Make your college gap year unforgettable in Italy

The most popular language immersion gap year

A break that propels you forward

A college gap year isn’t just about taking a break—it’s about leaping ahead. You’ll recharge, refocus, and rediscover your goals while immersing yourself in Italian culture, learning the language, and gaining clarity about your future. This isn’t just a break; it’s a boost to your confidence, independence, and personal growth!

High school gappers during their gap year in Italy
Mother and daughter before the daughter's gap year in Italy

A global experience that stands out

Italy draws students from all over the world, making your gap year an international journey in every sense. You won’t just learn Italian—you’ll exchange views with hundreds of gappers! Be it inside the classroom or in the streets you’ll live in a unique environment where you grow through connection, exploration, and discovery.

How’s the IFA program:

Life as a gapper in Italy is filled with Italian lessons, places to explore, foods to taste, and a chance to meet friends from around the world.

ITALIAN CLASS

Every morning from 9 to 12.30 (Monday to Friday) you’ll join an Italian language and culture class with other 8-12 people, at your level: don’t worry, we have a lot of beginners!

MIDDAY

Step out for lunch and enjoy a plate of pasta or other Italian specialties. Lunch is the perfect moment to experience the flavors of Italian cuisine while relaxing with friends.

AFTERNOON

Stroll through your new city, visit museums, or discover charming piazzas and hidden gems. This is your time to connect with the culture and history of your surroundings!

EVENING

Meet friends for an aperitivo at a local bar. Then, either experiene Italy’s nightlife and social events or retreat home to unwind and prepare for another exciting day.

ITALIAN CLASS

Every morning from 9 to 12.30 (Monday to Friday) you’ll join an Italian language and culture class with other 8-12 people, at your level: don’t worry, we have a lot of beginners!

MIDDAY

Step out for lunch and enjoy a plate of pasta or other Italian specialties. Lunch is the perfect moment to experience the flavors of Italian cuisine while relaxing with friends.

AFTERNOON

Stroll through your new city, visit museums, or discover charming piazzas and hidden gems. This is your time to connect with the culture and history of your surroundings!

EVENING

Meet friends for an aperitivo at a local bar. Then, either experiene Italy’s nightlife and social events or retreat home to unwind and prepare for another exciting day.

Why Italy for your college gap year?

Italy is an opportunity for growth—and a beautiful one. Immerse yourself in a vibrant culture, learn Italian in real-life settings, and gain experiences that will set you apart. By the end of your time here, you’ll return with fresh energy, new skills, and a global perspective that’s impossible to get in a classroom!

High school gappers during their gap year in Italy

Why should you consider IFA Gap Year?

From developing life skills to gaining new insights, a college gap year will shape your future in ways you never imagined!

LIFE SKILLS

You’ll become more resilient and independent, learn how to solve problems on the go, and come back as a more capable and confident person!

CULTURAL INSIGHTS

Learn about diverse cultures and reshape your worldview. You’ll get back as a more adaptable person, perfect  for our interconnected world.

ENHANCED RESUME

A gap year will add a unique dimension to your resume. You’ll showcase qualities, like adaptability and initiative, that employers love.

NEW LANGUAGE

Learn a new language adn enhance your communiticaion ability. These skills will open doors to new opportunities and global connections!

LIFE SKILLS

You’ll become more resilient and independent, learn how to solve problems on the go, and come back as a more capable and confident person!

CULTURAL INSIGHTS

Learn about diverse cultures and reshape your worldview. You’ll get back as a more adaptable person, perfect  for our interconnected world.

ENHANCED RESUME

A gap year will add a unique dimension to your resume. You’ll showcase qualities, like adaptability and initiative, that employers love.

NEW LANGUAGE

Learn a new language adn enhance your communiticaion ability. These skills will open doors to new opportunities and global connections!

You are still in time! 2025 programs are open now

Take the first step towards an unforgettable journey!

Plan your gap year now

Customizable lenghts for everyone

Maybe your life plan won’t allow you to have a full year of exploration, that’s why you can have a flexible program that suits your life planning.

IFA SPRINT

Starting from €760

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

VISA SUPPORT INCLUDED

IFA DISCOVERY

Starting from €2,240

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

VISA SUPPORT INCLUDED

IFA SEMESTER

Starting from €4,550

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

VISA SUPPORT INCLUDED

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.

VISA SUPPORT INCLUDED

Sounds great! What’s next?

Fill out the form to receive the catalog with all the information about the programs: accommodations options, destinations and so on. Then, complete the enrollment form and simulate your plan!

Thank you! Your catalog is on its way!

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What do our gappers think about us?

Find our what the participants to our programs have to say about their gap year experiences with us.

Sonia Dhatt

12 months in Naples

The five stars from Trustpilot

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

The five stars from Trustpilot

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

The five stars from Trustpilot

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

The five stars from Trustpilot

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

The five stars from Trustpilot

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

The five stars from Trustpilot

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

The five stars from Trustpilot

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

The five stars from Trustpilot

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

The five stars from Trustpilot

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

The five stars from Trustpilot

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

The five stars from Trustpilot

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

The five stars from Trustpilot

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

The five stars from Trustpilot

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

The five stars from Trustpilot

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

The five stars from Trustpilot

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

The five stars from Trustpilot

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

The five stars from Trustpilot

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.

Frequently asked questions

Find all our answers to the most common questions about planning, preparing, and making the most of your gap year experience.
Can I defer my studies to participate in the gap year?

Many colleges allow students to defer their studies for a gap year, recognizing the value of taking time off for personal growth, cultural experiences, and skill development. However, policies on deferral can vary by institution, so it’s crucial to check with your college advisor to understand their specific requirements and procedures.

Is it possible to earn university credits?
Some of our programs are designed to offer the opportunity to earn university credits. However, the availability of credits may depend on the specific destination and language course. It’s important to consult with our gap year counselors to get detailed information about which destinations and courses provide credit options.
I am enrolled in an online college. Can I participate in the gap year program?
Yes, you can participate in the programs while enrolled in an online college. With proper planning, it is indeed feasible to balance your online coursework with your gap year activities. However, keep in mind the time zone difference; you'll likely attend your online classes in the afternoon after your Italian courses. It's also important to discuss the topic with your college to ensure that you’re allowed to follow classes from another country and that your schedule and commitments align.
Can a gap year improve my resume?
Absolutely. A gap year can and will enhance your resume by showcasing international experience, language skills, and cultural adaptability, which are highly valued by employers. By immersing yourself in a new environment, you develop important qualities like independence and problem-solving and, overall, the experiences you’ll have during your gap year can create a compelling narrative that highlights your unique skills and perspectives, making you a more attractive candidate in the job market.