Enjoy a break from work with an adult gap year

Explore a new country, discover a new culture, learn a new language, and reignite your passions in Italy.

How can I start?

Who says gap years are just for students?

No matter your age, a gap year is your ticket to adventure! Whether you're in your 30s, 40s, or beyond, taking a year off work is all about stepping away from your daily routine and embarking on a journey of self-discovery. And you’ve earned every bit of it!

Emblematic feature of an Italian city, waiting to be discovered during an Italian language program in Italy
Emblematic feature of an Italian city, waiting to be discovered during an Italian language program in Italy

The excitement of discovery

An adult gap year is your chance to invest in yourself and explore the world like never before. Dive into new adventures, meet inspiring people, and reignite your passions. Embrace your sabbatical as an opportunity to grow, challenge yourself, and create unforgettable memories that will shape your future!

Why should you consider a gap year?

Taking a gap year as an adult will offer you a powerful opportunity to reset, explore, and grow—both personally and professionally!

CAREER CLARITY

Gain new perspectives on your career path. It’s a great chance to reflect on whether your current role aligns with your long-term goals.

STRESS RELIEF

You’ll get the much-needed time to focus on self-care and mental well-being to return to work with renewed energy, creativity, and focus.

NEW SKILLS

Use this time to learn new skills—whether it’s a foreign language, problem solving, or leadership. You’ll be you more marketable when you return!

NETWORK GROWTH

A gap experience can lead to unexpected connections that will expand your global network, potentially opening doors to new opportunities.

CAREER CLARITY

Gain new perspectives on your career path. It’s a great chance to reflect on whether your current role aligns with your long-term goals.

STRESS RELIEF

You’ll get the much-needed time to focus on self-care and mental well-being to return to work with renewed energy, creativity, and focus.

NEW SKILLS

Use this time to learn new skills—whether it’s a foreign language, problem solving, or leadership. You’ll be you more marketable when you return!

NETWORK GROWTH

A gap experience can lead to unexpected connections that will expand your global network, potentially opening doors to new opportunities.

Reignite your career with a gap year

Take a break from the daily grind and immerse yourself in Italy’s rich culture. As you learn Italian and explore Italy’s stunning cities and historical sites, you’ll recharge and gain valuable skills. With fresh energy and cultural insights, returning to work and boosting your career will feel effortless!

Emblematic feature of an Italian city, waiting to be discovered during an Italian language program in Italy

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!

Begin your adventure:
2025 programs are open now

Take the first step towards an unforgettable journey!

Begin now

A program for everyone

From short immersive experiences to extended adventures, each of our programs offers unique opportunities for personal growth and cultural exploration.

IFA SPRINT

Starting from €760

Up to 3 weeks of language immersion while enjoying a life-changing cultural experience.

IFA DISCOVERY

Starting from €2,240

1 to 3 months of Italian language and culture immersion discovering hidden gems and the local cuisine.

IFA SEMESTER

Starting from €4,550

4 to 7 months to deepen your Italian knowledge and immerse yourself in the Italian daily life.

IFA GAP YEAR

Starting from €7,550

8 to 12 months to discover Italy in its most authentic form, build new friendships and develop vital skills.

Ready for your gap year?

Fill out the form to receive more information about our programs and schedule a free call with our gap year counselors.

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Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about learning Italian in Italy and Italianforawhile's programs.
Can I continue working remotely during my gap year?

Yes, you can work remotely while participating in the programs. Many participants successfully balance their remote jobs with their Italian courses and other activities. However, it’s essential to ensure that your work schedule aligns well with your commitments in Italy. Also, you should keep in mind the time zone difference, as this can affect your availability for work. You'll likely be attending classes and engaging in activities during the day, so consider how this will impact your work hours. It's a good idea to communicate with your employer about your schedule to ensure you can manage both your job and your gap year experience effectively.

Does the program offer flexibility for working professionals?
Yes, we can provide flexible options to accommodate working professionals, including evening and individual classes. However, if you require a visa, be aware that there are minimum hour requirements for classes to qualify for a student visa. Our counselors are here to assist you in understanding these requirements and help you design a schedule that balances your work commitments with your educational goals!
Which cities have good infrastructure for remote workers?
Cities like Milan, Rome, Turin, and Florence offer excellent infrastructure for remote workers, featuring a variety of coworking spaces, high-speed internet, and ample networking opportunities together with vibrant cultural experiences, making them ideal for balancing work and exploration during your gap year. Our counselors can help you choose the best city based on your specific needs, preferences, and professional requirements, ensuring you find the perfect destination that aligns with your work-life balance goals!
Can my family members join Italian courses during my gap year?
Yes, your family members can enroll in Italian courses during your gap year, but there are some bureaucratic considerations to keep in mind. Our counselors are available to help guide you through the necessary steps and advise you on how to proceed, depending on your family's situation. If you have school-aged children, it's also important to consider their educational needs, such as homeschooling or online classes, to ensure they stay on track while abroad. Make sure to check them out to provide them with the best possible experience!