Youth For Understanding USA

Language. Art. Architecture. History. Religion. Food. Fashion. Just like Rome wasn't built in a day, it'll take a whole lot longer than a day to experience all that Italy has to offer and become a part of its unique culture.
Learn more about Italy.

Summer Program

Experience all that this beautiful country has to offer by spending next summer in Italy! You’ll live with an Italian host family and immerse yourself in Italian, absorb colorful culure, and make new friends in your local community. You can spend your time joining extracurricular activities, playing local sports, attending local festivals and events, and even volunteering in your community! 

Academic Year and Semester Programs

For either a semester or a year, you can have the opportunity to study in Italy and live with a host family! While in Italy you will have the chance to become fully immersed in their culture first hand as you enjoy the cuisine, learn the language, and build friendships that will last a lifetime. Students are able to enroll in a standard public high school or a special interest school where they will take courses focused on a particular interest.

School: Students in Italy can study in one of four different education tracks: Liceo Scientifico, Liceo Classico, Liceo Liguistico or Istituto Tecnico e Commerciale. These high schools focus on subjects such as Sciences, the Classics, Languages, or Business. All education tracks include Italian, English, Math, History and Philosophy, Physics, History of Art, Biology or Chemistry, and Physical Education. The Scientifico track includes all three sciences in addition to Computer Science, the Classico track includes Greek and Latin, the Linguistico track includes three other foreign languages, and the Tecnico e Commerciale track includes Economy and Law, and Accountancy. Exchange students may choose a track to follow, but each program is tailored to accommodate the student's language ability.

Orientations: All students applying for the semester or year program must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation, which usually takes place in mid-July. This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas. All students will participate in a one-day local pre-departure orientation in May or June. Students will attend a post-arrival orientation as well as a re-entry orientation, both of which are 3 days long and are held in Milan. For full-year students, a mid-year orientation will also be provided. Generally, regional orientations are also provided for students throughout their programs, enabling them to reflect on their experiences and meet with other exchange students.

International Baccalaureate School: Students on the IB school program attend an IB school in Italy. Applicants are expected to have attended an IB school in their home country. Students on this program will live with a local Italian host family, but will attend classes in English, the standard language of all IB schools worldwide.  IB School tuition fees are paid to the school and are not included in the YFU program tuition.  These can range from €7000 to  €20,000, depending on the school. 

Bilingual School: Students on the bilingual school program have the opportunity to attend a high school where courses are taught in both Italian and a second language. Students that choose to enroll in a sciences track of high school will be able to choose between English, Chinese, and Spanish as their secondary language. Students that choose to enroll in a classics track of high school will be able to choose between German and French as their secondary language. On this program, most classes are taught in Italian, but some (history, geography, sports, etc.) are taught in the second language. Bilingual School tuition fees are paid to the school and are not included in the YFU program tuition.  These can range from €500 to  €3000, depending on the school. 

Art High School: Students on the art high school program will be enrolled in a Liceo Artistico, where they will take standard high school courses in addition to several high level art classes. No previous artistic training is required, but students that do not have art classes on their recent transcripts are required to submit a letter explaining why they are interested in the arts and attending an art high school. Students should expect to submit a portfolio upon request.

Music High School: Students on the music high school program will be enrolled in a Liceo Musicale, where they will take standard high school courses in addition to several high level music classes. No previous music training is required, but students that do not have music classes on their recent transcripts are required to submit a letter explaining why they are interested in music and attending a music high school. Admission requirements vary depending on the school, and YFU will be in touch after students apply regarding any necessary supplemental materials.  Costs for music supplies, instrument rentals, and activities are not included in the YFU program tuition.

Optional Excursions: There will be an opportunity to participate on an optional trip each semester at an additional cost to the student. More information on the location, duration, and cost of this trip will be offered upon arrival in Italy.

Tuition Includes

-Placement with a host family
-Enrollment in a local Italian high school
-Airport transfers
-Domestic and international travel
-All pre-departure and post arrival orientations
-Pre-program support by trained YFU staff
-Support from a YFU Italy Area Representative while on program
-Week-long Italian language course after arrival for year and semester students
-Comprehensive insurance 

Additional Information

Visa Information:  Information regarding visas and other immigration processes will be provided upon enrollment.

Additional Costs: For students participating in the year-long program to Italy, it is possible to take an examination and receive an official Language Certification at a small cost. The "Permesso di Soggiorno" (Residence Permit) required in order to study in Italy will cost an additional fee. Program tuition does not include personal spending money or school-related costs such as books and school trips.