High School Experiential Learning Programs in Italy

Rewrite your high school experience while walking among ancient ruins and sampling the world’s best gelato! By going to a local school, you’ll be immersed in the Italian language and culture. At night, you’ll go home to your host family and community, where you’ll discover the delights of Italian hospitality and home-cooked meals. Mealtimes are social event, lasting for hours on weekends or holidays. Be prepared for generous portions, strong coffee, and tasty treats. Italians know their bread and cheese, so you’re bound to taste some incomparable pizza and pasta. This is your chance to learn the ins and outs of Italian daily life. As a country known to excel in art, architecture, food, and culture, Italy is an ideal place to step outside of your comfort zone, become a cultural insider, and engage in an exciting new adventure.

Refine your Italian in trendy and stylish Milan. Experience four weeks of language immersion in one of the most influential fashion capitals: Milan. After language classes, step out into the city's chic neighborhoods to converse with Milanese locals and sharpen your language skills. Stroll through enchanting vias adorned with stunning architecture. Discover the artistic haven of the Brera district, where galleries and boutiques line the cobblestone streets. Be awestruck by the intricate details of the Duomo di Milano, a true testament to the artistic prowess of the city. Indulge in the authentic flavors of home-cooked meals during your stay with a local host family, and savor delicious dishes at trattorias (traditional restaurants). Meet local teens and learn what it is like growing up in Italy. Weekends offer exciting excursions to nearby cities, such as Bergamo, Como, Verona, Genoa. or Turin, that will enrich your understanding of the region. Your Milanese adventure will go beyond your language gains—it'll be an extraordinary voyage into the heart of northern Italian culture and style.

Adventure through Europe with us and get a real backpacking experience as we navigate from Italy through Switzerland to Paris! Our approach is rooted in the classic backpacker strategy—get a rail pass, explore cities with various daily choices, and leave ourselves open to the spontaneous possibilities that every day brings. Our Older Teens trips are specially designed with older teens in mind. They are all about a hands-on approach to travel where we go beyond the casual tourist experience, take public transportation, and learn how life is in each place we visit. They provide a unique and carefully crafted itinerary that allows for more challenges and independence. We encourage teens on these trips to learn how to use a Eurail pass along with other handy travel skills so that they become confident and able to take on even more of the world in the future! This is one of our most popular Older Teens trips and combines a great mixture of classic European cities, mountain adventure, and Mediterranean beaches. Those looking to discover a nice mix of European cultures will love experiencing the best Italy, Switzerland, and France has to offer.

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and medical initiatives. GoEco operates in over 50 countries, providing unique cultural immersive experiences that aim to make a positive impact on the environment and society. The organization also offers internships and academic programs for students. GoEco provides safe and meaningful experiences while promoting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions.

Our Florence program is one of Abbey Road's most popular study abroad programs for nearly twenty years running. Our students benefit from the residential living experience in the heart of Florence and 24/7 support from our program staff of professional artists, chefs, photographers, and art historians. From daily classes in Italian Language, Photography, Studio Art, Tuscan Cuisine, and Art History to activities ranging from museum visits to Top Chef, we challenge our students daily to try new interests, expand their horizons, and make the most of this exceptional summer opportunity. We give our students fresh, high-quality food from local markets. Our culinary staff members shop for our students, they conduct Tuscan cuisine workshops where students learn to make some of the Florentine delicacies. We cook together one or two nights per week, on some nights we go out for group dinners at trendy local restaurants. Some nights we have catered meals. In any case, our students eat authentic, quality food, as opposed to fast food or tourist meals. Abbey Road’s teaching method emphasizes active, hands-on learning, and cultural immersion.

At THINK Global School (TGS), the world's only traveling high school, students live and learn across four countries each year, gaining the skills, perspectives, and friendships needed to thrive in today's interconnected world. In an age of constant digital connection, TGS prioritizes authentic human experiences through real-world immersion and genuine cultural exchange. Students ages 16–18 experience life in up to 8 countries over two years while earning a fully WASC-accredited diploma. Instead of textbooks and lectures, students dive into project-based learning through TGS's innovative Changemaker Curriculum, tackling real-world challenges while drawing inspiration from each host country's culture, environment, and community. With a 4:1 faculty-to-student ratio, students receive individualized guidance from multicultural educators who act as mentors. Since 2010, TGS has called 34 extraordinary countries home, creating a truly global classroom. TGS uses sliding-scale tuition based on family circumstances, ensuring accessibility for qualified students from all backgrounds who have a passion for travel and a desire to improve the world.

World Class Programs offers high school students the opportunity to study abroad in Florence, Italy. Our summer program is designed for teens from all academic backgrounds who are excited about immersing themselves in Italian culture and lifestyle. This pre-college program offers various course study options, including Art History, Fine Arts, Philosophy, Photography, Architecture, Italian language, and Tuscan Cuisine. Students can choose a major course for daily focus (Monday to Friday) in the mornings for three hours. Then, they attend elective classes, each lasting two hours, three times a week in the afternoons. On weekends, they go on day trips around Italy to explore cultural differences from city to city. Locations vary yearly; previous participants have visited Cinque Terre, Siena, Pisa, and Venice!

Join us this summer on an amazing Greece and Italy adventure travel program for teens. Explore ancient ruins and breathtaking natural landscapes, and savour the freshest, most incredible food in this program that takes you off the beaten path. See breathtaking views from the seaside villages of Cinque Terre and tour the wondrous ruins of Athens. Explore Greek islands with a SCUBA diving lesson in Naxos, plus kayaking and sunset views in Santorini. This program, led by friendly trip leaders, places teens into co-ed, age-compatible groups that are fun, inclusive, and dynamic for all. The detailed itinerary allows the flexibility to (perhaps) find a new favourite beach or sample every gelato stand along the way! Please note that on certain departure dates, some participants depart on day 17, and new participants may join as the group continues on to the islands.

Jump-start your college experience by studying abroad! Forum-Nexus offers European programs, perfect for traveling and earning credits before university studies. During the program, you will take courses taught by a team of international professors who travel with you to explore top cities and destinations. Together with students worldwide, participate in various courses and earn 3, 6, or 9 credits. Join professional visits to leading companies in the afternoons and spend your evenings and weekends sightseeing. This is Forum-Nexus! Ultimate Summer in Europe: 8 Cities in 1 Month Program itinerary: Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam, Milan, Lugano, Paris, Verona, Lake Garda Program dates: June 28 - July 25, 2026 Shorter sessions are also available. Visit our website for more details, including how to apply for free.

Participants aged 13-17 will host a Spanish, French, Italian, or German student for three weeks, followed by their own three-week stay abroad with the same exchange student’s family. This can take place any time between June and August. The Reciprocal Exchange is a uniquely shared experience. Both participants embark on the same adventure, creating a strong and lasting bond that enhances their language-learning journey. Participants share not just a cultural exchange but a deep friendship. It’s the best of both worlds—combining all the benefits of hosting with the excitement of going abroad. Plus, the financial advantage of this program makes it even more attractive due to its reciprocity. Participants are carefully matched based on age, gender, and shared interests.

Uncover the magic of Italy with two unforgettable adventures that showcase the country’s diverse beauty, history, and culture. Tuscan Trails and Roman Wonders - Experience the best of Italy as you journey from the iconic canals of Venice to the breathtaking Amalfi Coast, immersing yourself in Italian culture, history, and cuisine. This program takes you on a diverse adventure through charming towns, vibrant cities, and picturesque landscapes, offering a taste of Italy’s unique regional diversity. Northern Italy Adventure - Get a taste of life in Northern Italy while strolling through Milan, Verona, and Venice. Our Northern Italy Adventure program immerses you in the country's architecture, art, and landscapes. Enjoy a gondola ride on a canal and swim in Italy’s largest lake. Dive into service projects centered on environmental conservation and get off the beaten path in this unforgettable adventure. You will savor the food, love the landscapes, and make new friends during this one-of-a-kind travel experience.

Travel across four countries on this immersive high school exploration through Switzerland, Italy, France, and Holland. Begin in the Swiss Alps, hiking alpine trails and exploring glacier-carved landscapes before continuing to the Italian countryside for a daystay with local host families and hands-on cultural learning. Trek through the dramatic Dolomites, discover Renaissance art and architecture in Florence, and experience vibrant city life in Paris. Conclude your journey with a four-day bicycle adventure through the Dutch countryside, pedaling past windmills, farms, and seaside villages before exploring Amsterdam’s museums, canals, and neighborhoods.

Earn college credit and immerse in Italian culture on this summer program abroad. The High School Summer program is open to students from 15-18 years old and currently enrolled in high school or have recently graduated. SAI Programs and Florence University of the Arts are pleased to offer high school students from all academic backgrounds the possibility of earning college credit and living for four weeks in one of the most treasured centers of art, culture and history in the world. Students will experience the Italian culture hands-on while participating in a variety of classes in the arts and humanities in this summer enrichment program. Florence University of the Arts (FUA) is located in the historic center of Florence, just steps away from the splendid Piazza Santa Croce.

Language Vacation's summer school campus is located on a peaceful, secure and quite stunning pine wood campus which opens out to a private beach and the beautiful waters of the Adriatic Sea. Located in a large residential campus "Villaggio Adriatico," the campus allows international students the opportunity to interact with Italian teenagers of the same age. The campus has an extensive pinewood park, a wide stretch of private beach, numerous sport facilities, such as a swimming pool, basketball court, sand volleyball, and tennis courts. It is the perfect setting to have outdoor classes and to organize sports and leisure activities.

AEF’s high school program is ideal for young teenagers who desire to explore the world but need the context and guidance to make it happen. For students on their first-ever experience abroad, Florence’s size and relaxed pace of life teamed with AEF’s supervision, is enough to ease the culture shock. Nevertheless, there is certainly enough history, art, food, and culture to create an all-inclusive, enriching, and educational experience that students will never forget. Founded in 2005, AEF started as an Italian language school for foreigners, later adding humanistic studies, music, liberal arts, and performing arts. AEF delivers high-quality education and individualized attention, addressing diverse training and educational needs. Situated in the very heart of Florence, halfway between the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the church of San Marco, AEF’s students have the grandeur and beauty of the city’s historical center on their doorstep. Our location is a Renaissance palace, perfectly restructured and equipped with the most modern technologies to make it an ideal site for uniting study beauty, learning, and culture.

Savor the tastes, traditions, and culture of Italy on a journey that blends food, family, and history. Begin in Rome, exploring ancient landmarks like the Fori Imperiali while receiving introductory Italian language and culinary training. Travel north to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, to admire world-famous art and architecture. Continue to Cosenza to discover medieval towns and authentic southern cuisine. Immerse yourself in local life during a 10-day homestay, where you'll share meals and experience the rhythms of daily Italian living. In Asti, refine your culinary skills at the Agenzia di Formazione Professionale delle Colline Astigiane, a prestigious cooking school. Learn to craft Italian classics such as risotto, focaccia, tiramisu, and regional specialties from Piedmont. Through hands-on lessons, tastings, and visits to farms and culinary institutions, you’ll explore how food, culture, and sustainability intertwine—ending your journey with reflection in Asti before departing from Milan.

Designed in partnership with the American School of the Hague and centered around Global Intercultural Citizenship, Week Without Walls gives students the chance to address a challenging question surrounding one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We do this through the pre-departure preparation and on-site execution of a community-based service project in the charming town of Agnone. Week Without Walls is a fun and otherwise unavailable learning experience that allows students to connect knowledge gained in school with real-world service and forge relationships both within their group and with their host community.

CIAO ITALY, experience living with an amazing family while attending a local high school and really living the true experience as you have a full immersion and improve your speaking skills. Study Abroad Campus Education works with partner organizations in securing high quality placements for international students in a language school or a local school in Italy. Program participants are placed with a well-selected local family in the country. The program is open to students within the age range of 14-17 years old. School study group tours are also available for interested language groups or schools. The programs include the following: - 3, 5 month cultural exchanges in ITALY - Accommodation with an amazing quality local host family - Full board and private room - Attendance at a local school - Airport transfers - Health insurance - Local coordinator available 24/7 - Local telephone sim card