Italy Universities

Most university-level study-abroad programs are conducted in Italian, but many programs offer classes in English as well as lower-level language courses. Savvy linguists may find it cheaper to enroll directly in a university abroad, although getting college credit may be more difficult. You can search www.studyabroad.com for various semester-abroad programs that meet your criteria, including your desired location and focus of study. If you’re a college student, your friendly neighborhood study-abroad office is often the best place to start.

American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS), College Division, River Plaza, 9 W. Broad St., Stamford, CT 06902, USA (☎+1-800-727-2437; www.aifsabroad.com). Organizes programs for high-school and college study in universities in Italy.
CET Academic Programs: Italian Studies Program in Siena, Florence, and Sicily, 1920 N St. NW, Ste. 200, Washington, D.C. 20036, USA (☎+1-800-225-4262; www.cetacademicprograms.com). Only open to the public for the summer term, this Vanderbilt University program offers art history courses and traveling seminars. Summer program US$7790-8490. Includes medical insurance and housing.
Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE), 300 Fore St., Portland, ME 04101, USA (☎+1-207-553-4000 or +1-800-40-STUDY/407-8839; www.ciee.org). A comprehensive resource for work, academic, and internship programs in Italy.
International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE), Politecnico di Milano, Centro per le Relazioni Internazionali, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milan (☎2 23 99 97 64; www.iaeste.org). Offers hands-on technical internships in Italy. You must be a college student studying science, technology, or engineering. Most programs last 8-12 weeks.
School for International Training (SIT) Study Abroad, 1 Kipling Rd., P.O. Box 676, Brattleboro, VT 05302, USA (☎+1-888-272-7881 or +1-802-258-3212; www.sit.edu/studyabroad). Semester-long programs cost about US$6800. Also runs The Experiment in International Living (☎+1-800-345-2929; www.usexperiment.org), which offers 3- to 5-week summer programs for high-school students that involve cross-cultural homestays, community service, ecological adventure, and language training. US$6800.

Language Schools

Enrolling at a language school has two major perks: a slightly less rigorous courseload and the ability to teach you exactly what those kids in Milan are calling you under their breath. There can be great variety in language schools—independently run, affiliated with a larger university, local, international—but one thing is constant: they rarely offer college credit. Their programs are also good for younger high-school students who might not feel comfortable with older students in a university program.

Centro Culturale Giaccomo Puccini, V. Amerigo Vespucci 173, 55049 Viareggio (☎05 84 43 02 53; www.centropuccini.it). 2- to 24- week language courses at all levels. Professional Italian and cultural courses available. 16+. Additional accommodations fee for apartment or homestay. Program costs €260-2520. €70 registration fee.
Centro Fiorenza, V.S. Spirito 14, 50125 Florence (☎05 52 39 82 74; www.centro-fiorenza.com). Students live in Florence and are immersed in Italian. Program also offers courses on the island of Elba, although hotel accommodations there are expensive. 1- to 5-week course (20 lessons per week) from €185. Enrollment fee €55.
Eurocentres, 56 Eccleston Sq., London SW1V 1PH, UK (☎+44 20 7963 8450; www.eurocentres.com). Language programs with homestays in Florence.
Istituto Venezia, Campo S. Margherita 3116/a, Dorsoduro, 30123 Venice (☎04 15 22 43 31; www.istitutovenezia.com). Language and art history classes at all levels, taught in small groups. Courses 1-24 weeks. Language classes also taught in Trieste. Accommodation arrangements upon request; costs and housing types vary, but start at €220.
Italiaidea, V. dei Due Macelli 47, 1st fl., 00187 Rome (☎06 60 94 13 14; www.italiaidea.com). 1-week to 6-month Italian language and culture courses near the Spanish Steps for individuals and groups of 10 or fewer. Courses qualify for credit at many American universities. Students live in private homes, homestay, or apartments; reserve ahead. Program costs €300-1200. €50 registration fee.
Koinè, V. de’ Pandolfini 27, I-50122 Florence (☎05 52 13 881; wwww.koinecenter.com). Language lessons (group and individual), cultural lessons, wine tastings, and cooking lessons. Courses offered in Florence, Lucca, Bologna, Cortona, and Elba. 1-4 week courses €190-4780. Accommodations not included. Deposit €150.
Language Immersion Institute, State University of New York at New Paltz, 1 Hawk Dr., New Paltz, NY 12561, USA (☎+1-845-257-3500; www.newpaltz.edu/lii). Short, intensive summer language courses and some overseas courses in Italian. Program fees are around US$1000 for a 2-week course, not including accommodations.