Welcome

You’ve taken the first step. Now, let’s finalize the details and build your Italian experience together!

Start building your program

How do our programs work?

You’ll learn Italian at a local school with certified teachers. Classes are small (8-12 people), include people from around the world, and range from beginner to advanced levels. It’s structured, but it also leaves plenty of room for exploration!
A group of students talking to each other during a lesson

LEARN ITALIAN

From Monday to Friday, 9 to 12, you’ll be in class learning the language with people from all over the world.
Group of friends watching Florence from above during their gap experience

MAKE FRIENDS

Your classmates will quickly become your new friends. Explore together: a gap year in Italy is a group experience!
A foreign girl exploring Italy during her gap experience

EXPLORE ITALY

Immerse yourself in Italian daily life, enjoy long meals, and take part in local traditions and community events.

Programs locations in Italy

Programs are delivered across many cities in Italy. They can be based in one or multiple destinations, depending on the level of immersion and academic design required.

Milan
Florence
Turin
Sestri Levante
Genoa
Naples
Salerno
Venice
Rome
Cefalù
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Salerno

Language Course + [your dreams]

Our programs combine Italian language classes, U.S.-accredited courses and hands-on experiences. All supported by our team on-site in Italy.
Example schedule for a study abroad program in Italy with ItalianforawhileExample schedule for a study abroad program in Italy with Italianforawhile

Your questions, answered

Planning to study abroad comes with important academic and practical questions. Here you’ll find clear information about credits, courses, internships, language levels, and the support you can expect in Italy.
Who can participate? Is there a minimum or maximum age?

There’s no age limit, and that’s one of the best parts of our programs. We welcome everyone:



- High school graduates looking for a gap year before college

- University students who want a semester abroad outside the exchange system

- Young professionals who need a break or want to work remotely from Italy
- Adults on a sabbatical or career change

- Retirees who finally have the time to explore their Italian dream



As long as you’re curious about the culture and open to new experiences, you’ll fit right in!

What types of programs does IFA offer?
Our programs include:


- 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.
Do I need to know Italian before applying?
No. Italian language courses are available for all CEFR levels, from beginner to advanced.

Students are placed according to their level and follow a structured program focused on speaking, listening, grammar, and vocabulary. Language learning is always connected to real-life situations in Italy, and students may also prepare for certifications such as CELI, CILS, PLIDA, or AIL.
Can I complete an internship while studying abroad?
Yes. Students may participate in a supervised professional internship alongside their academic coursework.

Internships last a minimum of four weeks and may carry 3 U.S. credits per module. Each placement includes academic supervision, employer evaluation, and a final reflective assignment to ensure the professional experience is integrated into the academic framework.
What kind of support will I receive during the program?
Students receive support before departure and throughout their stay in Italy.

Before arrival, our team assists with academic advising, course selection, visa guidance (when required), and housing research. On-site, students benefit from orientation, local coordination, and 24/7 assistance for emergencies or day-to-day needs.

The goal is to provide independence within a structured and reliable support system.
How early should I apply?
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.
Do you offer payment plans?
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.

We build your program together

Find our what our participants have to say about their experiences in Italy with us!

EASY LOGISTICS

We manage housing, classes, and every detail so you don’t have to.

EASY LOGISTICS

We manage housing, classes, and every detail so you don’t have to.

EASY LOGISTICS

We manage housing, classes, and every detail so you don’t have to.

IFA helped me with my visa, school, and housing. I’m doing an entire year abroad and I would recommend it to anyone who needs a hand!

- Logan O.

Picture of Hamish, an Australian student in Milan during a community event organized by the IFA team

I recommend IFA because of their support, but also because of the chances to connect with other students and gain an authentic experience in Italy!

- Hamish S.

IFA is super helpful: they helped me decide where to live and organised a full cultural program that helped me make friends and experience Italy!

- Jessica O.

IFA helped me with my visa, school, and housing. I’m doing an entire year abroad and I would recommend it to anyone who needs a hand!

- Logan O.

Picture of Hamish, an Australian student in Milan during a community event organized by the IFA team

I recommend IFA because of their support, but also because of the chances to connect with other students and gain an authentic experience in Italy!

- Hamish S.

IFA is super helpful: they helped me decide where to live and organised a full cultural program that helped me make friends and experience Italy!

- Jessica O.

Design your program here

From the moment you start planning until you’re fully settled in Italy, we act as your local partner. We guide you through every hurdle and cultural nuance, ensuring you can focus entirely on learning, exploring, and growing.

DESIGN YOUR PROGRAM

By trying to build your program yourself, you will learn a lot about your preferences and interestes. It will also help us reach out to you with a better understanding of your goals!

BOOK A FREE CALL WITH US

This is where we turn your ideas into a real plan. During this session, we’ll discuss your preferred location, duration, and personal interests to craft a fully customized program.

WORK WITH YOUR COUNSELOR

Usually, it takes a few weeks to a few months to organize a long-term experience; you’ll be assigned to an advisor and you’ll review everything together.

ONBOARDING PROCESS

From airport orientation to integrating into your local community, we ensure a smooth landing. You’ll leave Italy not just with new language skills, but with a new perspective!

Or skip the line

Are you planning to come before the end of 2026?

Let’s plan together now