Few other destinations offer the wealth of splendors that Italy does: where else can you find the ruins of one of the greatest civilizations in history, the Roman Empire, alongside some of the most celebrated art and architecture in Europe? Modern Italy has plenty to offer as well: delicious cuisine, cutting-edge fashion, exciting cities and charming countryside.

Italy is generally a mountainous country, with the Italian alps to the north and the Apennines running down the center of the country. The rocky coastal areas are dotted with pastel colored villages in the south, while the north central region of Tuscany offers rolling green countryside sprinkled with charming towns and lush sun-dappled vinyards. The major cities of Milan and Rome offer all the trappings of a modern urban lifestyle, from avant-garde design to hopping nightlife, but reminders of Italy’s thousands of years of history are never far, cropping up in the medieval architecture and Roman ruins around every corner.

Italians have a widespread reputation as warm, friendly and openly demonstrative people, especially those from the southern region of Italy. They value long friendships and close family ties. Socializing often revolves around good food and good wine, and meals can last several hours. Friends typically meet to chat and linger in the bars and cafes, which are plentiful throughout Italy.

High School in Italy

A study abroad program in Italy will be the highlight of your high school years! You will be placed in a local public Italian high school and will live with an Italian host family, which will allow you to experience the life of an Italain teen first-hand.

The Italian curriculum is rigorous, and the lecture format is most common. Schools focus primarily on academics, so sports and other extracurricular activities are found outside the school. Italian teens tend to socialize in groups, and it is common for teens to stay out later on weekends than is customary in the U.S.

Italian families tend to be close-knit, and Italian parents tend to take an active interest in their childrens’ academic and social lives. It is not uncommon for children to live with their parents until they marry, so you may have host siblings in their early twenties.

Program Requirements
Previous study of Italian is highly recommended, but not required. Extra tutoring in Italian is available for an additional fee.

Program Options and Dates:

One Semester
Spring: January – June
Fall: September - January

Academic Year
September - June

For more information about CCI’s High School Abroad program or to download an application form and instructions, click here.

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Independent Homestay in Italy
A homestay program is a wonderful opportunity to explore the unique culture of Italy. You will be delighted with the Italians, who tend to be very warm and welcoming. The family is central to life in Italy, and you will find large, extended families. Host family placements can be anywhere in Italy. Your host family placement will include full board (3 meals per day).

The minimum age requirement for homestay programs in Italy is 18.

For more information about CCI’s Independent Homestay program for Adults (18 and over) or to download an application form and instructions, click here.

Language School in Italy

The best way to learn Italian is by studying it in the country where it is spoken. CCI’s language school is located in Florence, which dominates the northern region of Italy and draws tourists from around the world seeking the art and history of this city that sparked the dawn of the Renaissance. Here you will find Michelangelo’s world famous statue of David. Despite urban sprawl, the city center of Florence feels like a small town and is easy to wander through. Small workshops and stores lining narrow, cobblestone streets await you, offering a glimpse of a medieval Florence that hasn’t changed much through the centuries. Florence is perfect for participants wanting a true Italian experience!

The school is located in the city center. The three–story 19th century building houses bright, spacious classrooms, a cafeteria, garden, and private study rooms. Class size is limited to 12 students. Participants must be 17 +.

Typical Excursions and Activities:

• Opera
• Seaside visits
• Uffizi Gallery
• Rome

For more information about CCI’s Language School programs for Adults 18 and over or to download an application form and instructions, click here.

For more information about CCI’s Language School programs for Teens or to download an application form and instructions, click here.

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Internships in Italy

Currently enrolled university students and recent grads can gain practical experience in one of several fields while deepening their understanding of Italian culture and business practices. Participants are placed in internships with companies in Florence.

Interns are placed in voluntary internships in one of four fields: General Business, Travel/Tourism, Accounting/Finance, and Social Service*. Room and half board (2 meals per day) is provided with host families.
*Placements in other fields may be available; contact CCI for details.

Requirements
Participants must have the equivalent of at least two years of Italian study. Regardless of language level, all participants must attend an intensive one-month language course prior to beginning the internship. The cost of the language course is included in the program fee.

For more information about CCI’s Internship Program or to download an application form and instructions, click here.

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