As Italy has such an ancient history, it is filled with Roman ruins, stunning churches, fresco paintings, sculptures, renaissance art and architecture, and UNESCO heritage sites. The people from Italy are very friendly and live different lifestyles ranging from busy city lives to slow, peaceful village life.
Each year, Australian and New Zealand high school students leave home for a semester or full year in Italy through YFU, one of the world’s most established student exchange organisations.
As an exchange student you will be enrolled in 1 of 4 different school curriculum programs: Liceo Scientifico, Liceo Classico, Liceo Linguistico or Istituto Tecnico e Commerciale. All of these curriculum programs include the following subjects: Italian, English, Mathematics, History and Philosophy, History of Art, Biology or Chemistry and Physical Education.
The Scientifico program includes all 3 sciences in addition to Computer Science; the Classico program includes Greek and Latin; the Linguistico program includes 3 other languages other than Italian and English; and the Tecnico e Commerciale program includes Economics, Law and Accountancy.
The school year begins in the 2nd week of September and ends in the 2nd week of June.
Italy exchange programs are open to Australian and New Zealand students aged 15–18 who are currently enrolled at high school. You’ll need at least 2 years of prior Italian language study, a C average or above over the last two years, and a genuine desire to challenge yourself. Year 12 students are welcome to apply while still at school.
The average Italian family today has 1 or 2 children, but not all host families will have children living at home. In recent years there has been a rise in the number of single-parent families. Many Italians live in apartments which are more common than houses, even in the suburbs. Most host families in Italy live in small towns or villages or in suburban communities.
Food is a means for establishing and maintaining relationships among family and friends. Dinner isn’t usually eaten until 7 or 8 pm, and even later for eating out. In more recent times, this evening meal has become the most important part of daily family life. Family meals with the extended family are popular on Sundays after church.
Children and teenagers are expected to obey the rules the parents set for them and contribute to the work of the household. Italians generally show affection in public, so do not be surprised if your family want to hug you a lot, as there is a great deal of public embracing and kissing upon greeting people.
YFU Italy offers Specialised Programs in the following areas:
Please contact us for prices, departure dates and more information.
Yes – Italy requires a minimum of 2 years of prior Italian language study. Once you arrive, you’ll be expected to communicate mostly in Italian within 3 months. Most students find the immersion accelerates their language skills quickly.
As an exchange student you’ll be enrolled in one of four Italian high school curriculum programs: Liceo Scientifico, Liceo Classico, Liceo Linguistico, or Istituto Tecnico e Commerciale. Your school placement is arranged by YFU Italy based on your academic background and host family location.
YFU offers Short Term (around 3 months), Semester (approximately 5 months), and Full Year (approximately 10 months) programs to Italy. The school year runs from early September to mid-June. View all programs details here.
The All Inclusive price covers your program placement, host family accommodation, full board, school enrolment, YFU orientation and support, and travel insurance. Flights are included if you select the All Inclusive option – or you can save by booking your own flights with the Host & Go Basic pricing.
Yes – YFU Italy programs are open to both Australian and New Zealand high school students. NZ-specific pricing is shown when you visit from New Zealand, and our team can be reached on 0800 833 624.
YFU provides 24/7 emergency support throughout your exchange, plus local YFU volunteers in your area, pre-departure orientation, and regular check-ins during your program. You’re never alone – YFU has been supporting exchange students for over 65 years.
Enrolment in a public or private school for the first semester and placement in an NGO project for the second semester
Placement in an NGO project (Typically related to childcare, women's care, environmental NGOs)
Our standard all-inclusive program price with no hidden fees.
Host a student and enjoy up to 20% off the program fee, plus receive up to $4000AUD / $4800NZD reimbursement for hosting a student*
Host a student and enjoy up to 20% off the program fee, receive up to $4000AUD / $4800NZD reimbursement for hosting* plus a further $2500 discount when you book your own flights**
*The host a student reimbursement is a payment of $100AUD/$120NZD per week
**When you book your own flights, you will be required to adhere to specific travel dates and arrival times in the destination country. This offer does not include exchange programs to Thailand, Korea, or China.
As everybody is speaking about the FIFA World Cup, millions of people around the globe are gathering to cheer for their favourite teams, celebrate different cultures, and experience the excitement that only a global event can create. But while the World Cup lasts only a few weeks, there’s another international experience that can change your life forever: going on a youth exchange.
The Youth Empowerment Seminar is one of YFU’s largest international youth events, bringing together exchange students, volunteers, facilitators and educators from across the globe for an unforgettable week of learning, leadership and intercultural dialogue.
Cebrail, who spent a life-changing year on an exchange program from New Zealand to Turkey, reflects on his biggest discoveries and lessons learned.
Enquire today about this program. We’ve got experts ready to assist with any enquiry about the countries, programs and the process.
Simply register and attend one of our in-person Information Evenings and you will automatically get $100 off your program fee.
