Student exchange to Italy
Italian exchange program - life in Italy as an exchange student is an exciting cultural immersion.
Ciao!
From the moment you arrive, you're surrounded by breath taking historical sites, vibrant street life, and a deep sense of tradition.
The pace of life in Italy allows you to savour every moment, from enjoying a leisurely coffee at a local café with your friends to strolling through bustling markets with your host family.
Italy’s diverse landscape gives ample opportunity to explore and find adventures, whether cycling through villages, hiking mountain trails, attending a local football match, playing a game of bocci, visiting historical sites, or going to the beach with friends or family. Every minute in Italy is a chance to make new friends, discover new interests and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Family life
Living with an Italian host family offers a genuine taste of life in this wonderful culture.
Italians have a strong sense of family, and it’s common for extended family to live nearby. Families enjoy cooking delicious meals together, engaging in lively conversations and sharing their warmth and hospitality. This immersion in daily routines and traditions provides a deeper understanding of the language and culture, making your stay both educational and enriching.
“My favourite part of my exchange was getting to visit all the art galleries and museums. There are so many, and I have a huge appreciation for Italian history and culture now.” Oliver
School
Attending school in Italy introduces you to a new educational environment, where interactive and communal learning is encouraged.
The school week usually runs Monday to Saturday, with classes starting at 8.00am and finishing early in the afternoon. Most Italian schools don’t have school uniforms. There is a range of extracurricular activities, from sports to the arts, so you can choose what you’re interested in and make the exchange experience uniquely yours. As you navigate the school system, you’ll quickly adapt to the unique structure where students stay in the same classroom while teachers rotate. This setting fosters close-knit relationships with your classmates, making it easier to form lasting friendships. Lunchtime offers a special opportunity to immerse yourself in Italian family traditions, as many students return home for a homemade meal, emphasizing the country’s strong family values.
Teenage life
Italian teenagers enjoy a vibrant social life balancing school, social activities, and hobbies.
Participation in local sports such as soccer (football), basketball, volleyball and cycling are popular, as well as other cultural activities such as music, dance or art. There’s always time to enjoy shopping and meeting friends in cafes, pizzerias and gelaterias (ice cream shops), hiking or taking in the sunshine in a local piazza.
Food
Italian food is a celebration of fresh flavours and pure joy, making every bite an adventure.
Italians take their food seriously and it’s easy to understand why with a traditional lunch of five or six courses consisting of homegrown fruits, fresh crusty bread, an array of cold meats and cheese, and, of course, homemade pasta … it’s foodie heaven!
“I got to visit an olive farm and taste the produce – delicious!” Charlotte
Pricing & details
Programs, important dates, pricing and inclusions.
Classic
Our Classic student exchange programs are designed to promote cultural understanding. They allow students to learn a new language, experience a new education system, and gain insights into local customs, traditions, and family dynamics.
Important Info
- Must be between 14 and 18 years of age on departure
- No language prerequisite, but it’s recommended to do an online course if no prior learning
- Late applications may be accepted
- Departure dates are flexible and subject to approval. Additional costs may apply for additional pick-up and drop-off
- An Italian VISA is required for Semester and Year students
- All prices are in $AUD
- * Chaperoned flights are subject to Australian state or territory of departure. Chaperones are only available for flights to Europe. Return flights are not chaperoned.
Inclusions
- Return International Flights
- Domestic flights within Australia to departing city (Melbourne or Sydney)
- Domestic travel from the arrival airport in Italy to your Host Family location, if required
- Comprehensive Travel insurance with unlimited medical and health coverage
- 24/7 emergency support in Italy
- Pre-Departure Meeting
- Half Board in a fully screened host family
- Enrolment at your host school
- Chaperoned Flights to Europe for September, November and December (not return)
Exclusions
- Soft Landing Camp (4 nights on arrival) for September 2027 $2,450. Includes 1 additional night in Milan before departure.
- Soft Landing camp in Bologna (4 nights), September 2027 departure $2,100
- Soft landing camps (orientation) only for November 2027 departures $1,100
- 2-month students 2 nights in Bologna on arrival and 1 night in Milan before departure
- 3-month students 2 nights in Bologna on arrival and 1 night in Bologna before departure
- 1 night in Milan at the end of the 6-week program, for December 2027 arrivals $450
- Italian consulate Visa processing costs. All required documentation will be provided to you.
Duration
Travel Dates
Application Deadline
Notes
Pricing
Two-Way
Our reciprocal (two-way) exchange programs allow you to experience life in Italy, and welcome a student from your host family to your home to experience your Australian lifestyle.
Important Info
- Must be between 14 and 17 years of age on departure
- No language prerequisite, but it’s recommended to do an online course if no prior learning
- Late applications may be accepted
- Departure dates are flexible and subject to approval. Additional costs may apply for pick-up and drop-off
- If your Australian school requires subsidised school fees to be paid, we ask the Australian family to cover those costs. If the Italian school requires school fees for your child, this would be covered by the Italian host family
- A two-month reciprocal program can be arranged if a 3-month program does not suit due to schooling in Australia
- All prices are in $AUD
- *Chaperoned flights are subject to Australian state or territory of departure. Chaperones are only available for flights to Europe. Return flights are not chaperoned.
Inclusions
- Return International Flights to Europe
- Domestic flights within Australia to the departing city (Melbourne or Sydney)
- Domestic travel from the arrival airport in Italy to your Host Family location, if required
- Comprehensive Travel insurance with unlimited medical and health coverage
- 24-hour local support in Italy
- Pre-Departure Meeting
- Half Board in a fully screened host family
- Enrolment at your host school
- Chaperoned Flights to Europe November & December departure – Chaperoned flights are subject to Australian state or territory of departure. Chaperones are only available for flights to Europe. Return flights are not chaperoned.
Exclusions
- Italian Consulate VISA processing costs, if required
- All required documentation will be provided to you
- Soft landing camps (orientation) for November departures $1,100
- 3-month students 2 nights in Bologna on arrival and 1 night in Bologna before departure
Duration
Hosting Dates
Travel Dates
Application Deadline
Notes
Pricing
Orientation
Get settled with an Orientation or Language Camp! Find your feet in a new city and take in the sights before meeting your host family.
Bologna Soft Landing & Departure Camp (sample itinerary)
September Soft Landing Camp
Want more info?
Submit your expression of interest and a Students of the World team-member will provide you with more!
FAQs
Can I choose a specific city or region for my high school student exchange placement?
You can tell us your preferred city or region for your high school exchange program, and some destinations offer a Select Program that allows you to choose a specific area.
We will always do our best to consider your preference, but placements depend on host family availability and suitability, so the location cannot be guaranteed.
Students are matched and placed with families from across the destination country.
We prioritise the things you and the host family have in common over the specific location. To make the most of your program, it’s important to be flexible and open-minded.
Will I need a visa for my high school student exchange program, and who organises it?
Visa requirements depend on your destination and the length of your high school exchange program, and if a visa is required, we guide you to start the application process.
In many European Union countries, a visa is not required for short programs under 90 days. For programs longer than three months, a visa may be necessary. If you do need a visa, we will help you begin the application process and ensure you understand the steps involved. Visa costs are not included in the program fee.
Learn more about program lengths and destinations on our Student Exchange Programs page.
For general visa and entry information, visit Smartraveller’s visa guidance page.
How much pocket money should I bring for my high school exchange?
Students typically need around $500–$600 per month during their high school student exchange to cover personal expenses, local transport, school lunches and social activities.