You still haven’t gotten used to the cobblestone sidewalk beneath your feet; you stumble over the uneven surface again. But you catch yourself and prepare for what should be a simple task but really is an overwhelming challenge ahead—crossing the street. You knew studying in Italy would come with its dangers, but didn't realize crossing the street to get to that can’t-miss pizzeria would be one of them!
Sightsee your way through a study abroad in Italy!
You reach the crosswalk, and this time there are no pedestrians to use as human shields. You take a deep breath. The light changes within seconds and the sign shows the green blinking person. Green—verde—means go, right? You steel yourself and step out into the street. Immediately a motor-scooter whizzes by, taking the right turn a little too sharp and a little too fast. You squeal and step back. Looking both ways, double checking and then checking again, you venture a cautious step. Then another. Sprinting like your life depends on it, because it does, you hurry across the rest of the road, narrowly missing two mini-Fiats.
Who knew crossing the street in Italy would be so exciting? But you’ve conquered it!
Crossing the street is just one of the adventures and challenges that studying in Italy for the summer can bring. The Italian people are warm and welcoming as you manage the language barrier. Quests to find the best pizza and gnocchi shops in the area are a delicious adventure. Summer crowds mean tons of interesting people to meet, and gelaterias are an excellent way to escape the summer heat!
You’ll feel absolute awe when seeing the Colosseum or the Pantheon for the first time, a true reward after crowded trains and piazzas. Studying in Italy, you experience the canals of Venice, the vineyards of Tuscany, the cobblestone sidewalks everywhere, and, yes, the creative driving in the streets. And, just like crossing the street in Italy, if you take a deep breath and put yourself out there, you can have life-changing experiences with a study abroad in Italy next summer.
The summer of love… and pizza.
With that in mind, here’s a list of the best summer programs in Italy for college students.
What makes these the best?
GoAbroad specializes in collecting real stories, feedback, and insights from past student travelers in Italy about their experiences on study abroad programs. We take their reviews very seriously, and hope these snapshots of life abroad can help inform and educate future student travelers with reasonable expectations for their own experience abroad. While there are dozens of excellent organizations offering summer programs in Italy, some just rise above the rest.
Typically, the best summer study abroad programs in Italy tick off all of the following boxes:
- Positive feedback. What do reviews and other alumni have to say about their experiences? Though your needs might not be theirs, you can give some level of credibility to the “horse’s mouths.” Consider their feedback as you discern your options for college study abroad programs in Italy.
- Clarity and availability of information. If you have to hunt down basic program details, there might be something fishy going on.
- Organizational partnerships—most are partnered or work with other respected national, local, or international organizations.
- Resources for alumni, like how to put your experience on your resume or keep building on your time abroad so it’s not an isolated experience.
- Demonstrated respect and care for local culture, environment, individuals. You can get a feel for this in the photos and language they use to market themselves. No elephant riding, no exploitative photos with children, etc.
- Level of support and assistance. Do they email you back promptly? Are you confident in their safety rating and the level of support you’ll get before, during, AND after your program?
- Respect within your field of study. Consider a program that makes people that you look up to go “Wow.”
12 best study abroad programs in Italy for next summer
1. New York University Florence—8.43
New York University has an entire 57-acre campus in Florence, Italy, complete with a 15th century mansion and four other villas that are filled with Renaissance artwork. Imagine studying about a painting while right in front of it! NYU has an accelerated summer program about three months in length. Unlike many study abroad programs in Florence, the curriculum for this Italy summer study abroad is focused on social research, public policy, and law, as well as the humanities. The beautiful campus and top-notch classes make this program a great choice.
2. Study Abroad Programs in Florence, Italy with FUA—9.08
This Italy summer abroad program is great for those who want to work directly with Florence’s University of Arts. While they provide some support, students are responsible for tasks like obtaining visas. The university has a wide variety of programs ranging from a one week stay on an Italian farm learning about the food industry to a three week summer session studying at the university. Many of the programs include excursions not only around the city but also to Rome and to the coast. You’ll breathe in the ocean breeze from stunning viewpoints and swim in the crystal clear Tyrrhenian sea if you choose this study abroad.
3. Lorenzo de’ Medici, Florence’s Study Program—9.42
This program is great in terms of flexibility; students who would rather plan their own housing, meals, excursions, and general experiences will thrive in this program. The Italian International Institute, Lorenzo de’ Medici, has an extensive course catalog includes a variety of classes all taught in English including Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, Sciences, Agriculture, Creative Arts, Design, Italian Language and Culture, and more. As an added bonus, LdM has campuses in Rome, Florence, and Tuscania. All campuses have summer study abroad sessions that last one month. The flexibility in locations makes this one of the best study abroad programs in Italy. Plus, Lorenzo de’ Medici has free wine tasting offerings available in combination with the courses, allowing students to explore the famous wine selection Italy has to offer. Widen your knowledge—and your taste buds—with this study abroad option.
- Where: Florence, Rome, and Tuscania, Italy
- School: Lorenzo de’ Medici
- More info: Read program reviews
4. Performing Arts Abroad’s Music Program in Florence—8.86
Did you know that Florence is considered the birthplace of opera? In fact, this Italy summer study abroad program directly coincides with the famous two-month Maggio Florentine Musical festival in May and June. Performing Arts Abroad, partners with the Florence University of Art to take advantage of their expert music curriculum. For three to six weeks, students receive private vocal or instrumental instruction for several hours each week. Performing Arts Abroad also invites students to participate in extracurricular activities such as their “musing club,” a club that attends local music events and sometimes forms a band to play local gigs.
5. Summer in Rome, Italy at John Cabot University—9.83
John Cabot university is self-named “an American university” but still allows for cultural immersion by its location “in the heart of Rome.” The students and professors there represent over seventy countries around the world! There are two summer sessions at the university that each span five weeks. Classes are only scheduled Monday-Thursday, leaving plenty of time for long weekend trips to Florence or Venice. With this program, you can spend your Saturday being serenaded in a gondola, paddling the Venetian canals and still be back in plenty of time for classes on Monday.
6. The John Felice Rome Center through Loyola University Chicago—8.89
The John Felice Rome Center is the oldest continually operating U.S. university program in Italy. The location is perfect for those looking for a program located away from the tourists and the hustle in the center of Rome. At the same time, the location is close enough that you can pop in to see the Colosseum on a slow afternoon! The program is on the more expensive side at ~$27,000, but there is an extensive list of scholarships on their website to help. There are just 200 students in this program, with class sizes around twenty students. This creates a tight-knit community where you will make lifelong friends.
7. Atlantis Project’s Shadow Doctors in Italy Program—9.76
Out of all the summer programs in Italy for college students, this study abroad program stands out from the rest because it isn’t geared towards liberal arts or humanities majors. If you’re a pre-med student wanting to study in Italy while still advancing your education, this program is for you! The Atlantis program serves the dual purpose of helping students rack up AAMC-compliant, ethical shadowing hours in international hospitals while also allowing students the life-changing experience of a summer study abroad in Italy. Having these shadowing hours and international experiences gives students an advantage when applying for medical school. This Italy summer study abroad has locations in many different Italian cities including Rome, Milan, and Trento.
8. USAC ITALY: Viterbo-History, Art, Photography, & Journalism—9.72
The study abroad program in Viterbo, Italy is one of the best study abroad programs in Italy for liberal arts students who want an experience away from big cities and tourists. Viterbo is nestled in the Tuscan countryside but still close enough for day trips to Rome and Florence. Take advantage of the scenic location by taking a hike in the nearby Monti Cimini, an area of forested volcanic hills or by relaxing in one of the many nearby natural hot springs. The walled city has rich, medieval history while maintaining a relaxed, small town feel. It also boasts an active art scene. The two summer sessions are each four weeks long, and they also include a four-day excursion to southern Italy.
9. Siena Italian Studies Program—9.48
This study abroad features a small town in the Tuscany countryside, a short drive away from Rome and Florence. This program is unique, however, because living accommodations are solely homestays. Students live with local Italian families for an authentic experience in the Italian culture. This program, in addition to regular classes, invites students to participate in “service learning” by volunteering to improve local life. This summer study abroad in Italy is great for those interested in experiences outside the classroom. Experience true immersion and develop a love for the Italian culture with this program.
10. Study Abroad at the Umbra Institute—Perugia—9.93
Perugia, Italy has been nicknamed the “University City” because of the multiple universities and performing arts schools. The city houses thousands of students, creating a youthful, fun city-wide energy. Take advantage of the plethora of amazing festivals, sporting events, concerts, and Italian films that are all free for students! Up to 150 students study in Italy at the Umbra Institute each semester, twenty percent of which are locals. As an added plus, Umbra’s study abroad fees are under ~$5,000. Enjoy a study abroad in Italy next summer with a great university environment with this awesome program.
11. Sorrento: Summer Programs with the Santanna Institute—8.62
This summer study abroad in Italy is with the Sant’Anna Institute, located in beautiful Sorrento, Italy. The two summer sessions last five weeks each. There is also an option to combine them and stay for ten weeks instead. This program includes an excursion to either the ruins of Pompeii—explore a perfectly preserved picture of the ancient civilization—or the beautiful island of Capri—marvel at the beauty that is the Blue Grotto. The residence hall houses only fifty students, allowing you to get to know each of your classmates. Join this smaller group of students enjoying the sunshine of southern Italy, and try this Italy summer abroad!
12. Babilinoia Center For Italian Studies—Taormina, Sicily—10.0
If studying on an island is your dream, then this study abroad may be for you. The Babilonia Center for Italian Studies heavily focuses on learning the Italian language. While other programs have a variety of courses, the Babilonia allows one elective in addition to language classes. For example, one option is Italian language and cooking. Other options include hiking, ceramics, diving, outdoor sports, and golf. This program is perfect for those desiring to perfect their Italian language skills through full immersion. The end result is a comprehensive knowledge of language and Italian culture as a whole.
- Where: Taormina, Sicily
- School: Babilonia Center for Italian Studies
- More info: Read program reviews
[None the Perfect Fit? Browse ALL Summer Study Abroad Programs in Italy]
You’re ready to have a blast when you study in Italy next summer!
Strap on your favorite summer sandals & step into the busy, bustling streets of Italy!
It’s normal to be a little apprehensive about traveling for any amount of time, but especially when considering a summer abroad. Travel can be scary. It puts you in new situations. Some are tricky, like trying to order cannolis in broken Italian, and some are stressful, like missing your bus to the Colosseum when the next one isn’t for an hour. But navigating these unfamiliar situations helps you learn to follow your gut feelings and trust yourself more overall. And having mishaps and adventures abroad helps you find the humor in almost any situation.
So shake out those nerves! You’re awesome and studying in Italy will make you even more awesome. Whether you study in a big city like Florence, a little town like Siena, or an island like Sicily, studying abroad in Italy for the summer is an amazing adventure. ¡Buon viaggio!
Get Matched with Up to 5 Summer Programs in Italy for College Students for FREE
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