Study in Italy with programs that actually fit you

From gap years to study abroads, our programs are designed around your goals and interests to help you learn, explore, and grow while fully experiencing life in Italy.

Plan your experience

Which program is best for you?

Whether you’re taking a year off, joining a study abroad program with credit recognition, or seeking a short language immersion, we have a program designed to match your goals and help you make the most of your time in Italy!
A group of college students in Sestri Levante during their study abroad in Italy

GAP YEAR

Take up to a year off living in Italy

Take a meaningful break to immerse yourself in Italian culture, meet people from around the world, and grow!

Two college students in Milan during their study abroad program in Italy

STUDY ABROAD

Study in Italy with credit recognition

Study in Italy, learning the language and exploring the culture, while earning credits that count toward your degree!

Three college students in Turin during their study abroad in Italy

SHORT IMMERSION

Learn Italian and explore Italy freely

Dive into Italian language and culture with a program designed to give you a rich experience, even if time is limited!

A group of students eating ice cream in Salerno during their study abroad in Italy

Why learn and live in Italy?

Italy offers a unique setting where learning and daily life naturally come together. Here study, work, routines, and social life overlap, turning everyday experiences into opportunities to learn and grow.

You’ll adapt to a new rhythm and culture, understanding how people live from the inside. And, over time, this builds confidence, independence, and skills that stay with you forever.

How do our programs work?

Our programs adapt to your goals and timeline, combining learning and cultural exploration so you can focus on making the most of your time in Italy.

Whether you’re here for a few weeks or a full year, we guide you before you arrive, while you’re in Italy, and even after your experience ends. So you always feel confident, prepared, and supported!

Two college students during their study abroad program in Italy

Compare our programs

Each program is built around a different goal, duration, and level of academic involvement. While all experiences include cultural immersion and our support, the structure varies depending on how long you stay and what you want to achieve.

Use the table below to compare the main differences.
Example schedule for a study abroad program in Italy with Italianforawhile
Plan your experience

What do our students say?

Hear from students who have discovered Italy with our programs!

EASY LOGISTICS

We manage housing, classes, and every detail so you don’t have to.

EASY LOGISTICS

We manage housing, classes, and every detail so you don’t have to.

EASY LOGISTICS

We manage housing, classes, and every detail so you don’t have to.

La mia esperienza è stata meravigliosa! And I could explore Italy without having to worry about anything other than picking the right city!

- Klara T.

Group of gap year students in Milan together with our team
Picture of Hamish, an Australian student in Milan during a community event organized by the IFA team

I recommend IFA because of their support, but also because of the chances to connect with other students and gain an authentic experience in Italy!

- Hamish S.

Picture of Greta during her gap experience in Milan with Italianforawhile

It’s truly the best decision I have made for my life and future. It has only been a few months but I feel like I have grown so much here!

- Greta O.

La mia esperienza è stata meravigliosa! And I could explore Italy without having to worry about anything other than picking the right city!

- Klara T.

Group of gap year students in Milan together with our team
Picture of Hamish, an Australian student in Milan during a community event organized by the IFA team

I recommend IFA because of their support, but also because of the chances to connect with other students and gain an authentic experience in Italy!

- Hamish S.

Picture of Greta during her gap experience in Milan with Italianforawhile

It’s truly the best decision I have made for my life and future. It has only been a few months but I feel like I have grown so much here!

- Greta O.

Your journey, step by step

From choosing your program to fully living the Italian experience, we guide you every step of the way, so you can focus on learning, exploring, and growing.

CHOOSE YOUR PROGRAM

Pick the experience that best fits your goals, or discuss it directly with us.

BOOK A CALL WITH US

Talk with us to create your customized program and plan your Italian journey.

ENROLL IN A PROGRAM

Confirm your program and destination choice and prepare for your adventure.

IMMERSE AND GROW

Settle in, start your experience, and gain skills that last long after your time in Italy.

CHOOSE YOUR PROGRAM

Pick the experience that best fits your goals, or discuss it directly with us.

BOOK A CALL WITH US

Talk with us to create your customized program and plan your Italian journey.

ENROLL IN A PROGRAM

Confirm your program and destination choice and prepare for your adventure.

IMMERSE AND GROW

Settle in, start your experience, and gain skills that last long after your time in Italy.

Cover of IFA's gap year in Italy programs catalog

Looking for more information on our programs in Italy?

Download our program catalog and find out the next steps to take!
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Still got questions?

Check out the FAQs below: we’ve answered the things most people ask before jumping in. And if you don’t find what you’re looking for, just reach out.
Do I need to speak Italian to join a program?

Not at all. Our programs are designed for everyone, whether it’s your first time learning Italian or you already have some experience.

Every program includes language classes tailored to your level, so you can start learning from day one. But learning Italian is just one part of the experience: you’ll also practice it in real life, from ordering coffee at a café to joining local events, cultural activities, and student meetups.

By the end of your stay, you’ll have used Italian in everyday situations, gaining confidence and skills that go far beyond the classroom.

Can I earn academic credits with your programs?
Yes, our Study Abroad programs are structured so you can earn credits that transfer to your home university.

Each module equals four weeks of study and 3 U.S. credits. The programs are compatible with U.S. and other international systems, and we make sure your credits are recognized, whether through direct approval by your university or a partner School of Record. That way, you can focus on learning, exploring, and experiencing Italy.
What’s included in the programs?
Every program comes with the essentials to make your time in Italy smooth and meaningful:

Enrollment and tuition at accredited schools
Orientation and visa guidance
Housing support and placement assistance
Pre- and post-program community of students
24/7 in-country assistance from the IFA team
Certificate of completion from partner schools

For Study Abroad programs, academic courses and credit recognition are included as well.

In short, we handle the details (logistics, planning, and support) so you can focus on learning, exploring, and making lasting memories.
What support will I have during my experience?
From your very first planning call to your return home, we provide guidance and support every step of the way.

Before your arrival, we help with orientation, housing placement, and any necessary visa support. And once in Italy, our local team is available 24/7 for advice, check-ins, and assistance with any questions or challenges.

Whether it’s adapting to a new rhythm of life, navigating cultural differences, or discovering the best local spots, you’ll always have someone to guide you. Our goal is to ensure you feel safe, confident, and fully immersed throughout your stay!
Why choose Italianforawhile?
Because we design programs around you: your goals, timeline, and interests.

You’ll live in real Italian communities, study at schools recognized by the Italian Ministry of Education, and have guidance from qualified teachers and local staff every step of the way. And beyond the classroom, you’ll take part in local events, meet other students, and explore Italy in a way that’s meaningful and transformative.

With our programs, you don’t just study or travel. You grow, discover, and take home skills, experiences, and memories that last long after your time in Italy.

Are you ready to start planning your gap experience?

Your journey begins here