GAP Year Abroad in Italy
Why Choose This Program?
Explore
Have fun traveling across Italy's diverse landscapes and experiencing the culture of Milan, Florence, and Rome.
Network
Meet new friends and locals. Learn from the community about local practices, cuisine and more.
Develop Skills
Build a strong foundation in the core components of intercultural learning. Come home with a better understanding of the world and skills for a globalized workforce.
96%
of alumni said their language skills improved
94%
said they learned to interact with different cultural backgrounds
89%
said their level of independence increased
The Destination
Milan pulses with modern energy as Italy's capital of fashion and design. Sleek skyscrapers stand beside Gothic treasures like the Duomo di Milano, and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II buzzes with shops and cafés under a glass-domed ceiling. The city is also famous for La Scala, one of the world's most renowned opera houses.
Florence is a city where Renaissance art and architecture are woven into everyday life. The red-tiled Duomo towers over winding medieval streets while masterpieces by Michelangelo and Botticelli fill the Uffizi Gallery. Florence’s historic traditions, including its renowned leather craftsmanship, remain visible in markets and artisan workshops today.
Rome's history spans centuries, with ancient ruins like the Colosseum and Roman Forum woven into the everyday life of Italy's capital. Piazzas come alive with fountains and street performers, while charming neighborhoods like Trastevere offer cobbled lanes lined with trattorias (relaxed restaurants) and local life. Together, Florence, Milan and Rome reveal Italy's blend of history, culture, and art, promising a journey you'll never forget.
Sample Itinerary
Top Rated Activities
Food-Focused Day Trips to Nearby Bologna and Modena
The culinary heart of Italy comes alive in Bologna and Modena, where centuries of food tradition shape every market and restaurant. In Bologna, you’ll explore historic streets and lively squares while sampling local dishes, like authentic lasagna Bolognese, made by local chefs following generations-old recipes. Modena offers a deep dive into the production of world-famous balsamic vinegar and Parmigiano-Reggiano, with tastings that reveal the craftsmanship behind these iconic Italian flavors.
Visit Vatican City
The Vatican, the world’s smallest country and home to the Pope, provides an unforgettable window into Renaissance art, religious history, and global culture. The Sistine Chapel captivates with Michelangelo’s monumental ceiling frescoes, while St. Peter’s Basilica offers breathtaking architecture and sacred art. Walking through the Vatican Museums, you encounter centuries of masterpieces, from classical sculpture to Renaissance paintings, gaining insight into the spiritual and cultural heritage of Rome. These experiences combine history and religion for a truly immersive Italian journey.
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Eligibility
- Be between the ages of 15 and 17 when the program starts and cannot turn 18 while on program.
- Be in the 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th year of schooling.
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.5.
- Demonstrate, through the application process, flexibility, maturity, adaptability, and readiness to face the challenges of living in a new culture.
Dates & Fees
Application Fee
$50
Priority deadline discount
Apply to a fall semester or academic year program by June 1 and automatically get a $400 discount. Apply to a spring semester by October 1 and get a $400 discount. Discounts are deducted from the final balance.
Insurance
The program fee includes iNext travel insurance. Additional information about insurance can be found on the FAQ page.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Fall Blocks I, II, III 2026 12 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | ||
| Program Spring Blocks I, II, III 2027 12 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * |
*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
Ready to change your life?
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