Gap Year Programs in Italy

A gap year in Italy plants you smack dab in middle of Europe’s hippest locales. You’ll have easy train access to hotspots like Athens and Barcelona. But stick around, because Italy alone is full of fantastic destinations—think fashion forward Milan and gondola laden Venice. Here’s where globetrotters love to crash for Italian gap years.

Rome. This capital city owns bragging rights to 28 centuries of Italian history. Who wouldn’t want to spend their gap year in Rome? Gappers in Rome will be drenched in medieval and contemporary art (gap year art programs are great for this!) and history. Loads of world renowned colleges exist for study abroad gappers. With so much to get into, it’s easy to see why ancient residents called Rome the “Eternal City”—the excursions are endless. Cool fact: There’s actually an entire country that sits inside of Rome. Yup, the Pope’s crib, Vatican City! Are you a gapper wanting a stimulating experience chock full of cultural exchange? And do you wanna add nearby Mediterranean beaches to the mix? A gap year in Rome is your best bet.

Florence. Rome is super cool but maybe you’re looking for a more laid back gap year. Head a few hours north to Florence—it’s a top gap year spot for gap year excursionists with an epic social scene! So, what is it that draws folks to Florence? Well, there’s the fact that it’s the birthplace of the Renaissance! And it also balances small town life with tons of cool museums, cathedrals, monuments, art history, and outdoor markets. There are the acres of green hills of Florence countryside where wine and olive oil are made. And, if wanna do something really different, hit up a thermal spa just outside the city. You’ll find natural hot springs to bathe in!

Popular Providers

Frequently Asked Questions

You can definitely take a gap year in Italy. However, if you want to stay longer than the typical 90-day tourist visa, you will need to apply for a permesso di soggiorno within 8 days of your arrival.

Yes! International students flock to Italy year-round for high quality education. It should be noted, however, that students of color and those who identify as LGBTQIA+ may experience heightened prejudice in some areas.

10 Things to Know Before You Travel to Italy

The benefits of a gap year in Italy include meeting new people from around the world, discovering new perspectives and broadened horizons, and exploring new passions. Additionally, you'll enjoy language learning opportunities!

12 Gap Year Benefits Your Future Self Will Thank You For

The most popular types of gap year programs in Italy include au pair jobs, English teaching jobs, wilderness/outdoors, and programs with a cultural focus, such as art history, architecture, and cooking.

The Best Gap Year Programs in 2023-2024

Latest Program Reviews

I grew so much and had the time of my life doing so.

April 28, 2025by: Kate McLain - United StatesProgram: EF Gap Year - The Globetrotter

8

The voyager program was the best possible program that I could’ve taken. Between the people I was surrounded with, the staff, and the cultures I was immersed in, I was able to learn and connect. I have grown so much and I will be so grateful to EF for that. Throughout the journey, I mostly felt supported, especially with having food allergies, however, in Japan, the first tour guide, and myself did not always see eye to eye, therefore I did not feel supported. However, once this situation was remedied, we were given a lovely tour director named Mari. She was kind and cordial with the group and very knowledgeable about the area which made our experience all the more wonderful we learned so much and I am so grateful to EF for having this program. Shout out to my blue group.

The Key to a New Beginning

December 28, 2024by: Alyssa Galdamez - United StatesProgram: EF Gap Year - The Globetrotter

9

Being part of the first ever Voyager semester in Fall 2023 was an experience I was unprepared for, and the best decision I could’ve ever made. Little did I know that by embarking on this endeavor, I would unlock a part of myself that I didn’t know existed until then. My semester with EF Gap Year taught me self-love, self discovery, and the importance of being uniquely myself. Never did I think it was possible to be able to afford this trip of a lifetime, but I was left with so much satisfaction and so much pride that I had set this goal and I achieved it. This semester taught me that I can do anything I set my mind to and no goal is too big or too impossible. I flew to the other side of the world by myself and saw glowing blue oceans in Thailand that I never thought I’d be able to witness in my lifetime. I learn pieces of languages from each country I spent time in. I connected with people I would’ve never met without this experience and found with locals who had so much passion for their homeland and wanted to share it with me. Was I prepared for this transformation and self growth? No, and only because it was more than I could ever ask for. To anyone who is scared to take such a leap of faith, do it anyway. I haven’t met one person who regretted doing this for themselves, or thought it was a waste of time or money. Dream big, and you will reach the stars.

I grew so much and had the time of my life doing so.

April 28, 2025by: Kate McLain - United StatesProgram: EF Gap Year - The Globetrotter

8

The voyager program was the best possible program that I could’ve taken. Between the people I was surrounded with, the staff, and the cultures I was immersed in, I was able to learn and connect. I have grown so much and I will be so grateful to EF for that. Throughout the journey, I mostly felt supported, especially with having food allergies, however, in Japan, the first tour guide, and myself did not always see eye to eye, therefore I did not feel supported. However, once this situation was remedied, we were given a lovely tour director named Mari. She was kind and cordial with the group and very knowledgeable about the area which made our experience all the more wonderful we learned so much and I am so grateful to EF for having this program. Shout out to my blue group.

The Key to a New Beginning

December 28, 2024by: Alyssa Galdamez - United StatesProgram: EF Gap Year - The Globetrotter

9

Being part of the first ever Voyager semester in Fall 2023 was an experience I was unprepared for, and the best decision I could’ve ever made. Little did I know that by embarking on this endeavor, I would unlock a part of myself that I didn’t know existed until then. My semester with EF Gap Year taught me self-love, self discovery, and the importance of being uniquely myself. Never did I think it was possible to be able to afford this trip of a lifetime, but I was left with so much satisfaction and so much pride that I had set this goal and I achieved it. This semester taught me that I can do anything I set my mind to and no goal is too big or too impossible. I flew to the other side of the world by myself and saw glowing blue oceans in Thailand that I never thought I’d be able to witness in my lifetime. I learn pieces of languages from each country I spent time in. I connected with people I would’ve never met without this experience and found with locals who had so much passion for their homeland and wanted to share it with me. Was I prepared for this transformation and self growth? No, and only because it was more than I could ever ask for. To anyone who is scared to take such a leap of faith, do it anyway. I haven’t met one person who regretted doing this for themselves, or thought it was a waste of time or money. Dream big, and you will reach the stars.