Italy

A country where creativity and innovation keep history and traditions alive.

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Italy’s wonderful art, music, food, and architecture create the perfect setting for a lovely evening stroll (passeggiata) with friends, to talk about all things beautiful. Built on a rich historical foundation, Italy is now a modern European country and a global leader in fashion and style. The world’s best gelato, hearty home-cooked meals, remnants of the Roman Empire, snowy Alpine peaks, and the charming towns along the Adriatic coast all help Italians live la dolce vita (the sweet life).

Teenagers in Italy are very independent and usually manage their own time — chatting in cafés, exploring the city, going out dancing or doing sports. Calcio, the Italian football league, is a reason for celebration for many Italians when their team wins games and championships. Other sports your Italian friends might enjoy include basketball, cycling, and skiing — all very popular in Italy.

Host family and community

AFS students live throughout Italy, including in Sicily and Sardinia, typically in small towns. In southern Italy especially, it is common for several generations to live together in the same household. Mealtimes are true social events, and on weekends or holidays, they can last for several hours. Conversations are often passionate, and lively discussions full of gestures and facial expressions are a hallmark of Italian culture.

Skola

School in Italy must be attended from Monday to Saturday, typically from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM. If you are active and take part in school activities, making friends will not be a problem.

Language

Italian is the official language of the country, but from region to region, people may speak different dialects. In Italy, a significant number of people also speak German and French, as well as Friulian near the Slovenian border. To help you feel more confident in your Italian language skills, you will be able to improve them through Rosetta Stone online language courses before your exchange program begins. Once you arrive at your Italian school, your teacher will closely monitor your progress in learning the language, and if needed, local AFS volunteers will help you find additional language courses.

Food

Food, for Italians, is a source of joy and satisfaction. Italians love spending time with family and friends over lunch or dinner. Be prepared for huge portions, strong coffee, and delicious treats. Expect fantastic bread and cheese, and pizza that’s incomparable to any other in the world. Pasta is the heart of Italian cuisine – prepared with seafood, meat, and fresh vegetables. For dessert, you’ll have the chance to enjoy a variety of delights, including the famous tiramisu cake.

Explore the Programs Available in Italy