High school student exchanges in Italy – Study in the country where art meets culture
“My experience in Italy is going very well!” begins Valeria, who left for Italy in August for a school year. “I’m doing well with my family, and my host and I have created an incredible bond! We’ve already started decorating our houses for the Christmas holidays and are almost finished.”
Congratulations! Reading this article means you’re starting to step out of your comfort zone. It’s great that when New Year’s plans and resolutions started popping into your head, you thought about taking a big step by doing something different for a change. And what could be better than spending a year or a semester in an amazing country like Italy?
You may have covered iconic Italian monuments in one of your classes in the USA, right? Well, studying in Italy will give you the opportunity to get up close and stand in front of some of the greatest structures ever built. Come to think of it, you’ll be traveling to take that selfie with the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Colosseum, and the Spanish Steps as your backdrop. How cool is that? You can make it happen with our high school student exchanges in Italy.
Your typical school day will start at 8:00 a.m. and end at 1:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Italian students play sports, but most high schools don’t have their own teams, so they join private clubs. This option is also available to you.
Another thing we look forward to is cultural immersion. You’ll be able to delve deeper into a fascinating culture that has flourished for centuries. Italian culture shares many similarities with your own, but during your studies, you’re sure to discover things that are uniquely Italian. You’ll also learn about the Italian concept of la dolce vita and understand their love of family and friendships. Italians are generally warm and friendly, so you’ll definitely make new friends in no time.
- NO LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS: The atmosphere at the local school during high school exchanges in Italy may seem quite strict but there are no language requirements to be accepted into Italian high schools.
There may be a learning curve, but the best part is that everything will be in Italy. You’ll learn the language faster! Italian is one of the most studied languages at top-tier universities and high schools, and at the same time, it’s very interesting to learn.
Having fun with your new (Italian) family
Upon your arrival in Italy, your Italian host family will give you a warm welcome. As soon as you settle in, you’ll realize that Italians are very family-oriented. They are very close and loyal to their family members. You’ll feel at home and less likely to get homesick because everyone will treat you like a member of their family, from your host family to your extended family, which includes grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
You’ll also participate in all their activities, from sports to family outings, and even help out around the house. Trust us, there’s no better way to learn the Italian language and culture quickly and effectively. You’ll also be able to enjoy authentic Italian delicacies like Neapolitan Margherita pizza, spaghetti alle vongole, tiramisu, arancini, polenta, suppli, and carbonara, to name a few.
And did we mention Italy is the birthplace of gelato (Ice cream)? You may have tried gelato in the USA, but nothing beats having gelato from a family-owned gelateria. This Italian delicacy is made on-site in Italy and comes in a wide variety of flavors.
What to do in your free time?
Italy is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world. For its cultural heritage, architectural wonders, medieval cities, stunning coastlines, idyllic landscapes, and delicious cuisine, this charming country is almost always on every travel lover’s bucket list. You’re sure to always find plenty of interesting things to do in your free time.
SPORTS: Italians are passionate about sports, and soccer is the most popular sport in the country. People even say there are only two types of Italians: those who play soccer and those who shout loudly during games. So even if you’re not athletic, you’re sure to have fun watching a game at a local stadium. The atmosphere is very contagious.
GOING OUT: There are other things besides sports to keep you busy during your free time. First of all, Italians are very sociable. Spend a lazy afternoon in a piazza or a local café, and you’ll soon find yourself having meaningful conversations with the locals over a cup of macchiato.
FASHION: You can also check out the latest fashion items offered by boutiques and small shops in the Italian city where you’re staying. Italy is one of the most stylish and modern cities in the world.
ART: And finally, the year or semester you spend in Italy is your opportunity to discover many of the world’s greatest works of art, from Michelangelo’s Pieta and David to Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, Leonardo’s Gabriel, and Raphael’s School of Athens. Additionally, Italy boasts world-class galleries, such as the Uffizi Gallery, the Borghese Gallery, and the Accademia Gallery, where you’ll find works by masters such as Titian, Filippo Lippi, Caravaggio, Cimabue, and Bernin.
Italia está salpicada de monumentos arquitectónicos y culturales de importancia histórica y arqueológica sin igual. Si participas en nuestros intercambios estudiantiles preparatoria en Italia, tendrás muchas oportunidades para explorar algunos de los destinos turísticos más famosos del mundo: Roma, Milán, Pisa, Nápoles, Costa Amalfitana, Venecia y Florencia. Estar cerca de lugares emblemáticos como los Museos Vaticanos, la Capilla Sixtina, el Foro Romano, el Coliseo, la Plaza de España, el Duomo, la Torre Inclinada de Pisa, Pompeya y las góndolas y canales de Venecia, por nombrar algunos.
«Ahora veo las cosas desde otra perspectiva: estoy aprendiendo los valores y creencias de esta maravillosa cultura. ¡Todo lo que veo o siento me ayuda a abrir los ojos cada vez más y cada día siento curiosidad por encontrar algo nuevo!» Valeria
Comida, moda, deporte, arte y arquitectura: ¿Qué hay de no enamorarse de Italia? Solicita hoy un semestre o un año en nuestros intercambios estudiantiles preparatoria en Italia.
All roads lead to Rome
All roads lead to Rome
Italy is dotted with architectural and cultural monuments of unparalleled historical and archaeological significance. If you participate in our high school student exchanges in Italy, you’ll have many opportunities to explore some of the world’s most famous tourist destinations: Rome, Milan, Pisa, Naples, the Amalfi Coast, Venice, and Florence. You’ll be close to iconic sites like the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, the Spanish Steps, the Duomo, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pompeii, and the gondolas and canals of Venice, to name a few.
“Now I see things from a different perspective: I’m learning the values and beliefs of this wonderful culture. Everything I see or experience helps open my eyes more and more, and every day I’m curious to discover something new!” Valeria
Food, fashion, sports, art, and architecture: What’s not to love about Italy?
Apply today for a semester or a year on our high school student exchanges in Italy.