The 10 Best Study Abroad Programs in Italy in 2025

Whether it’s the cuisine, the history, the scenic vistas, or the culture that calls to you, there are many roads that can lead you to study abroad in Italy – and not just Rome. From fashion to business to the arts, this diverse country offers students unique opportunities to engage with Italy’s ancient past as well as its modern present, encouraging them to experience firsthand a culture that embraces tradition and innovation every day.

With many reputable institutions and idyllic locations, deciding where to go can be difficult. So, we’ve compiled a list of the top ten study abroad programs in Italy according to the Go Overseas community. These programs have been chosen based on verified reviews and the unique perks that make them stand out as the best of the best. No matter your interest or field of study, there is a study abroad in Italy program for you.

Read on to find out the top 10 best study abroad programs in Italy in 2025!

Program length: summer, J-term, fall, spring
Price point: $$$
What's included: housing, airport pickup, pre-departure and in-country support and orientations

✅ Pros:

• CIS Abroad offers academic advising and financial aid counseling to all participants.
• Past participants loved the schedules which allowed for weekend travel.

❌ Cons:

• Meals are not included though some accommodation has access to kitchens to cook at home.
• Rome and Sorrento locations have fewer class options for those studying the natural and applied sciences.

With CIS Abroad, you can choose from artsy Florence, coastal Sorrento, or iconic Rome. Each location offers study abroad experience during J-term, summer, or an entire semester. Whether you want bustling city life or something a little more laidback, CIS has got you covered.

Although the locations vary, all three cities include excursions and cultural activities that immerse you in Italian cuisine, art, and architecture. Classes you have to choose from are held in both Italian and English so don't worry if you're just beginning your Italian language journey.

Program length: summer, J-term, fall, spring, full year
Price point: $
What's included: accommodation in a shared apartment or optional homestay, airport pickup, cultural experiences and day trips, insurance, orientation, visa assistance, 24/7 emergency support

✅ Pros:

• Internships for credit are available and do not require Italian proficiency (though this can expand your options!)
• Alumni rave about the quality and comfort of the student apartments where they stayed.

❌ Cons:

• Meals are not included for students staying in shared apartments. Meal plan units can be purchased separately.
• The homestay option for those who want a more immersive experience costs extra.

Do you dream of wandering the winding streets of Florence? Well, SAI's program at Florence University of the Arts (FUA) might just be for you. FUA offers a multitude of courses taught in English across 14 subjects which are perfect for students who haven't quite mastered Italian yet. You can take classes in literature, the sciences, business, economics, history, fine arts, graphic design, and more.

Additionally, SAI guarantees that it will walk students through basically every part of the process of studying abroad in Italy. They coordinate application processing, course selection, visas, housing, health care, transcripts, and virtually any other part of the experience you may have questions about. Even when you’re studying abroad in Florence, SAI organizes a number of excursions throughout the region so that you can see all that the country has to offer.

Program length: summer, fall, spring, winter
Price point: $$
What's included: accommodation in a shared apartment, airport pickup, visa assistance, cultural activities and excursions, insurance, 24/7 emergency support, on-site staff support

✅ Pros:

• Alumni felt fully supported by CEA CAPA while abroad -- good for first time travelers!
• Classes are immersive and get you out and walking around Rome to put everything from art to history in context.

❌ Cons:

• Alumni studying in the warmer months disliked the lack of air conditioning in student housing.
• Some students encountered mobility and accessibility issues in Rome.

CEA CAPA Education Abroad in Rome provides you with full support, immersive classes, and ample opportunities to navigate both the capital and the rest of the country. Aside from planned excursions and activities, you'll also have time for independent travel with your new friends and classmates.

A highlight of CEA CAPA is the accommodation. Choose from several housing options that best suit your needs. Included in your program fee is housing in a shared apartment. If sharing a bedroom with 2-3 other students isn't quite your speed, you can opt to pay an additional fee for a homestay with a local Italian family. Should you prefer to share with an Italian university goer in a student apartment, that can be arranged, too. For the more independent travelers, you can find your own housing and request a housing rebate to receive part of the program fee back.

Program length: academic year, fall, spring, summer
Price point: $$
What's included: you pay tuition and fees directly to the university with housing and meals at a separate cost

✅ Pros:

• A meal plan for the campus dining hall is just under $600 for the entire semester.
• Much of your learning is done outside of the university walls -- Rome is your classroom at JCU.

❌ Cons:

• The cost is higher than enrolling directly in an Italian public university but US federal financial aid is accepted.
• No excursions or extras are included.

While John Cabot University isn't a program per se, it's an opportunity to enroll directly for a summer, semester, or full year at an American-style private university in Rome. Easily transfer credits you earn back to your home university after studying a variety of courses in English (and Italian, of course!) across disciplines like psychology, Italian studies, international business, art history, marketing, and more.

One of the best things about John Cabot is its small class sizes and diverse student body. The university hosts over 1,000 visiting students a year representing 70+ nationalities. If you want to avoid Rome study abroad programs that are made up solely of other American students, then John Cabot might be the perfect place for you.

Although direct enrollment might sound scary, the university makes it easy to apply and once accepted, secure university campus housing in a dorm or apartment and even sign up for a meal plan at the campus dining hall. Enrolling directly at JCU is ideal for more independent students who want to plan their time in Rome on their own terms.

Program length: 1-10 weeks
Price point: $$$
What's included: housing, several meals a week, excursions, transportation, insurance, mentoring

✅ Pros:

• There are no language requirements for participating in the program.
• Shadowing rotations expose you to a wide range of specialties like neurology, obstetrics, and emergency medicine.

❌ Cons:

• Cost may be prohibitive for some, but financial aid is accepted and scholarships are available.
• You will need to budget extra for lunches and dinners.

Atlantis is the perfect way to gain 60+ clinical shadowing hours while embracing the beauty of Italy. Atlantis' study abroad in Italy program is tailor-made for a range of healthcare students including future medical, nursing, occupational therapy, physician assistant, and pharmacy students. Atlantis experiences are mostly planned over school breaks so you'll be able to fully focus on your studies during the semester.

You'll do one specialty a week with an overall program that covers most of the 15 competencies assessed on med school and PA school applications. The clinical shadowing program with Atlantis is so successful that it boasts alumni in 40 of the top 50 medical schools in the US. Set yourself up for success with Atlantis!

Program length: fall, spring, full year
Price point: $$
What's included: accommodation in homestay, student dorm, or shared apartment, meals depending on housing type, insurance, excursions and cultural events, visa assistance, 24/7 emergency support

✅ Pros:

• Participants have the option to engage in community-based learning or an internship with a local company.
• Alumni had opportunities to participate in language exchanges with Italian peers that really helped improve their fluency.

❌ Cons:

• Student dorms include most meals but cost extra.
• Non-US students found that the program was tailored to Americans.

Situated in the business capital of Italy, IES provides students with one-of-a-kind coursework that takes advantage of this diverse and state-of-the-art city.

Take classes on managing fashion companies and the history of the Mafia or add complementary electives such as art history, political science, or photography to balance your course load. Extensive field study options and internships allow students to study economics and Italian business culture at one of the top business schools in the world.

While studying in Italy, you’ll have the chance to learn Italian and put it to good use as you enjoy living in this bustling and historic metropolis.

Program length: summer, fall, spring, full year
Price point: $
What's included: tuition and fees, airport pickup, visa support, insurance, 24/7 emergency support

✅ Pros:

• Classes are arranged in a way that gives students long weekends to travel.
• Alumni had many opportunities to immerse themselves in the Italian language both in the classroom and local community.

❌ Cons:

• Housing is not included in the program fee. Costs for a private bedroom, shared bedroom, or homestay vary.
• The cost of meals is separate.

Begin or build your Italian language skills in the charming setting of Viterbo, Italy. Students with USAC learn through immersive language and culture classes. Outside of the classroom, a quaint and quiet Italian town is waiting to welcome you.

One of the major benefits of this program is the opportunity to enroll in intensive language tracks for all levels of Italian speakers. In addition to language courses, you'll also choose from classes like Italian cuisine, art, history, and Roman civilization.

For an additional fee, you’ll have the chance to visit some of Italy's famous sites including Rome, Pompeii, Naples, and Florence. Students can also get involved in volunteering opportunities in the local community such as tutoring children in English or translating materials for art shops, museums, and tourism venues.

Program length: summer, spring, fall
Price point: $$$
What's included: accommodation in a homestay or shared student apartment, insurance, course materials, activities and excursions, pre-departure support, orientation

✅ Pros:

• Students who have special academic needs, are deaf or hard of hearing, or are visually impaired are readily accommodated.
• The three-day excursion to Rome is covered by the program fee and includes transportation, hotel stay, some meals, and all activities.

❌ Cons:

• Electives are lacking for math and science.
• Some alumni commented that the academic schedule was extremely rigorous.

CET's study abroad programs in Florence or Siena focus on inclusivity for all students, whether you have special mobility needs, dietary requirements, or special education needs. They support students before and during their study abroad in Italy program, making sure they are fully aware of the options available to them. Past students felt welcomed by CET from the very beginning.

Students can choose from a room in a shared apartment that is included in their program fee, or for a bit more, they can elect to stay with a local host family. Meals are at an extra cost but give you the ability to try your hand at shopping in Italian grocery stores and cooking with your roommates and friends.

Many classes are taught in English. You can choose from subjects like Italian cuisine and wine, art, culture, finance, marketing, politics, and psychology. There are also Italian classes at the beginning to advanced levels.

Program length: summer, J-term, fall, spring, full year
Price point: $$
What's included: accommodation in a shared apartment, 10 meal vouchers a week for 5 breakfasts or lunches plus 5 dinners, excursions, cultural activities, on-site support

✅ Pros:

• The program can pair you with an "Italian buddy" to make local friends and practice your language skills.
• Trips to Rome, Venice, and Siena are included in your program fee as well as cooking classes and opportunities to do cheese, wine, gelato, and chocolate tastings.

❌ Cons:

• Apartment utilities are not included and must be paid separately to the landlord.
• You must choose between breakfast or lunch with the vouchers so be sure to buy food to keep at your apartment to cover the meals not included.

AIFS Study Abroad lets you live like a local as you earn academic credits. Complementing a wide variety of classes to choose from are cultural experiences that can only be had through an all-inclusive program like this one. Cultural activities, tours, and excursions included in your program fee will keep you busy and having fun between classes.

During your stay, experience open markets, olive oil tastings, soccer games, and opera with your fellow students. Visit the art you learn about in class! Cooking classes, guided city walks, and museums will ensure you experience as much of your home city as possible. With so much to do, you'll never be bored while studying abroad in Florence with AIFS.

Program length: academic year, fall, spring, summer, winter
Price point: $$$
What's included: tuition, housing, medical insurance, pre-departure, on-site, and re-entry services, cultural activities

✅ Pros:

• Alum love the variety of cultural activities and weekend trips offered.
• Great housing options for students, which are included in the program fee.

❌ Cons:

• Meals are not included for students; however, housing options have kitchens available for students to cook their meals.
• The cost of the program is higher than other programs mentioned for some, but scholarships are available.

Live and study in the birthplace of the Renaissance in Florence, with API. You'll take classes in Lorenzo de' Medici's unique campus, a 13th-century AD convent in the heart of Florence. Students can choose from various courses from The School of Arts and Sciences, Creative Arts, Design, and The School of Italian Language and Culture to study.

In addition to academics, you'll be able to partake in cultural activities such as wine tasting and weekend trips to Cinque Terre and Rome, all included in the program and an alum favorite!

Although academics come first, you need to remember that you’ll also have a life outside the classroom! Choosing an exciting location is a must! From studying near the Roman Colosseum to soaking up rays in the Amalfi Coast, Italy has a range of wonders to offer international students. Here are some of the top cities in Italy for international students to study abroad!

• Rome: With historic relics such as the Roman Colosseum at its heart, Rome is one of Italy’s most notable cities. Aside from its alluring monuments and postcard-esque scenes, Rome is a financial, cultural, and business hub, providing opportunities in abundance for students and workers. While studying in Rome, be sure to cross two countries off of your list in one trip by visiting the Vatican!
• Florence: Home to Michelangelo’s David, Florence is also known as the cradle of the Renaissance movement. Greek and Roman heritage is woven into the fabric of Tuscan life in Florence, with its architecture and cultural monuments reminding you of its cultural impact at every turn.
• Bologna: Italy’s culinary capital is known for its picturesque streets, busy markets, and you guessed it - pasta! Bologna is every foodie’s heaven as notable Italian dishes and ingredients originate from this compact yet vigorous city, such as tagliatelle al ragù (spaghetti bolognese).
• Milan: Milan is home to da Vinci’s The Last Supper and is also one of the fashion capitals of the world. Even its shopping centers and train stations are enchanted with liberty style (an Italian variant of Art Nouveau) and Art Deco architecture. Beyond art, Milan is a thriving business and academic hub offering excellent professional and academic opportunities to students from across the globe.
• Venice: There are many reasons this “city on water” makes people’s bucket list. Venice is a city built upon over 100 islands, creating a breathtaking and surreal city full of architecture ranging from the Venetian Gothic to Baroque and Rennaissance.
• Siena: As a smaller city located in the heart of Tuscany, Siena boasts towering cathedrals, organic wineries, medieval charm, and more. Although less frequented than its Tuscan counterparts, Siena embodies all of its qualities on a more compact scale, offering convenience without sacrificing beauty.

Each of the listed study abroad programs in Italy offers unique benefits and perks, and no matter the program you choose, you’re guaranteed to come away having experienced the deep richness of Italy’s culture, its food, and its people. The knowledge you carry home in your suitcase and the memories you’ll make will last a lifetime.