Guiding gappers, one journey at a time

We were once gappers seeking adventure abroad, just like you. We’ve experienced the trasformative power of a gap year, and now, we’re here to guide you on your own Italian adventure.

The main team of Italianforawhile: study abroad programs in Italy

More than a study abroad program

Italy is more than just a place—it’s a feeling, a rhythm, a way of life. And our mission is to help you experience it. You’re not going to partake in a simple study abroad experience. It’s your chance to really become “Italian for a while”—to embrace the culture and discover a side of Italy you’ll never forget!
The main team of Italianforawhile: study abroad programs in Italy

From one gap year to many adventures

It all began with an idea: to share the transformative power of a gap year. After his own gap year in Australia, our founder knew others needed to feel the same adventure. And that spark grew into Italianforawhile.

Now, with a team of like-minded individuals, we’re bringing the magic of Italy to hundreds of people from around the world.

Why we’re different

It’s not just about visiting Italy—it’s about living it. With us, you’ll experience the country from the inside out, guided by locals who know it best.

The team of IFA and some of their study abroad students

BORN AND BRED IN ITALY

We know this country inside and out. We’ll show you Italy like no one else can—because it’s our home!

An Italian teacher from IFA's study abroad programs

DECADES OF EXPERIENCE

Our schools and teachers have years of experience, offering lessons for all levelsto help you succeed.

A teacher and a student of IFA's study abroad programs in Italy

CERTIFIED EXCELLENCE

Both us and our schools are recognized by Italian and global organizations, ensuring top-quality.

The IFA team and some study abroad students in Sestri Levante

COMMUNITY CONNECTION

From the moment you join, you’ll start building lasting friendships with fellow travelers and learners.

BORN AND BRED IN ITALY

We know this country inside and out. We’ll show you Italy like no one else can—because it’s our home!

DECADES OF EXPERIENCE

Our schools and teachers have yearsof experience, offering lessons for all levelsto help you succeed.

CERTIFIED EXCELLENCE

Both us and our schools are recognized by Italian and global organizations, ensuring top-quality.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION

From the moment you join, you’ll start building lasting friendships with fellow travelers and learners.

Learning Italian the Italian way

Discover how we bring language learning to life. Our teachers will guide you through every lesson in Italian, using dynamic methods that encourage real conversations and cultural understanding!

What do we believe in?

Every day, we set to work keeping in mind our key values that have guided us since the day we were born.

An IFA study abroad student eating focaccia with his friends in Florence

SHARING

We foster the exchange of experiences, creating meaningful connections that enrich life.

The IFA team having aperitivo with a study abroad student

CULTURE

We celebrate diversity and offer experiences that allow immersion in local culture and traditions.

A group of study abroad students in Sestri Levante, Italy

NO BARRIERS

We work to break down linguistic, cultural, and social barriers, providing inclusive experiences.

A group of study abroad students during a class activity

IMPROVEMENT

We believe that every journey is an opportunity for both personal and professional growth.

SHARING

We foster the exchange of experiences, creating meaningful connections that enrich life.

CULTURE

We celebrate diversity and offer experiences that allow immersion in local culture and traditions.

NO BARRIERS

We work to break down linguistic, cultural, and social barriers, providing inclusive experiences.

IMPROVEMENT

We believe that every journey is an opportunity for both personal and professional growth.

Rooted in excellence

Logo of "Gap Year Association", partner of IFA
Logo of "Go Overseas", partner of IFA
Logo of "Sons and Daughters of Italy in America", partner of IFA
Logo of "GoAbroad", partner of IFA

What about our team?

Meet the team that will support you in organizing every aspect of your brand new transformative journey to Italy.
Brian Viola, Founcer and CEO of Italianforawhile

BRIAN

Founder & CEO
Annetta Ferreri, Director of Operation at Italianforawhile

ANNETTA

Director of operations
Erica Faccaro, Digital Marketing Specialist at Italianforawhile

ERICA

Digital marketing specialist
Michela Simeoni, Social media manager of Italianforawhile

MICHELA

Social media manager
Filippo Nicotra, Web developer at Italianforawhile

FILIPPO

Web developer

What do students think about us?

Find our what our participants have to say about their enriching experiences with us.

Sonia Dhatt

12 months in Naples

Michela visited to meet with me and other students. She’s nice and easy to talk to, which made the experience comfortable. Meeting her in person was also reassuring, and I’m excited to spend time in Napoli and improve my Italian!

- verified by trustpilot

Victoria Druhel

1 month in Rome

Amazing customer service! I loved that they helped organizing my Italian classes and housing, making everything smooth and easy. They were extremely responsive, kind and encouraging throughout this process—it made all the difference.

- verified by trustpilot

Philip Griffioen

1 month in Sestri Levante

I'm studing Italian in Sestri Levante and it’s incredible. To be honest, I'm not the best student but teachers are experienced and with patience I'm moving step by step. Sure a consideration to go here if you want to learn Italian.

- verified by trustpilot

Ariane Hurtubise

6 weeks in Naples

IFA gave me a unique experience in Naples. Studying there let me dive into Italian culture—through activities, insightful teachers, and time exploring the city with new friends. No matter where we came from, Italian united us. Unforgettable.

- verified by trustpilot

Isabella Bifolchi

1 month in Sestri Levante

My experience was remarkable. We crafted my perfect journey, choosing the spot and timing. They checked in throughout, ensuring everything went smoothly. The result? Wonderful memories, lasting friendships, and a new language!

- verified by trustpilot

Michael Barca

6 months in Milan

It has been my dream to return to Italy and to reconnect with my culture, IFA made it possible. They helped me with the entire process from applying for visa to fitting into the Italian culture. All in all, I definitely felt Italian for a while.

- verified by trustpilot

Elliet Seth Maples

4 months in Milan

It was always a dream to come live abroad and experience Italy first hand. Italianforawhile was able to make that dream a reality for me.
Coming here has been a life changing experience and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

- verified by trustpilot

Doni S.

12 months in Florence

Italianforawhile team is extremely supportive and really great at building community, network, and at handling logistics and documentation needed to move to Italy. My experience has been amazing, you couldn’t be in better hands!

- verified by trustpilot

Sonia Dhatt

12 months in Naples

Michela visited to meet with me and other students. She’s nice and easy to talk to, which made the experience comfortable. Meeting her in person was also reassuring, and I’m excited to spend time in Napoli and improve my Italian!

Isabella Bifolchi

1 month in Sestri Levante

My experience was remarkable. We crafted my perfect journey, choosing the spot and timing. They checked in throughout, ensuring everything went smoothly. The result? Wonderful memories, lasting friendships, and a new language!

Michael Barca

6 months in Milan

It has been my dream to return to Italy and to reconnect with my culture, IFA made it possible. They helped me with the entire process from applying for visa to fitting into the Italian culture. All in all, I definitely felt Italian for a while.

Victoria Druhel

1 month in Rome

Amazing customer service! I loved that they helped organizing my Italian classes and housing, making everything smooth and easy. They were extremely responsive, kind and encouraging throughout this process—it made all the difference.

Ariane Hurtubise

6 weeks in Naples

IFA gave me a unique experience in Naples. Studying there let me dive into Italian culture—through activities, insightful teachers, and time exploring the city with new friends. No matter where we came from, Italian united us. Unforgettable.

Doni S.

12 months in Florence

Italianforawhile team is extremely supportive and really great at building community, network, and at handling logistics and documentation needed to move to Italy. My experience has been amazing, you couldn’t be in better hands!

Philip Griffioen

1 month in Sestri Levante

I'm studing Italian in Sestri Levante and it’s incredible. To be honest, I'm not the best student but teachers are experienced and with patience I'm moving step by step. Sure a consideration to go here if you want to learn Italian.

Erin Cadet

1 month in Rome

I am currently enjoying a 4 week stay in Rome studying Italian thanks to the wonderful team at IFA. I can’t say enough how great this experience has been thanks to them. If you want to come to Italy, contact them and give it a go.

Elliet Seth Maples

4 months in Milan

It was always a dream to come live abroad and experience Italy first hand. Italianforawhile was able to make that dream a reality for me.
Coming here has been a life changing experience and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Ready to make Italy your home for a while?

Italy is waiting, and so are we. Whether you’re ready to enroll or just exploring your options, let’s start your journey today.

Start your journey