High School Academy in Milan

Start your semester abroad with three weeks in London at CIEE’s Global Gateway Academy, where you’ll build friendships and a strong foundation for your experience. Through the Intercultural Communication & Leadership course, you’ll engage in interactive workshops, discussions, and community engagement activities across London that explore how values, perspectives, and communication styles shape cross-cultural interactions. This experiential approach prepares you for your semester abroad while supporting your growth as a globally aware, confident leader. 

Based on national social studies standards, this course helps you develop practical skills for academic and real-world success while reflecting on your identity and leadership potential along the way. Each day, you will engage in a balanced mix of classroom learning and hands-on experiences, spending about three hours in the classroom, two hours in community-based or hands-on field work, and two hours participating in interactive workshops or dedicated study time to work on projects or begin your online ASU coursework. 

By the conclusion of the course, you’ll complete key assignments that highlight your growth and leave prepared to: 

• Communicate effectively across cultures 
• Show empathy, curiosity, and respect in new environments 
• Navigate cultural transitions with confidence 
• Collaborate and lead in diverse groups 
• Identify how your cultural background shapes your values, identity, and how you communicate 
• Engage ethically and thoughtfully with your host community

Your High School Abroad academic experience combines in-person classes on core topics with a wide variety of online courses, letting you enjoy the benefits of studying abroad while having the peace of mind that your coursework is designed to support your academic progress at home.  

Your Academic Week 

• Spend 30-35 hours per week participating in coursework aligned with your home school's curriculum. 
• Take in-person classes with local instructors and fellow students at the CIEE Center. 
• Complete online coursework through ASU Prep Global, utilizing the CIEE center's quiet, focused atmosphere to work independently. CIEE staff are available to help you use your time effectively and connect with ASU support resources. 

Cultural Immersion 

• Explore Italian culture through immersive experiences and meaningful co-curricular activities. 
• Enjoy meals with your welcoming host family, learning the day-to-day rhythm of life in Milan. 

• Craft your own Milanese dishes with the help of a local chef. Then, try your own creations! 

Excursions and Experiences 

• Foster friendships that last a lifetime with fellow CIEE students and make connections within your new community. 

• Catch breathtaking views of the city as you climb to the terrazza of the Gothic Duomo di Milano, the world's 4th largest church. 

• Admire Leonardo da Vinci's famous masterpiece, The Last Supper, painted between 1495 and 1498, housed in the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie.

Join other high school students from across the country to take courses in a wide range of subjects while enjoying the benefits of studying abroad. Led by local CIEE instructors, your in-person coursework is pre-selected and tailored to your location, including:  

Intercultural Communication and Leadership: Spend your first three weeks living and learning with fellow students at the Global Gateway Academy in London. Learn to navigate cultural differences with curiosity and respect, developing the intercultural skills and building the confidence to communicate and lead in a variety of settings as you begin your semester abroad. This course is 75 contact hours for .5 credit hours. 

Mixed Media Arts —Local Life in Milan: Explore a range of media, such as drawing, painting, and photography, to discover the unique culture and landscape of Milan. Visits to local galleries and studios supplement your classroom instruction, ensuring you have a comprehensive understanding of your host country and the impact of art on its culture. This course is 75 contact hours for .5 credit hours. 

Urban Design and Sustainability: Explore how thoughtful design and technology can create cities that are livable, efficient, and resilient in the face of global challenges. Examine how transportation systems, architecture, public spaces, and green technologies connect to shape daily life and urban wellbeing. This course is 75 contact hours for .5 credit hours. 

Novice Level Italian Language and Culture: Develop proficiency in the four language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) at the Novice-Low to Novice-High level. Cultural activities and real-world communicative tasks in the community will complement and reinforce your classroom learning. This course is 75 contact hours for .5 credit hours.

In addition to your in-person classes, you will also complete three online high school courses through our partner, ASU Prep Global. Customize your schedule by taking electives that align with your home school’s requirements, explore your interests, or even pursue college credit through dual coursework. From Music Appreciation to Marine Science, Game Development to U.S. Government and Civics, you’ll find classes that match your interests and academic goals. Sample transcripts are available upon request—email hsabroad@ciee.org for more information. 

Visit Your Academic Options to learn more about your credits and coursework.