Bella Italia!
High School in Italy
If you ask an Italian why you should come to Italy the answer will probably be because Italy has the best food, the most beautiful language, the greatest culture and world class soccer teams. Well, it’s hard to disagree. This country sure has a lot to offer!
High School Classic
High School Classic is the traditional high school exchange program, chosen by most of our students. It is the perfect program for those who long for a genuine high school experience abroad and who are willing to embrace all the surprises it can bring. Here’s how it works: based on your profile, we match you with a host family and school, and the best part is, it can be anywhere in Italy, from the dreamy towns to the historic cultural centres! If you’re open to adventure and are willing to let yourself be surprised by your exchange experience, this is the program for you.
All roads lead to Rome
There are lots of great cities like Milan, Venice, Florence and of course Rome. The countryside is full of beautiful spots and the country has a fantastic climate. You can enjoy beach life at the Mediterranean Sea and winter sports in the mountains.
Live, love, laugh in Italy
You will quickly get new friends in your class in school. Italians are very easy and outgoing and they know how to enjoy life. Kick some ball, sip a cappuccino at a café, talk with new friends, love life! And the fashion and all the boutiques… If you like good shopping Italy is the place for you.
Population: 61 million
Capital: Rome
Area: 301 000 km2
Language: Italian
Currency: Euro
Country code: +39
Download our high school brochure
Read all about STS High School, our destinations and your time abroad – the adventure of a lifetime! Fill in the form below to receive our digital brochure via email.
High School the Italian way
High school in Italy includes grades 9 to 13 and is called Scuola Secondaria Superiore. Most exchange students are placed in year 11 or 12, usually in a class with focus on either science or language. Joining an Italian class on these levels is very rewarding. Grab the chance to try high school the Italian way!
A school day in Italy
The Italian school atmosphere is usually rather strict, but there are no school uniforms. Your teachers will expect you to focus on your learning while you’re in class. There are no language requirements to be accepted. However, we do recommend that you have some basic knowledge of the language, in order to follow what the teachers are saying. Everything will be in Italian and before you know it, you will probably be thinking in Italian too. Can you imagine?
In most Italian high schools you attend class from Monday to Saturday, but the school days are relatively short. You often finish around lunch, when you go home to eat with your host family. Meals with the family are important in Italy!
Feel like home a casa
As an exchange student in Italy you will immediately realise that family is very, very important to Italians. Our warm and caring host families are carefully selected and live both on the mainland and on islands like Sicily and Sardinia. They’re proud of their culture and eager to show you the Italian way of living from the inside and open their hearts to you.
Conversations and dinners
Italians are often talkative and open. They like to talk about basically everything and anything. This will be beneficial for your language skills and you will quickly improve your Italian. Without even thinking about it, you will pick up new words and expressions at home.
A lot of the conversation takes place around the pasta and pizza filled dinner table – because food is really important too! You’ll soon realise that you haven’t had pasta for real until you’ve tried a home cooked Italian meal.
Quick facts
Who can go: 15–18 years on arrival
Departure month: January/August/December
Language requirements: Good English, some knowledge of Italian recommended
Visa: Yes.
Prep course: STS Welcome Camp included
School year: September–June
School day: Usually 08.00 – 13.00, Mon–Sat
Subjects: Mandatory courses vary by school
Life after school
Many of your new friends will probably be into sports of some kind. As you might imagine, soccer is very popular all over the country. Even if you don’t play, watching a Serie A game is a cool experience. Other popular activities are swimming, volleyball or going to the gym. If you live in the north, close to the Alps and the Dolomites, you’ll find that skiing is very popular.
The best shopping
You don’t have to be a sports fan to enjoy life in Italy. Italians love socialising and they are proud to show you their favorite spots and not least their fashion! Your new friends can take you to the best shopping malls in your area and show you the most unique boutiques.
Coffee time
Some days you just want a nice and calm activity. Join your friends when they visit a café! Italians know their coffee. You can get the perfect espresso, cappuccino or macchiato wherever you go. Just remember, if you order a latte in Italy you will probably be served a glass of milk, since latte is the Italian word for milk.
STS Welcome Camp in Europe
Your exchange begins with our fun Welcome Camp in Europe! The Welcome Camp gives you the best possible start to your exchange, and is packed with sightseeing, seminars, new friends and lots of fun.
Welcome Camp in Europe
At the Welcome Camp in Europe you’ll have the chance to share your hopes, worries and expectations for your upcoming exchange along with other STS students. You’ll participate in workshops and get more information about what to expect from your experience and how to get help and support should you need it. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and talk about the adventure you have ahead of you. Best of all, you’ll do all of this while partaking in fun activities and making new friends from around the world.
Food, accommodation and other info
During the Welcome Camp, you’ll stay on campus along with other STS students and a group of leaders. You’ll also have seminars and workshops on campus. Breakfast is included, as well as a welcome dinner and transportation in the city, but you’ll also have the chance to have some meals on your own.
What’s included
- Accommodation in a host family
- Personal assistance and contact person in both home and host country
- Emergency support 24/7
- STS bag
- Full board in a host family
- STS Welcome Camp
- Free interview
- STS Diploma
- School spot in a local high school
- Online pre-departure meeting
- Meetings and material to prepare you and your parents
Add-ons
Would you like a little more control over your high school exchange, or prepare yourself a little extra?
With our add-ons, your dreams may become reality.
Area request
From 700 €
Is there a part of Italy that is special to you? With this option, you can request to stay in a specific region. Do you prefer the industrial north of Italy? Is your choice central Italy? Do you prefer southern Italy? Or are you in love with the islands, like Sicily or Sardinia? Pick your choice and have a great time in Italy.
Be sure to apply early to increase your chances of getting your first-choice location. And keep in mind that if you end up in the location you selected, an extra fee will be charged.
City request – Milan
From 1 700 €
Milan in northern Italy is a global capital of economy, fashion and art. Here you can go shopping in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, see most famous opera theatre in the world, La Scala and the largest cathedral in Italy, Duomo Di Milan. If this is the place you want to spend your exchange, do tell us!
The earlier you apply, the higher your chances are of securing your first-choice location, so don’t delay! Submit your application as soon as possible, and keep in mind that a fee will apply if you end up at your chosen location.
Capital city request – Rome
From 2 700 €
You can request to spend your exchange in the area of Rome, the capital of Italy. Here you will live close to the Vatican and timeless landmarks like the Colosseum. Rome is also famous for its beautiful piazzas, world-class museums, and delicious Roman cuisine. If you love football, you can see Roma and Lazio play at the Stadio Olimpico.
The earlier you apply, the higher your chances are of securing your first-choice location, so don’t delay! Submit your application as soon as possible, and keep in mind that a fee will apply if you end up at your chosen location.
Preparatory language course – Italian
800 €
Are you going on an exchange year to Italy? Prepare yourself with our digital language course! It’ll help you master the language faster once you’re there and make it easier to understand what your new friends, host family and teachers are saying right from the start.
Designed to prepare you for your exchange year, this course is perfect for those who want to start practising the language as soon as possible. You will gain confidence in the language, get the tools to face the challenges of studying abroad and increase your awareness of different cultures.
The course is digital, lasts 6 or 8 weeks and includes two lessons per week.
Our destinations
Your exchange year can take you to North America, South America, Europe, Asia, or Oceania. Each destination offers unique cultures, school systems, and everyday experiences — and the choice is yours. Where will you go?
Get started Chat with a high school expert
Got questions? We’re here to help you figure it all out.