with stunning art, history, and a vibrant family lifestyle

Becoming an exchange student in Italy is an excellent choice. The fascinating country offers a variety of climates, nature, and lifestyles. From beautiful medieval towns, mountain chains in the Alps, fashionable cities, to dreamy beaches along the coast. It is safe to say that Italy has something for everyone!

When spending your exchange program in Italy, you will enjoy life in one of the world’s most charming countries. The Italian cities of Venice, Florence, and Rome are known to be three of the most romantic in the world, and so is Italian language. Prepare for an exchange program full of inspiring surroundings, intense Italian conversations, and not to forget – the best pizza in the world!

Quick facts

Age of students: 15 (14 y/o might be considered) – 18 years old (must not be 19 whilst on the program)

Departure: January, September, October, November, December

Language requirements: You are required to be able to converse in basic conversation.

Visa: Subject to program length

Area request: Yes

Soft Landing Camp: Yes, in Milan

Online Language Course: Available on program in Italy

School day: Normally from 8.00 to 14.00

Subjects: Compulsory subjects

Program: Classic High School

region CHOICE

Students applying for the Classic Academic Semester or Classic Academic Year programs can request a host family & school placement in Rome, Florence or Milan for an additional fee:

Program Prices Italy

The experience of a lifetime

Travelling on an exchange program is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that shapes your future. Check out this short guide to plan your exchange in Italy. Please join an Information Session Webinar and then contact us to make that plan a reality.     

About high school in Italy

As an exchange student in Italy, you will experience life as an Italian teenager. You will have the opportunity to practice your language skills everyday and create new connections and friendships. Attending an Italian high school is an exciting experience that will develop you both as a student as well as a citizen.

Please note that some Italian high schools may require a payment of an enrolment fee upon arrival. This fee is not included in our program fee since the value depends on each school. The cost can vary from $30–150.

Enquire now

Subjects and school activities

In Italy, all high school subjects are mandatory. The subjects may include Math, History, Italian Literature, Physical Education, and English, but they depend on the school you attend. You cannot choose your own subjects. The school may, however, allow you to have a free lesson to give you more time for Italian studies.

You usually go to school from Monday to Friday, but some schools have classes on Saturdays as well.

Most of the high schools do not offer any extra-curricular activities such as sports or art clubs. The Italian teenagers are active in sports clubs around town. Plenty of Italian schools arrange trips for their students for two or three days in Spring. These may be trips around Italy but also in Europe. Please note that we cannot guarantee that your school will organise a trip like this, but it is common.

Enquire now

Semesters and breaks

The Italian school year is divided into two semesters. The first one starts in September and the second one by the middle or end of January.

Most schools have a two-week Christmas break, one-week Easter break, and summer break from June–September. In addition to this, there are some public holidays. There are also different religious holidays depending on the city or region you live in.

Enquire now

Your spare time in Italy

Your spare time as an exchange student in Italy will depend on where your host family lives. All exchange students’ experiences re different, and you can be sure to experience Italy in your own unique way.

It is highly recommended for you to join your host families and friends’ activities after school and on weekends. They may go to the beach, downtown or to different sports events. By being open-minded and curious about their way of life, you will experience and explore your local Italian community during your stay.

Sports and activities

Italy’s pleasant climate creates opportunities for you to stay active. You can enjoy everything on offer in nature by going skiing, swimming, and hiking. Or perhaps enroll in more regular activities and sports such as volleyball and basketball in your spare time. The high schools usually do not offer extra-curricular activities to their students, meaning you will need to find local clubs in your city. Your host family will be happy to help you join clubs in their nearby area.

Soccer (football) is the most popular sport in Italy. The national team have won four world cup trophies, making it one of the most successful teams in the history of the cup. If you play, we highly recommend you join a team after school hours. If not, it is still fun to support a Serie A team during your exchange program. If you ever have the opportunity to watch a game live, you should certainly go. Football is a great way to immerse in the Italian culture and to feel like a part of the community.

Enquire now

Staying with an Italian host family

Staying with an Italian host family is the very best way of immersing in the Italian culture. You will develop your language skills, find out more about the Italian traditions and customs, as well as enjoy homemade Italian food. But most importantly, you will become part of a caring Italian family who is keen to show you their version of the country.

Family, friends, and food

One of Italy’s most known traits is that the Italians are close to their family and friends. The Italians frequently have family gatherings and enjoy spending time together. This will give insight into their culture, meet new friends, and have plenty of opportunities to practice your Italian skills.

Food is, obviously, another essential part of the Italian culture. Your host family will prepare all your meals during your exchange program. You will enjoy delicious meals made with seasonal ingredients. Prepare for an exchange full of pasta , oven-baked pizza, bruschetta, prosciutto ham, tiramisu desserts, and lots more.

Remember, that your host family is curious about your background as well. Introduce them to some typical meals from home, teach them some useful phrases, and share movies and music with them.

Learn about host families

About high school in Italy

As an exchange student in Italy, you will experience life as an Italian teenager. You will have the opportunity to practice your language skills everyday and create new connections and friendships. Attending an Italian high school is an exciting experience that will develop you both as a student as well as a citizen.

Please note that some Italian high schools may require a payment of an enrolment fee upon arrival. This fee is not included in our program fee since the value depends on each school. The cost can vary from $30–150.

Enquire now
banner-img

Subjects and school activities

In Italy, all high school subjects are mandatory. The subjects may include Math, History, Italian Literature, Physical Education, and English, but they depend on the school you attend. You cannot choose your own subjects. The school may, however, allow you to have a free lesson to give you more time for Italian studies.

You usually go to school from Monday to Friday, but some schools have classes on Saturdays as well.

Most of the high schools do not offer any extra-curricular activities such as sports or art clubs. The Italian teenagers are active in sports clubs around town. Plenty of Italian schools arrange trips for their students for two or three days in Spring. These may be trips around Italy but also in Europe. Please note that we cannot guarantee that your school will organise a trip like this, but it is common.

Enquire now
banner-img

Semesters and breaks

The Italian school year is divided into two semesters. The first one starts in September and the second one by the middle or end of January.

Most schools have a two-week Christmas break, one-week Easter break, and summer break from June–September. In addition to this, there are some public holidays. There are also different religious holidays depending on the city or region you live in.

Enquire now
banner-img

Your spare time in Italy

Your spare time as an exchange student in Italy will depend on where your host family lives. All exchange students’ experiences re different, and you can be sure to experience Italy in your own unique way.

It is highly recommended for you to join your host families and friends’ activities after school and on weekends. They may go to the beach, downtown or to different sports events. By being open-minded and curious about their way of life, you will experience and explore your local Italian community during your stay.

Sports and activities

Italy’s pleasant climate creates opportunities for you to stay active. You can enjoy everything on offer in nature by going skiing, swimming, and hiking. Or perhaps enroll in more regular activities and sports such as volleyball and basketball in your spare time. The high schools usually do not offer extra-curricular activities to their students, meaning you will need to find local clubs in your city. Your host family will be happy to help you join clubs in their nearby area.

Soccer (football) is the most popular sport in Italy. The national team have won four world cup trophies, making it one of the most successful teams in the history of the cup. If you play, we highly recommend you join a team after school hours. If not, it is still fun to support a Serie A team during your exchange program. If you ever have the opportunity to watch a game live, you should certainly go. Football is a great way to immerse in the Italian culture and to feel like a part of the community.

Enquire now
banner-img

Staying with an Italian host family

Staying with an Italian host family is the very best way of immersing in the Italian culture. You will develop your language skills, find out more about the Italian traditions and customs, as well as enjoy homemade Italian food. But most importantly, you will become part of a caring Italian family who is keen to show you their version of the country.

Family, friends, and food

One of Italy’s most known traits is that the Italians are close to their family and friends. The Italians frequently have family gatherings and enjoy spending time together. This will give insight into their culture, meet new friends, and have plenty of opportunities to practice your Italian skills.

Food is, obviously, another essential part of the Italian culture. Your host family will prepare all your meals during your exchange program. You will enjoy delicious meals made with seasonal ingredients. Prepare for an exchange full of pasta , oven-baked pizza, bruschetta, prosciutto ham, tiramisu desserts, and lots more.

Remember, that your host family is curious about your background as well. Introduce them to some typical meals from home, teach them some useful phrases, and share movies and music with them.

Learn about host families
banner-img

Soft Landing Camp in Milan

September arrivals only

Your Italian high school adventure starts in the historic city of Milan. For 3 days, you will have the opportunity to discover the beautiful city as well as being prepared for your new life in Italy.

Together with other Southern Cross Cultural Exchange students and other students from around the world, you will have the best start to your exchange experience possible. Please note, Soft Landing Camps are optional and at an additional fee.   September arrivals only.

Included in Soft Landing Camp

  • Three nights at a hostel in shared rooms with breakfast
  • Staff supervision throughout the stay
  • Airport transfers to/from Milan airport and hostel
  • Transport from Milan to host family community
  • Guided tour on a tourist bus in Milan
    Italian traditional dinner on Friday night
  • Metro tickets in Milan

Not included in Soft Landing Camp

  • Lunch on Day 2
  • Personal expenses

Agenda (example only):

Day 1:
Arrival at Airport and transfer to the hostel for check in and a welcome meeting, followed by a walking tour of the city centre. Return to the hotel and free time for dinner in town.

Day 2:
Breakfast at the hotel
Visit to the Duomo square and its surroundings
Time for a quick lunch – own expense
“Hop on Hop off “panoramic bus tour with audio guide
Free time for shopping
Italian dinner and walking tour searching for the best ice cream in Milan!

Day 3:
Breakfast at the hotel
Departures to meet your host family (collect from Milan, train, bus or flight to be confirmed closer to the time).

Online language course

boost your language skills

Better language skills will help you connect with new friends and your host family and will really take your exchange to the next level.
We offer 6-or 8-week online language courses that you can start at the beginning of your exchange. The emphasis of the course is on improving your speaking skills and your confidence to communicate in Italian. You will have 3 hours of online classes per week and of course you will meet other students who are also keen to improve their Italian!

Italy Price

Exchange student stories from Italy

Jasmine

Jasmine shares experience from her student exchanges “A story of multiple exchanges”.

Read her blog story here.

Lucy

“You will be surprised by how quickly time will go so don’t waist it, take risks, and don’t be afraid to try new things because you might not get this chance again.”
– Lucy in Italy

Enquire now

The best way to prepare for your exchange program is to join an Information Session Webinar.
Please click here to register and then complete your details below and we will be in touch to answer your questions.

"*" indicates required fields

Hidden
Hidden
Student or Guardian*
Student's date of birth*
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Book a Consultation