Frequently asked questions

Our programs include:
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- Study abroads for students looking for an academic experience in Italy
- Gap experiences focused on immersion, language learning, and personal growth
- Italian language immersion courses for students of all levels

Programs can last anywhere from one week to one year. Short-term stays are popular for language immersion courses, while study abroad and gap experiences are usually longer in order to allow for deeper cultural and academic immersion.

Yes, our programs are available year-round with flexible start dates.

Classes begin every Monday, making it possible to start almost anytime during the year. For complete beginners, however, schools generally have fixed start dates (often once per month) so that new students can begin together at the right level.

Your program fee covers the essentials for your stay in Italy:

- Italian language courses at accredited school
- Registration and application fees
- Some cultural activities (like tours or cooking classes depending on the location)
- Personalized support, including visa guidance, accommodation search, and on-the-ground assistance

Things that are not typically included:
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- Flights to and from Italy
- Meals (unless you choose a host family option that includes them)
- Visa fees and residence permits (if required)
- Health insurance (mandatory for some stays)
- Local transportation in Italy
- Optional exam fees (like CELI, CILS, or PLIDA)
- Personal expenses (shopping, trips, nightlife, etc.)

Our programs don’t require you to know any Italian (many participants arrive as complete beginners!). That said, if you need a visa to come to Italy, your embassy or consulate may require proof of Italian proficiency as part of their process. Since requirements vary, your gap year counselor will guide you through what applies in your case.

In selected cities, it’s possible to combine Italian language courses with volunteering opportunities or internships. Availability depends on the location, your language level, and the type of experience you’re looking for.

Usually, yes. Our team does its best to place students with similar ages and goals together whenever possible, especially in language classes and shared activities. Whether you’re taking a gap year, studying abroad, working remotely, or traveling later in life, there’s a good chance you’ll meet people in a similar stage of life!

Absolutely. In fact, many of our participants come to Italy on their own. Joining alone often makes it easier to meet new people, build friendships, and fully immerse yourself in the experience.

Yes. We help participants find accommodation that matches their needs, preferences, and budget. Depending on the city and availability, this can include host families, shared apartments, private studios, or student residences connected to our partner schools.

We offer several accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets: staying with a host family, sharing or renting a private apartment, or living in affiliate school housing. While standards can vary slightly by city, we ensure that all accommodations are safe and equipped with basic amenities, such as reliable internet and functional kitchen or bathroom facilities. 

A typical day balances structured learning with plenty of time to enjoy Italian life:

- Mornings are usually dedicated to language classes
- Afternoons are for exploring your city, joining school-organized activities, or hanging out with new friends
- Evenings are free to relax, socialize, or discover local nightlife
- Weekends give you the chance to travel, join school activities (when available) or join IFA-organized meetups

This balance of study, culture, and free time means you’ll learn Italian in class and immediately put it into practice in real life.

In many cases, yes. Dietary restrictions and special requirements can often be accommodated. If you have allergies, medical conditions, accessibility needs, or dietary preferences, we strongly recommend discussing them with us before applying so we can help find the best possible solution.

Before you arrive in Italy, our team helps you prepare for your experience step by step. Depending on your program, we can assist with choosing the right course or destination, understanding visa requirements, exploring accommodation options, and answering practical questions about life in Italy.

Our goal is to make sure you feel informed, prepared, and confident before departure!

Yes. During your stay, students have access to ongoing support for both practical and unexpected situations. This includes orientation sessions, help settling into daily life, assistance from local staff or partner schools, and emergency support if needed.

We want you to feel supported throughout your experience, not just before you arrive!

Yes. If you need a visa to join a program with Italianforawhile in Italy, we guide you through the process step by step, providing clear instructions, required documents, and personalized support through email or calls with our team so you know exactly what to do and when.

While we don’t issue visas ourselves, we make sure you’re fully supported in preparing your application and understanding the requirements for your specific situation.

The process is designed to be as straightforward as possible:
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- Check the programs and destinations on our website
- Pre-enroll in the programs to book a consultation with our team
- Join your consultation and define your program with the support of our counselors
- Confirm your enrollment in our programs
- Secure your spot with payment, after which we’ll finalize housing and school placement

Throughout the process, our team will be there to answer questions, keep track of deadlines, and make sure everything runs smoothly.

It depends on your situation. If you’re from outside the EU and need a student visa, you’ll definitely want to apply at least 2–3 months in advance to allow time for paperwork. If you’re an EU citizen or planning a stay of under 90 days (where you may not need a visa), you can often apply closer to your start date. That said, places in schools and housing fill up, so the earlier you apply, the more options you’ll have.

Yes. In many cases, we can arrange installment payments instead of a single lump sum. Just let your counselor know if that’s something you’d prefer, and we’ll work out a plan together.

At the moment, we don’t offer traditional scholarships or financial aid. However, we do have a Student Ambassador Program: depending on your stay length and the spots available, you may be able to join in exchange for a discount on your program fee. If that's something you're interested in, you'll want to talk about the program with your gap year counselor. But even if you’re not part of the ambassador program, we’re happy to advise you on how to keep costs down: choosing certain cities, accommodation types, or program lengths can make your stay more affordable!