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!

Looking for a gap year of endless stuff to check out? Look no further because Italy is truly the place to be. There are the cozy chalets in the Italian Alps and the panoramic views of the Amalfi coast... Italy has something for every type of traveler to do. Here’s how most gappers in Italy like to spend their time.  

Language immersion. Spend your gap year learning Italian for a year—it’s the language of luuuv. Or, maybe you’re obsessed with all the romance languages. Then studying Italian for a year will make learning the others a breeze! Plus, what better way to get immersed into Italian culture than by speaking Italian? Since the local menus will full of delicious Italian meal names, you’re gonna wanna know what you’re ordering to taste the best stuff! Finally sold on getting Italian under your belt? Then sign up for an exciting gap year in Italy program. You’ve got plenty of awesome choices that will even stuff backpacking Italy in with your language lessons.

Teach abroad. Interested in deeper cultural exchange with Italians? Work in Italy for English speakers offers plenty of paid opportunities to teach English. You can teach at a public or private school. Or, work in Italy for a year collaborating with Italian teachers to improve their English. Quick tip: most English teaching workaway Italy jobs require TEFL certification.

Study abroad. Why not earn credits while having the gap year of your life in Italy? Study Picasso’s art and Roman mythology. Or, take a core course in anything from graphic design to photography. Whatever you study, you’ll be constantly surrounded by 360 degrees of never-ending learning. And, Italian universities frequently top the list for the best educational institutions in.the.world. Hard work in Italy for a year pays off.

Costs. So, how much will a gap year in Italy cost your wallet? This will vary by where and how you decide to chill. Housing will be cheaper in smaller towns than big cities like Rome. So, looking for lower gap year fees? Consider gapping in a more low key Italian community. And, to save coins on grub, skip the five star cuisine and dine away from tourist attractions. Gap year program materials will have the 411 on what you can expect to fork over for your Italian excursions. Now what if you don’t have any gap year cash? No biggie! Pick up a part-time job to start saving. Or, consider holding a fundraiser— this FundMyTravel tool will show you how. Another way to raise travel money? Apply to paid gap year jobs in Italy to get the most bang for your buck!

Accommodations. One common your gap year in Italy accommodation is a homestay with a local Italian family. With this route, you’ll be immersed into the local culture to the fullest! If living with locals sounds a bit intimidating, have no fear. Gap year program staff thoroughly vet homestays. They also place gappers with families experienced with foreigners. Another popular crashpad option is a shared flat with other gappers. Thinking about doing a study abroad Italian gap year? Many colleges in Italy don’t have on-campus housing, so students often share off-campus housing.

Visas. If you’re planning on gapping in Italy for less than three months, you won’t need a visa. Now, if you’d like to stay longer, you’ll have to get a visa or work permit. Work visas in Italy are notoriously difficult to snag. You can totally navigate immigration on your own. However, it might be a headache! So, your best bet is to follow the guidance of gap year program advisors. Want more info on Italian visas? Use our GoAbroad embassy directory to get in touch with the Italian embassy directly.

Safety. Italy is a pretty safe nation with low crime, excellent healthcare, and modern facilities. It’s home to some of the world’s safest cities. Still, as with any metropolitan area, bigger Italian cities present threats like pickpocketing and petty theft. However, using a few basic street smarts in crowded areas will keep you covered. Wear your cash inside your clothing. And, keep a close eye on your stuff in places like tourist attractions, public transport, and even internet cafes.

Your decision to do gap year in Italy won’t let you down! There’s the diversity, seaside mountainsides, and world renowned Roman empire landmarks. And, don’t forget the yummy cuisine and millennia of history to dig into! Gap years in Italy nurture that healthy curiosity of the world you’re already developing.

With sooo much to explore, you should map out your gap year in Italy beforehand! Planning work in Italy for English speakers? How do you want to spend your time after classes? What to do after your volunteer in Italy project wraps up? Hit up some guidebooks, and google phrases like “backpacking Italy” and “grape picking jobs Italy” to get a feel for your options. 

Italy isn’t only attractive to tourists. It’s a popular spot for migrants from African nations and places like Syria, looking for a better life. These migrants face difficult conditions on their journeys to Italy—trafficking, slavery, rape, and more. Are you a seasoned professional with a strong skill set (think medical, mental health, or resettlement)? Or, maybe you speak a language common with refugees. If you’ve got the skills and would like to help migrants, volunteer.

Ready to kick off your gap year in lo Stivale (the boot!)? Yep. You’re gonna be gappin’ in a pretty awesomely shaped country. Even better, it will be hard to escape the endless culture that will spark your genius at every corner. Get lost in the colorful street markets in Venice or lose your breath to the grandeur of Stromboli volcano. Have a blast doing gap year art or workaway Italy programs. And what do ya do if you’re feeling a few gap year jitters as you plan your excursions? Remember the great Shakespeare once said, “Boldness be my friend!”

Excited but terrified at the same time? Here’s why you shouldn’t fear a gap year!