You could have the opportunity to study in Italy and live with a host family for an academic year! Students become fully immersed in the culture first-hand as they enjoy the cuisine, learn the language, and build friendships that will last a lifetime. Students will be enrolled in a standard public high school or a particular interest school where they will take courses focused on a specific interest.
| PROGRAM | DEPARTURE | RETURN | FULL TUITION |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Fall Year | Late August | Late June | $15,995 |
| 2025 Fall Year Art | Late August | Mid-June | $16,995 |
| 2025 Fall Year Music | Late August | Mid-June | $16,995 |
| 2025 Fall Year Science | Late August | Mid-June | $16,995 |
| 2025 Fall Year Tourism | Late August | Mid-June | $16,995 |
| 2025 Fall Year Bilingual | Late August | Mid-June | $16,995 |
- Placement with a host family
- Enrollment in a local Italian high school
- Airport transfers
- Domestic and international travel
- All pre-departure and post-arrival orientations
- Pre-program support by trained YFU staff
- Support from a YFU Italy Area Representative while on program
- Week+ Italian language course after arrival
- Comprehensive insurance
Students in Italy can study in one of four different education tracks: Liceo Scientifico, Liceo Classico, Liceo Linguistico, or Istituto Tecnico e Commerciale. These high schools focus on subjects such as Sciences, the Classics, Languages, or Business. All education tracks include Italian, English, Math, History and Philosophy, Physics, History of Art, Biology or Chemistry, and Physical Education. The Scientifico track includes all three sciences in addition to Computer Science, the Classico track includes Greek and Latin, the Linquistico track includes three other foreign languages, and the Tecnico E Commericale track includes Economy, Law, and Accounting.
All students applying for the year program must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation*, which usually takes place in mid-July. This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas.
*Due to COVID-19, the 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation described above may take place online dependent upon recommended guidelines at the time of the event. YFU will continue to assess the situation as it develops.
Students will attend a post-arrival orientation as well as a re-entry orientation, both of which are 3 days long and are held in Milan. Students who are in Italy for the full year also attend a mid-year orientation. Generally, regional orientations are also provided for students throughout their programs, enabling them to reflect on their experiences and meet with other exchange students.
Students participating in an academic year program will take a 10-day language course that includes cultural activities, games, tours, and a talent show! The camp is usually held close to Rome and all expenses are included in tuition.
- 2025 Fall Departures: Students born December 30, 2007 – August 31, 2010
- Students who do not meet this age requirement will be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis
Italian. Previous language study is not required. Language preparation includes a 10-day language course that includes cultural activities, games, tours, and a talent show! The camp is usually held close to Rome and all expenses are included in tuition.
Host families may be located anywhere throughout Italy. Rural areas and mid-sized cities are most common and generally have excellent public transportation. Students are rarely placed in large cities such as Rome. Most placements for students can occur in the following counties in Italy: Lombardy, Lazio, Sardinia, Sicily, Marche, Tuscany, Emilia Romagna, and Veneto. While these counties include major cities such as Rome, Milan, Bologne, Pisa, Caligari, Catania, etc., placement in the county could be anywhere, not necessarily in the cities themselves.
Students have the opportunity to specify which region of Italy where they would like to be placed (North Italy, Central Italy, or South Italy and Italian Islands). This selection is optional and comes at an additional cost. It does not apply to all specialty program options. For more information on how to apply with a specific placement request, please email info@yfu.org.
Art School: Students in the art high school program will be enrolled in a Liceo Artistico, where they will take standard high school courses in addition to several high-level visual arts classes. No previous artistic training is required, but students without art classes on their recent transcripts are required to submit a letter explaining why they are interested in the arts and attending an art high school. Students should expect to submit a portfolio upon request.
Music School: Students in the music high school program will be enrolled in a Liceo Musicale, where they will take standard high school courses in addition to several high-level music classes. No previous music training is required, but students should demonstrate a strong interest in the subject. Admission requirements vary depending on the school, and YFU will be in touch after students apply regarding any necessary supplemental materials. Costs for music supplies, instrument rentals, and activities are not included in the YFU program tuition.
Science School: Students participating in this program will be enrolled in a Liceo Scientifico, where they will take standard high school courses with a special concentration in the sciences. No previous study is required, but students not performing well in science courses or without extensive scientific credits are required to submit a letter explaining why they are interested in science and participating in a scientific program.
Tourism and Catering School: Students pursuing Tourism and Catering Studies will be enrolled in a Liceo Alberghiero. No previous study is required, but students must be able to demonstrate an interest in tourism and catering.
Bilingual School: Students on the bilingual school program have the opportunity to attend a high school where courses are taught in both Italian and English. Students will attend a Cambridge International School. On this program, most classes are taught in Italian, but some are taught in English.
