Why a gap year in Italy works
A gap year is only as good as what you bring back. Structure your year around the language and you come home with something no internship gives you: real fluency, an official CEFR certification, and months of life in a country that rewards showing up in person. Our long-term courses (3 to 12 months, Standard or Light) give your year a spine - daily lessons, a level test every four weeks, six CEFR levels from A1 to C2 - and leave your afternoons free for the part of the gap year that is yours.
The practical side, handled
The study visa
For stays over 90 days, U.S. citizens apply for a Type D study visa. Our long-term courses meet the consulate requirements, and we prepare the enrollment certificate and every document. See our visa support.
A place to live
Campus residence in Florence (the historic Piarist Fathers campus, with park) and Mantua, homestays and shared apartments in all four cities. We handle the placement.
Proof you can take home
We are an authorized CELI exam center: you can study and certify your Italian in the same school, and add an official CEFR certificate to your resume or college application.
What it costs
The Light formula (2 lessons a day with a teacher plus guided study) starts at €2.690 for 6 months and €4.070 for 12 months; the more intensive Standard is €3.460 for 6 months and €5.290 for 12. Enrollment fee €80; visa documents €90 + €90. Full price tables on the long-term courses page. Payments via Flywire - you pay in dollars, no wire-transfer headaches.
From the U.S.? Start from our page for students from the United States.
Plan your gap year.
Tell us your dates, your city and your level: we send you a course plan, accommodation options and the visa document checklist.