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AFS Intercultural Programs: High School Abroad in Italy

by: AFS-USA

8 (5)Verified

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 holi...

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Program Highlights

Immerse yourself in Italian language—the best way to become fluent.

Live with a host family to deepen your immersion and connection to Italian culture.

Experience some of the world’s greatest works of art and architecture.

Make connections and memories you'll never forget with other AFS exchange students from all over the world.

Gain intercultural communication skills, build your college and career resume, and help create a more peaceful, understanding world.

Quick Details

Locations
  • Rome, Italy
Availability
Year(s) Offered2024, 2025Duration:
  • 9-12 Weeks
  • 7-12 Months
Age Requirement:14-17
Types & Subjects:
  • Experiential Learning
  • Homestays
  • Language Immersion
  • Student Exchange
Guidelines:
  • American
See all program details

Awards

Innovation in Diversity 2023 Finalist

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

8

Total Reviews

5

Hurt, scared, alone, and returned home

May 01, 2025by: Julian Barajas huerta - United StatesProgram: AFS Intercultural Programs: High School Abroad in Italy
3

I had been sent home for something out of my control and was blamed for it, I also had talked to my tutor about the racial abuse I was facing and the constant harassment from others. I was called many bad things especially comments on my skin color. My tutor blamed me for looking different and told me I shouldn’t be me. I was also threatened with guns and knives while I was out. Many times I was harassed and almost assaulted on multiple occasions. Then the school asked for me to pay for a trip then AFS chose to send me home where I still have not received my refund for the trip

Best Experience of My Life!

May 07, 2015by: Leah - BellinghamProgram: AFS Intercultural Programs: High School Abroad in Italy
10

AFS is a great organization to study abroad with in high school, and not obscenely expensive. Host families are entirely volunteer, so they usually are super excited and looking forward to hosting an exchange student. My host family was great, and I still keep in contact with them 3 years later! I made some of the best friends through AFS. Starting with a pre-departure orientation in the US, orientations in Italy, and usually the placement of multiple other exchange students in your high school, you'll make the best friends you could wish for! I had a full language immersion with AFS, and left Italy conversationally proficient in Italian. Most students had tutoring through AFS while in Italy, but my tutoring fell through, so I had to learn most of it on my own. I would say that was the only drawback to my AFS program! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT! If you are able, study abroad in high school!!! It's such a great experience, and it really will change the way you see the world, especially at such a young age. DO IT! Check out my blog for more info on my exchange: www.leahsharabyabroad.blogspot.com

An unforgettable year!

April 28, 2014by: ItalyAFSalumniProgram: AFS Intercultural Programs: High School Abroad in Italy
9

My most memorable experience is living with my host family, and getting to eat lunch with them, as a family every day after school. In the south of Italy they even let classes out at 1 pm so that you can go home to have lunch with your family. Italy was great! The people, food, and culture is fascinating. I had my own small bedroom in a house with my two host parents, and 2 host sisters. We all shared one bathroom, which got difficult at times with two other sisters because everyone seemed to always need the bathroom to shower, or do their hair, etc., but if you stay respectful, there will be no problems. Sometimes you will share a bedroom with host siblings, but it should not be a problem.

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Rome, Italy

Types and Subjects

  • Focus Areas
  • Experiential Learning
  • Homestays
  • Language Immersion

Availability

Years Offered: 2024, 2025

Duration:
  • 9-12 Weeks
  • 7-12 Months

Age Requirement

14-17

Guidelines

  • American
  • This Program is also open to Solo

Program Cost Includes

  • Tuition & Fees
  • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
  • Travel Insurance
  • International Airfare

Accommodation Options

  • Home-stays

Qualifications & Experience

      Accepted Education Levels

    • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

    Application Procedures

    • Written Application
    • In-Person Interview Required
    • Physical Exam/Health Records
    • Transcript
    AFS-USA

    AFS-USA

    8Verified

    Ready to Learn More?

    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,...

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