Study Abroad in Italy
Explore Italy with CIEE
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, studying in Italy is sure to give you the study abroad experience of a lifetime!
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.
While abroad, students may enhance their academic experience by completing a full- or part-time internship in Italy. This unique opportunity allows students to gain real-world international work experience, expand their professional networks, and develop valuable skills that complement their studies. Internships are available across diverse industries, including business, marketing, manufacturing, sustainability, and more, providing a well-rounded perspective of today's global job market and enriching the overall study abroad experience.
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
The capital of Italy's Tuscany region, Florence is one of the world's art capitals beloved for its authentic Italian culture.
Milan
The second-largest city in Italy and a global capital of fashion and design, discover centuries-old art and culture in Milan.
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, Italy
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
Spend 12 weeks interning abroad PT (20 hours/week) and earning academic credit while immersing yourself in Italian culture in enchanting Florence.
- Rome, Italy
- Study Program
- Full-Time Internship
A summer internship in Rome offers a unique professional opportunity in the city of the seven hills.
- Rome, Italy
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
Spend your summer earning academic credits toward your degree while gaining practical, real-world work experience in one of Rome's top industries, including the arts, public administration, and tourism.
- Florence, Italy
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
Spend 6 weeks of your summer interning abroad PT (15-20 hours/week) and earning academic credit while exploring Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance.
- Rome, Italy
- Study Program
Spend January studying abroad in Rome on this three-week winter program.
- Rome, Italy
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
Embark on an unforgettable STEM journey in the heart of Rome! The Engineering, Technology, and Sciences program offers students a unique chance to immerse themselves in an enriching academic experience while enjoying the charm and culture of one of the world’s most iconic cities.
- Florence, Italy
- Study Program
Spend three weeks in Florence, where you can take a course about the city while learning the language, making the cuisine, and visiting the monuments.
- Milan, Italy
- Study Program
Spend January living and learning in Milan, Italy’s unofficial fashion, business, and design capital.
- Rome, Italy
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
Designed for students looking to gain an international perspective on business.
- Rome, Italy
- Study Program
Designed for students from all academic backgrounds, the Semester in Rome program is the perfect chance to earn credits.
- Florence, Italy
- Study Program
Study Italy – and explore Italy – when you spend a packed study-abroad month in Florence, known for its cuisine, history, monuments, and the arts.
- Milan, Italy
- Study Program
Visit the hub for fashion and design worldwide
- Rome, Italy
- Study Program
Immerse yourself in Rome’s rich culture
- Milan, Italy
- Study Program
Spend your summer in Milan, the vibrant center for the arts and Italy’s business and fashion capital. Milan is defined by an elegant combination of Italian style and modern innovation.
- Milan, Italy
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
Spend 12 weeks interning abroad PT (20 hours/week) and earning academic credit while exploring Italian culture in stylish and cosmopolitan Milan.
- Rome, Italy
- Part-Time Internship
Spend a semester in Rome and explore how Italy's capital is shaping the future with cutting-edge innovation and smart city planning.
- Rome, Italy
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
Spend 12 weeks interning abroad PT (15-20 hours/week) and earning academic credit while immersing yourself in Italian culture living in the capital, Rome.
- Milan, Italy
- Study Program
- Full-Time Internship
Visit the capital of business, finance, fashion, design, media, and publishing.
- Rome, Italy
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
...for 1, 2, or 3 term blocks!
Our Open Campus Block program allows you to start studying in Rome, then study in two other countries in one term.
- Florence, Italy
- Full-Time Internship
Get a taste of Italy with your summer internship in Florence, a city where you'll learn about food, consumer goods, and hospitality from the professionals.
- Milan, Italy
- Study Program
...for 1, 2, or 3 term blocks!
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.
- Milan, Italy
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
Spend your summer earning academic credits toward your degree while gaining practical, real-world work experience in one of Milan's top industries, including the arts, business management, retail, and tourism.
- Milan, Italy
- Study Program
Embark on an unforgettable STEM journey in the heart of Milan! The Engineering, Technology, and Sciences program offers students a unique chance to immerse themselves in an enriching academic experience while enjoying the world-class design and culture of Italy’s fashion and business capital.
- Milan, Italy
- Study Program
Live and learn in Milan, one of the leading fashion and design capitals of the world.
- Milan, Italy
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
The perfect chance to earn credits toward your degree while immersing yourself in Italian culture.
- Milan, Italy
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
Take your studies to Milan, the world capital of business, finance, fashion, design, media, and publishing.
- Florence, Italy
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
Study art and architecture, experience centuries of history, and even consider a for-credit internship when you spend 16 weeks in Florence, Italy.
- Florence, Italy
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
Spend a semester immersed in Italian culture in Florence, where you'll take several courses and could get international experience with an internship.
- Florence, Italy
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
Go to Florence for a shortened term, allowing you to take courses, learn the language, travel the region, and meet others in this student-friendly city.
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.
Your study abroad Italy packing list will vary based on your individual needs and the specific city you're studying in. As a general guide, here are some items you should be sure to have on your Italy study abroad packing list:
- Passport
- Visa
- A second form of ID
- Plane tickets
- Proof of health insurance
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Prescriptions
- & more!
For a full guide, check out our article: Your Go-To Italy Study Abroad Packing List
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.
While the best study abroad program in Italy is quite subjective, we can provide you with a list of some of our most popular study abroad programs in Rome, Milan, and Florence:
Check out our full list of the best study abroad programs in Italy.
The cost of studying abroad in Italy varies depending on the specific program that you choose and how long you plan to study abroad for. For detailed cost information, we recommend researching each individual Italy study abroad program page.
For costs not included in your program’s outlined fees, it’s important to consider factors surrounding your individual journey while abroad.
Read more: How Much Does it Cost to Study Abroad?
Yes, you can absolutely complete an internship abroad in Italy with CIEE. Our international internship programs allow college students to choose from a variety of full- and part-time internships abroad in a variety of fields, including manufacturing, finance, hospitality, healthcare, public policy, and more!
Search our internship opportunities to get started!
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STUDY IN UP TO 3 CITIES THIS SEMESTER
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!
