colosseum in rome sunset

Study Abroad in Italy

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study abroad in italy map

Study in Italy with CIEE and learn Italian language in this charming, historic country.

The birthplace of the Renaissance, pizza, banks, espresso machines, newspapers, the piano, and radio, Italy is known for its fantastical inventions, unrivaled natural and urban beauty, beloved culture, and delicious cuisine. Studying abroad in Italy has it all: 2,500 years of rich history in dynamic Rome, artistic tradition in scenic Florence, and fashion-forward style in urban Milan. No matter which Italian gem you choose, you're sure to have the study abroad experience of a lifetime in Italy!

Whether you choose to study for a semester, year, or summer in Italy, you can complete a variety of courses including Italian language, art, architecture, history, communication, business, performing arts, and more. There are a variety of reasons to study abroad in Italy, from the historical significance and charm of the country to the vast program offerings and excursions offered on CIEE’s Italy programs. 

In Italy, CIEE gives students access to homestays, internships, volunteering opportunities, and direct enrollment options with added cultural clubs, activities, and excursions that provide a uniquely immersive international experience. Come write your story of Italy with CIEE and begin or improve your Italian language skills in the Eternal City. 

Best Places to Study Abroad in Italy

Florence skyline

Florence

The capital of Italy's Tuscany region, Florence is one of the world's art capitals beloved for its authentic Italian culture.

Milan river canal at night

Milan

The second-largest city in Italy and a global capital of fashion and design, discover centuries-old art and culture in Milan.

Sunny ruins in Rome

Rome

Explore Italy's historic capital city, famous for its renowned landmarks like the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps.

Study Abroad Programs in Italy

florence uffizi gallery
  • Florence, Italy
New for Summer '24
  • Study Program

Spend your summer living and learning in Florence, an Italian city rooted in artistic tradition!

Program Interests
  • Ancient City
  • Small City
Florence Duomo through a window
  • Study Program
  • Part-Time Internship

Take your studies to the birthplace of the Renaissance!

Program Interests
  • Host Institution
  • Mountains to Hike
  • Small City
aerial view of florence
  • Florence, Italy
  • Study Program
  • Part-Time Internship

Spend your semester living and learning in the birthplace of the Renaissance.

Program Interests
  • Host Institution
  • Mountains to Hike
  • Small City
Florence skyline Duomo mountains
  • Study Program
  • Part-Time Internship

The perfect chance to earn credits toward your degree while immersing yourself in Italian culture.

Program Interests
  • Host Institution
  • Mountains to Hike
  • Small City
Milan Piazza Duomo at sunset
  • Milan, Italy
  • Study Program
  • Part-Time Internship

The perfect chance to earn credits toward your degree while immersing yourself in Italian culture.

Program Interests
  • Host Institution
  • Small City
Milan Galleria
  • Study Program

Live and learn in Milan, one of the leading fashion and design capitals of the world.

Program Interests
  • Host Institution
  • Small City
vatican city downtown rome plaza aerial view
  • Rome, Italy
  • Study Program

Spend January studying abroad in Rome on this three-week winter program.

Program Interests
  • Ancient City
  • Big City
downtown rome spanish steps fountain
  • Rome, Italy
  • Study Program

Designed for students from all academic backgrounds, the Semester in Rome program is the perfect chance to earn credits.

Program Interests
  • Ancient City
  • Big City
milan fashion mannequins
  • Milan, Italy
New for Summer '24
  • Study Program

Visit the hub for fashion and design worldwide

Program Interests
  • Host Institution
  • Small City
Rome river sunset
  • Rome, Italy
  • Study Program
  • Part-Time Internship

Designed for students looking to gain an international perspective on business.

Program Interests
  • Ancient City
  • Big City
  • Host Institution
  • Volunteering
Milan glass skyscrapers
  • Milan, Italy
  • Study Program
  • Part-Time Internship

Take your studies to Milan, the world capital of business, finance, fashion, design, media, and publishing.

Program Interests
  • Host Institution
  • Small City
Florence Ponte Vecchio
  • Florence, Italy
New for January '25
  • Study Program

Spend your winter break embarking on a fascinating journey in the heart of the Renaissance.

Program Interests
  • Ancient City
  • Mountains to Hike
  • Small City
milan skyscrapers
  • Milan, Italy
New for Summer '24
  • Study Program
  • Full-Time Internship

Visit the capital of business, finance, fashion, design, media, and publishing

Program Interests
  • Art Capital
  • Small City
sunny day roman ruins
  • Study Program
  • Full-Time Internship

A summer internship in Rome offers a unique professional opportunity in the city of the seven hills.

Program Interests
  • Ancient City
  • Big City
Milan river canal at night
  • Milan, Italy
New for January '25
  • Study Program

Spend January living and learning in Milan, Italy’s unofficial fashion, business, and design capital.

Program Interests
  • Art Capital
  • Small City
milan galleria at night
  • Milan, Italy
New for Fall '24
  • Study Program
  • Multi-Location Offering

CIEE Milan offers a wide selection of courses that attract students from all academic disciplines, from liberal arts and science majors to engineering, pre-med, and business school students.

Program Interests
  • Art Capital
  • Small City
Rome Piazza Navono
  • Rome, Italy
  • Study Program
  • Multi-Location Offering
  • Part-Time Internship

Our Open Campus Block program allows you to start studying in Rome, then study in two other countries in one term.

Program Interests
  • Ancient City
  • Big City
  • Host Institution
Rome
  • Rome, Italy
  • Study Program

Immerse yourself in Rome’s rich culture

Program Interests
  • Ancient City
  • Big City

Study Abroad in Italy Reviews

  • "It was an amazing experience, great way to see the world, and op-portunity to meet new people. The program and classes were amazing and they made it very easy to live life here. I never felt like I had to make it on my own and everyone was extremely supportive. I had an amazing time and made great memories."

    Max P., Indiana University-Bloomington

  • "The CIEE staff are incredibly friendly and helpful at all stages of studying abroad. Each staff member genuinely values the health, safety, and experience of every student. They strive to make the best out of every moment spent in your host country. The program trips included in the program fee are well worth the money and offer experiences that might not be achievable without CIEE’s special access. Furthermore, CIEE’s program fee has been the most valuable investment of my 21 years on this planet! Thank you CIEE!!!"

    Michelle R., University of Colorado-Boulder

  • "I really enjoyed my experience and would say it was the best time of my life. CIEE was extremely helpful and I never felt unsafe or unprotected."

    Lawrencia P., Florida A&M University

  • "Staff and professors are very supportive and do everything they can to make the program enjoyable during these unprecedented times. They go out of their way for the students and we are greatly appreciative for it."

    Jessica C., Arizona State University

Frequently Asked Questions

A city bursting with stories old and new, Italy is a great place to study abroad for students looking for a mix of history and culture, all while having the chance to improve their Italian language skills. It’s no wonder Rome is referred to as the Eternal City, as its history and influence is believed to go on forever.

If you’re wondering how to study abroad in Italy, students can complete a few simple steps – search our study abroad programs in Italy, connect with your campus study abroad office, and start your application.

While Spain and Italy have many similarities in terms of weather and architectural movements, there are key differences between the two. Spain may make a better study abroad destination for students looking to study Spanish in a country with a lower cost of living, while Italy may be the better study abroad spot for students looking to learn Italian and explore iconic landmarks.

Italy is one of the safer study abroad destinations in Europe, but as with any student studying abroad, we recommend that you stay aware of your surroundings, look out for scammers and pickpockets, and travel in groups when possible. 

STUDY IN UP TO 3 CITIES THIS SEMESTER

Design Your Own Program

With CIEE's open campus model, you can design your very own study abroad semester program to include up to three different locations. Feel free to build your own program using our custom study abroad tool, spin the globe, or take a look at experiences around some of our most popular open campus combinations!

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