AFS Intercultural Programs: High School Abroad in Italy
Location
Italy: Roma (Rome)
Description
Italians know how to enjoy life, whether through exquisite art, music, and architecture; the company of friends and family; the beautiful game of soccer; or an after-dinner passeggiata (slow walk). Family members always eat together so they can catch up on each others lives, and Italians love to stay in-the-know with current events. The country is full of art at nearly every turn, including Roman ruins, Renaissance art, tiny medieval hill towns, and beautiful churches. Despite this abundance of history, Italy reflects modern times with stylish electronic gadgets, sleek Milan fashions, and a modern economy that is part of the European Union. Of course, don't forget about the famous Italian cuisine that you'll enjoy with your host family!
Highlights
Year, Semester and Summer Homestay Programs:
When you arrive in Rome, you'll receive a two-night orientation before traveling on to your host family. A more detailed orientation happens a month later. You'll attend a public high school and study the sciences, humanities, or the arts. Language classes can be organized through a school or a private teacher. The school year runs from September through June with vacations at Christmas and Easter. AFS Italy offers a Global Education Week where you might get the opportunity to live in another part of the country for a week, and several occasions during the year to meet with other AFS Exchange Students and learn more about Italy!
Summer Homestay Plus Program (North) lets you experience Italy's culture and learn the language. You begin by traveling to Tuscany for an orientation and six days immersed in the beautiful countryside. Mornings are for Italian lessons, and afternoons are filled with hands-on activities in Italian music, cuisine, art, and culture. There are three half-day trips to Siena, Florence, and the medieval village of San Gimignano. At the end of the camp, participants travel to their host families throughout the northern portion of Italy to join them in their everyday activities - and practice their new language! Students will conclude their program with a 2-day, 3-night visit of Rome and an end-of-stay orientation.
Summer Homestay Plus Program (South) lets you experience Italy's culture and learn the language. You begin by traveling to Calabria (in southern Italy- located at the toe of the boot) for a six-day orientation. Each day will consist of Italian lessons and hands-on activities in Italian music, cuisine, art, and culture. Visits to archaeological sites, historical monuments, gorgeous sandy beaches, and other naturalistic and artistic beauties have been organized for the group. At the end of the camp, participants travel to their host families in one of the following southern regions: Campania, Puglia, Basilicata, Calabria, or Sicily. There they will join them in their everyday activities- and practice their new language! Students will conclude their program with a 2-day, 3-night visit of Rome and an end-of-stay orientation.