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.

A group of gap year students sightseeing in Cinque Terre, Italy

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 language teacher from the Milan IFA school teaching in class

DECADES OF EXPERIENCE

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

An Italian teacher with one of her students during language class in Sestri Levante

CERTIFIED EXCELLENCE

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

A group of gap year students hiking in Cinque Terre, Italy

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.

Four gap year participants eating schiacciata during a trip to Florence

SHARING

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

The IFA team having aperitivo with one of the gap year students in Italy

CULTURE

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

A group of gappers having fun on the beach of Sestri Levante after the Italian morning classes

NO BARRIERS

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

A group of students doing an activity as part of the Italian classes during their gap year in Italy

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.

Hamish Sidgwick

4 months in Florence&Sestri Levante

The five stars from Trustpilot

As a student currently studying in Italy through Italianforawhile at the time of writing, I can testify that this is a fantastic program! If you are interested in studying Italian in Italy for a Gap Year experience, IFA is for you!

- verified by trustpilot

Greta Olson

8 months in Milan

The five stars from Trustpilot

I am extremely grateful for the entire experience. This is truly the best decision i have made for my life and future and it has only been a few months but i feel like i have grown so much here!

- verified by trustpilot

Joshua Marshall

10 months in Turin

The five stars from Trustpilot

Italianforawhile is the best company for traveling to Italy and feeling like a local. I recommend this to everyone! The staff is so helpful and can fix any hiccup that may come up.

- verified by trustpilot

Matthew Forte

4 months in Naples

The five stars from Trustpilot

I can't even express what a wonderful time I'm having in Napoli. The people are very kind and welcoming and it's very easy to meet people and make friends from all over the world. If you're on the fence about coming to Italy, just go for it.

- verified by trustpilot

Guillermo Ibarra

1 month in Milan

The five stars from Trustpilot

My experience with Italianforawhile has been amazing! From the onboarding, everyone was very helpful and friendly. The teachers are awesome and the people I’ve met have quickly become friends.

- verified by trustpilot

Stephanie Smith

12 months in Milan

The five stars from Trustpilot

This has been an amazing experience for me. Although intensive, I didn’t feel overwhelmed because the instructor team, the trips, and the overall program is fun and interesting! Within a few short months I’m able to feel like a local!

- verified by trustpilot

Klara Teubner

1 month in Florence

The five stars from Trustpilot

La mia esperienza è stata meravigliosa! I recommend it to anyone who wants to explore Italy without having to worry about anything other than picking the right city. They take care of the rest: accommodation, school, weekend trips.

- verified by trustpilot

Jessica Odelli

3 months in Milan

The five stars from Trustpilot

From first contact their service has been super helpful and professional. They helped me decide where to live and organised a cultural program that allowed me to make friends and really experience everything that Italy has to offer.

- verified by trustpilot

Hamish Sidgwick

4 months in Florence&Sestri Levante

The five stars from Trustpilot

As a student currently studying in Italy through Italianforawhile at the time of writing, I can testify that this is a fantastic program! If you are interested in studying Italian in Italy for a Gap Year experience, IFA is for you!

Greta Olson

8 months in Milan

The five stars from Trustpilot

I am extremely grateful for the entire experience. This is truly the best decision i have made for my life and future and it has only been a few months but i feel like i have grown so much here!

Joshua Marshall

10 months in Turin

The five stars from Trustpilot

Italianforawhile is the best company for traveling to Italy and feeling like a local. I recommend this to everyone! The staff is so helpful and can fix any hiccup that may come up.

Matthew Forte

4 months in Naples

The five stars from Trustpilot

I can't even express what a wonderful time I'm having in Napoli. The people are very kind and welcoming and it's very easy to meet people and make friends from all over the world. If you're on the fence about coming to Italy, just go for it.

Guillermo Ibarra

1 month in Milan

The five stars from Trustpilot

My experience with Italianforawhile has been amazing! From the onboarding, everyone was very helpful and friendly. The teachers are awesome and the people I’ve met have quickly become friends.

Jessica Odelli

3 months in Milan

The five stars from Trustpilot

From first contact their service has been super helpful and professional. They helped me decide where to live and organised a cultural program that allowed me to make friends and really experience everything that Italy has to offer.

Klara Teubner

1 month in Florence

The five stars from Trustpilot

La mia esperienza è stata meravigliosa! I recommend it to anyone who wants to explore Italy without having to worry about anything other than picking the right city. They take care of the rest: accommodation, school, weekend trips.

Stephanie Smith

12 months in Milan

The five stars from Trustpilot

This has been an amazing experience for me. Although intensive, I didn’t feel overwhelmed because the instructor team, the trips, and the overall program is fun and interesting! Within a few short months I’m able to feel like a local!

Eve Falbo

1 month in Sestri Levante

The five stars from Trustpilot

Traveling to a new country to learn a new language can feel overwhelming, but IFA supported me every step of the way. I’m so grateful for their constant encouragement and guidance. Highly recommend to anyone considering learning Italian!

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