Studying abroad on Greenheart Travel’s high school program in Italy will give you a chance to live in a cultural mecca famous for its history, art, music, literature, landscape, and delicious food. As an exchange student in Italy, you will live with a host family, practice your Italian language skills while attending a local high school and have the opportunity to stand out on college applications.
This program is ideal if you:
Find yourself buying gelato every time you head to the grocery store
Love history, art, and culture. Trust us, there’s lots of it in Italy!
Want to learn a less commonly taught language or connect with heritage
Want a rigorous academic experience
Sound about right? Here’s a quick overview:
Host family accommodation provides full language & cultural immersion
No previous Italian experience is required — beginners welcome!
You can choose between trimester, semester or academic year lengths
Start dates available in spring or fall
Greenheart Travel High School in Italy alum, Natalie Berger, explains how her exchange program in Italy changed her life in her TedX talk:
Program Dates
Fall 2025 Dates
Application Deadline:March 15, 2025 Deadline extended to March 31, 2025!
Trimester: September 16 – December 5, 2025
Semester: September 16, 2025 – February 6, 2026
Academic Year: September 16, 2025 – June 16, 2026
Spring 2026 Dates
Application Deadline: August 15, 2025 Apply early and save! Apply by June 15, 2025 and save $300 off a trimester or semester program and $500 off an academic year program.
Trimester: January – April 2026
Semester: January – June 2026
You’ll know your exact arrival and departure dates after being placed in a host family and in a school! Program dates vary depending on region and school placement.
Can’t commit to going during the school year? Check out our summer language camp in Florence!
Looking for a program shorter than 3 months? 2-month programs may be available on a case-by-case basis. Email travelapplications@greenheart.org to discuss your options with a Program Manager.
Arrival and Departure
All students are required to book flights on their own. An airport transfer upon arrival is included in the cost of the program. We will provide your exact arrival and departure dates after acceptance, as well as the exact timeframes you should arrive/depart, so that you can start to search for possible flights. We require prior approval of a proposed itinerary before you purchase any flights.
Nervous about flying on your own? We recommend students and parents sitting down together to review the following resources:
For many Greenheart Travel students their first time flying is across the world to start their exchange program! You can read our alumni experiences on our blog, such as Emily’s or Madison’s blogs on their experiences flying to Japan or Rachel’s tips on what you actually need to know about flying.
Costs & Inclusions
Program Fees for Fall 2025 – Spring 2026
Academic Trimester: $9,480
Academic Semester: $11,323
Academic Year: $13,540
Scholarships are currently available for this program! Click HERE to learn more about available scholarships and how to apply.
Packaged into the Price:
Airport pickup upon arrival & domestic transfer to the host placement site
Host family accommodation and 3 meals per day
Comprehensive medical/accident insurance
3-day on-site orientation in Milan
Arrival Orientation with a local coordinator
Certificate of Completion upon successful completion of the program for use on college applications.
Visa Assistance in applying for the visa ahead of arrival, including visa paperwork and extensive directions and support.
Extensive pre-departure advice and support from your US-based program coordinators! They will be with you from your first inquiry, all the way through preparing to leave and your arrival in Italy.
Support from in-country staff upon arrival to Italy.
Online pre-departure cultural and logistical orientation before you leave
24-hour in-country and emergency support for the duration of the program, including 24-hour emergency phone numbers to reach a program manager at any time.
Opportunity to apply for a Greenheart Grant to give back to your community at home or abroad
Payment Details:
$1,500 Application Fee due by the program deadline to formally apply
$5,000 Commitment Payment due 14 days after acceptance
Remaining balance is due 16 weeks prior to your start date. If your program starts within 16 weeks of acceptance, the remaining program balance payment will be due at the same time as the commitment payment.
Please note there is a non-negotiable $450 late application fee for any applications received after the stated application deadline.
Extra costs not included in the fee:
International airfare to/from Italy
Optional weekend trips throughout the program
Public transportation costs
Cell phone bills
Personal spending money for things like toiletries or snacks bought outside the home
Worried about the program fee?
Our goal is to help make travel accessible to everyone and we are here to help when you are deciding if this experience is financially do-able. Each year we offer scholarships for high school study abroad students! We also have a guide to fundraising your program fee, and many high school students fundraise in their hometowns ahead of their program.
We also offer discounts for applying early (plus there are many other benefits to applying early!) for each start date and for US families that have hosted an exchange student with Greenheart Exchange.
Placements
We’ve placed students all over Italy! Our top 5 most common placements are in the following cities and towns: Turin, Legnano, Milan, Perugi, and Lucera.
We make it a priority to place students with host families that match your interests and personality, for example, if you like soccer, we’ll do our best to find a family that also loves soccer! However, we will require that you be okay with any type of family, as we cannot fully guarantee any preferences be met. For this reason, we work first to find a suitable family rather than a destination preference.
You must be flexible about where you are placed within Italy.
Eligibility
In researching a study abroad program, you have already shown you are a leader and open-minded in your academic pursuits. These are just a few of the traits that our exchange students possess. You’re motivated to immerse yourself in another culture and flexible enough to live outside your comfort zone. You should also:
Be between 14 and 18 years of age (at the time of travel)
Be from the United States or Canada
Possess a high school cumulative GPA of at least 2.75/4.0
Be in great mental* and physical health
Have a genuine interest in becoming a part of your host family and community
Be willing to study and learn Italian
*What does it mean to be in good mental health?
Moving to a new culture and staying in unfamiliar surroundings without your normal support structure can be very stressful, even to a well-adjusted student. Sending a student with pre-existing conditions on a long-term exchange program could exacerbate whatever challenges the student was previously facing. In order to ensure the safety of our participants, we must be rigorous in our pre-screening of all high school abroad applicants.
Therefore, we may not be able to accept students who have struggled with any kind of mental illness, specifically within the last 2 years and/or are reliant on medication to address their existing mental health condition. Each student will be addressed on a case by case basis and ultimately it is Greenheart Travel’s in-country partner who holds the right to accept or decline a student based on their individual policy.
These include, but are not limited to:
Depression
Anxiety
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Eating disorders
Chronic debilitating migraines
Bipolar Disorder
All students who currently experience one or more of these conditions will be required to submit an addendum to the terms and conditions as well as a letter of support from their current mental health specialist. If the student’s mental health issue has been managed (post-medication) for over 2 years, we will still require a note from his/her relevant practitioner (psychologist, therapist, psychiatrist, etc) as part of the application process. We encourage you to discuss your specific situation with us directly, before securing these documents.
Please note that students who have been diagnosed with ADD or ADHD will not be guaranteed any academic accommodations plans by the host school abroad.
Orientation
As a High School in Italy participant, we will support you and welcome you to the program in a variety of orientation activities.
These include:
Online pre-departure cultural and logistical orientation before you leave with the Greenheart Travel staff
Greenheart Travel Atlas Program will provide pre-departure activities to complete ahead of arrival, on program, and for reflection after returning home.
3-day on-site arrival orientation in Milan with other exchange students
Local coordinators will meet you personally after arrival in your host family placement
Students meeting together in Rome during an excursion!
Academic Info
So, what about credits?
Neither Greenheart Travel nor the host school abroad provides high school credit. All credit must be granted through your home school in the U.S. or Canada. All U.S./Canadian schools have different policies. Here’s a blog post to read more about how some alumni have transferred credits.
In Italy, we cannot guarantee your host school will provide you an official transcript. If your school will not, some host schools will provide documentation, letters, and any other materials you require upon request. You must have good behavior, attendance, and performance in order for the school to fulfill this request.
Then, you should take this documentation back to your home school as proof of your participation in the program. Your home school is responsible for awarding you credit for this program or not.
Before You Go Abroad
You should meet with your U.S./Canadian high school before you leave and share the general curriculum guidelines for Italy with your guidance counselor and/or teachers.
Because the curriculum will vary by school and we cannot guarantee you’ll take any specific classes, it is important that you arrange the required classes required for your graduation, such as U.S. History, before or after your time abroad.
Greenheart Travel will be able to provide information about the general curriculum for your age level in Italy, but you will not know your course schedule until after you arrive in country and start attending school.
Please keep in mind that the grading system in other countries is different than the US. Most host schools in Italy will not grant grades or transcripts as it is too difficult to evaluate your work due to the language barrier. If your host school is able to award you grades, they won’t be an exact match to what you would get in the US.
Your Quick Guide to Italian High Schools
Most schools begin around 8am and finish around 1pm, 6 days per week. (School on Saturdays is more fun if you’re in Italy, right?)
You won’t eat lunch at school, but you will bring a snack for break around 11am
Your school sets your course schedule for you. Most students take the following: Italian Language and Literature, English Language and Literature, History, Math, Science, and P.E.
You’ll be enrolled in one specific “class.” You won’t move from one classroom to another, that’s what the teachers will do!
Most learning is lecture style, where teachers will give information and students will take notes. There is less group/experiential work in the Italian classroom.
Most students are enrolled in schools called “Liceos” – these are for students who will later attend university. Some Lyceums have specific focuses such as science, arts, linguistics, classical, musical, or human sciences.
There’s no uniform, but you should dress nicely (not formal, just not sloppy!)
Each student has a “dedicated teacher” – this is your school coordinator who will be your resource for any academic questions or concerns
Many (not all) schools offer extra language tutoring for international students. If your school does not, your local coordinator will be able to help identify where to find tutoring.
Host Families
The best way to learn about a new culture and language is to be fully immersed in it which is why all Greenheart Travel high school abroad students live with local host families. All of our host families are volunteers and will treat you as a member of their family. By being a part of your family’s daily life, you will learn to live and speak like a local.
Prospective host families undergo a rigorous screening process. Participants can rest assured that only suitable host families will be selected. In fact, many of our current host families have hosted students in the past, showing what an impactful experience it was.
In order to qualify as a host family, the prospective hosts must:
Successfully pass a criminal background check
Undergo and pass an in-person interview with program staff
Agree to and pass a home inspection
We will connect you with your host family prior to your arrival in your host country. By e-mailing and speaking with them before arriving, it will help break the ice when you finally meet in person. It will also show that you are as excited to live with them as they are to host you!
Host families have many reasons why they want to welcome you! Our host families are volunteers, meaning they don’t receive compensation for housing and feeding students during their program. Many host families love the experience of cultural exchange – they learn just as much about your country as you do theirs. Many are also former exchange students and want to return the favor, or they have children who have gone or will go to study in the U.S. Having an exchange student exposes their children to new languages and cultures.
Host siblings can be the best help in learning Italian phrases!25
Activities & Excursions
While you’re in Italy, you’ll become fully immersed in your community, but you’ll also have the chance to travel within Italy and also Europe!
Rome Trip
Each semester, the in-country staff organize an optional 3-day excursion to Rome for all exchange students in Italy. The approximate price is ~400 euros. This is not included in your program fee. Here’s the tentative schedule:
Friday
Arrival day! Settle in, head to the hotel, and explore the streets of Rome on foot.
Saturday
Visit the Vatican Museum, St. Peter’s Basilica, Castel Saint Angelo, and Villa Borghese Gardens. Spend the evening in Trastevere, where you’ll eat a delicious traditional meal!
Sunday
Sightseeing in Rome, including the Roman Forum, Palatino and Coliseum, Pantheon, and Piazza Navona. Free time to explore Rome on your own.
Monday
Visit the Palazzo Madama and Montecitorio, Campo de Fiori before saying goodbye to your other exchange student friends and head back to your host community.
Optional weekend trips throughout Europe
Throughout your program, we will let you know about any additional optional weekend trips you can join. There are typically other organized trips to other Italian locations such as Venice and Florence.26
Gallery
Application Process
Committing to studying abroad can feel daunting, but we are here every step of the way to make the application process as simple as possible! Below are the various steps you’ll need to take to be accepted on a high school abroad program.
1.Start Your Application Here. You will be sent more information as well as the link to our application portal to begin your formal application. Once the initial form is complete, you will be connected to a High School Abroad program manager who will speak with you and a parent to go over the details of the program.
2. Submit Basic Program Information: The first step in our application portal will be basic things like your chosen start date, etc.
3. Submit your application fee: A $1,500 application fee is required in order to apply for the program. This is subtracted from your total program fee, it’s not additional.
4.Complete Application & Documents: Provide more detailed information about yourself in Part 2 of the application. In this section, you’ll tell us more information like your work history, motivations for joining the program, travel history, and emergency contacts. You will also submit your documents (below) within your portal account.
5.Interview: After submitting your application fee, you will schedule an interview. During this interview we will ask you questions about living with a host family, adjusting to new situations and homesickness, among other things. You will also receive an overview of the next few months and what you can expect. This is done via Zoom, and at least one parent should also be in attendance.
6. You’re Accepted! Once you’ve completed all the steps, Greenheart Travel will thoroughly review your application and will contact you within 2-3 weeks about your acceptance. Then, you’ll get more information about preparation, visas, and placement.
7. Commitment Payment: Once you are accepted to the program, you will need to submit a $5,000 commitment payment within 14 days to confirm your spot on the program. We cannot start the host family matching process until we have this payment. Once you submit your commitment payment you will unlock the acceptance portion of your portal, which includes things like pre-departure videos, travel and arrival information, the Greenheart Travel Atlas, and more.
7. Book your flights, and get ready for your adventure to Italy!
Required Documents
In addition to completing an application, you will also be required to submit documents. You can be collecting the documents during the application process, but all documents will be due 14 days after you submit your deposit.
The following documents will be required for all destinations:
Letter of Recommendation (from a teacher, coach or guidance counselor) – does not need to be sealed, should be scanned and uploaded to the document portal
Transcripts from the last 3 years (unofficial transcripts accepted)
Photo Album (5-7 photos of you on a Word document with captions in English and Italian)
Medical Form (including immunizations)
Copy of your passport
60-90 second self-introduction video in Italian sent via YouTube link
Secondary rules & expectations document signed by both parents and students
Special interests and hobbies questionnaire
Payments
For payments, a $1,500 non-refundable fee will be due with your submitted application. This deposit will be deducted from your overall program cost. If we are able to take a last-minute application submitted after the deadline, the deposit will be $2,000.
Once you are accepted onto the program, a $5,000 commitment payment will be due within 14 days of acceptance. The remaining balance is due 16 weeks prior to your start date, or at the same time as your commitment payment, whichever comes first.
You’ve Been Accepted, Now What?
Start getting ready for your adventure! Your program manager will be in regular communication with you to make sure that you are on track in your preparations to go abroad.
Upon acceptance, you will receive a student handbook (parents – you get one, too!) and access to the Greenheart Travel Atlas, as well as the Greenheart Club.
You will receive your host family and school placement roughly 2-3 months after acceptance.
After receiving your host family and school placement, you will receive further instructions on applying for your student visa (if applicable for your program length)
We will also schedule an online pre-orientation with other Greenheart students a few weeks before your departure!
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Why Greenheart Travel?
Greenheart Travel has been working with high schoolers for many years, and there are advantages of applying for this program through us:
33 years of experience with cultural exchange programs.
Friendly, responsive, and professional support from your program manager.
We try and make our program fees as inclusive as we can. We include things like medical insurance so you don’t run into any hidden fees down the line.
Greenheart Atlas Program. The Greenheart Travel Atlas is a cultural training interactive guidebook alongside five videos where you will find three main topics covered: Personal/Professional Development, Cultural Understanding, & Environmental Awareness.
Hands-on support and personal attention every step of the way
24/7 emergency phone number to reach a staff member at any time
Pre-departure “Culture Shock and Adjustment” Webinar before you leave
Discounts for future Greenheart Travel programs
We are a non-profit, mission-based organization
Continued support throughout your time abroad
We also have some unique offerings to our Greenheart Travel students and alumni!
Greenheart Grants
Greenheart Grants are funds awarded to Greenheart Travel participants to use for community development projects in their host or home country. A Greenheart Grant is the opportunity to create, improve, or maintain an impactful, community-focused project abroad or at home. Grant funds could be applied to supporting women’s cooperatives, schools, community centers, or health clinics, for example. Grant winners will be featured on our website, social media, and blog. You can see our past winners on our blog here.
Greenheart Alumni Program
We created the Greenheart Travel Alumni Program to provide resources and a community to support alumni in their advancement as global leaders, and a way to celebrate and reward our participants for being ambitious, inspiring catalysts of cultural exchange!
Junior Greenheart Global Leaders Conference
Each May Greenheart offers full-ride scholarships to around 10 teen alumni to attend our annual conference in Chicago. You can see more about what Jr. GGLC is and what you could do at the conference here.
Schedule a Call
Have questions or want to talk to one of the program coordinators? Set up a time to have a phone call below.
Photos
Take a glimpse into life in Italy through some student’s photos. Make sure to also check out #greenhearttravel on Instagram for more!
Sound like your kind of adventure?
Want access to our Facebook group to talk with travelers on this program?Click here!
I am a parent with questions, where do I go?
Please head to our Parent Handbook page. You’re also welcome to set up a time to chat with us about your child’s program abroad here. We’re happy to chat with you about this big decision!
I identify as LGBTQ+. How will I be supported?
Greenheart Travel welcomes travelers identifying as LGTBQ+, and is committed to helping you find the best program for you. We can provide information on the cultural norms of our destination countries and are prepared to advise you on the best programs based on your needs and interests.
Our final deadlines for fall start dates are March 15, and September 15 for spring departures.
I missed the deadline to apply! Is there any way I can go?
It’s highly recommended you apply as early as possible. We set the deadlines for a reason and it can be very difficult to facilitate an exchange program at the last minute.
However, on a case-by-case basis we can take late applicants for the High School in Italy program. You will, however, be charged a non-negotiable $450 late application fee for any applications received after March 15 for fall dates, and September 15 for spring departures.
You must also be flexible when it comes to host family placement, which could come very last minute if you apply late. We also ask late applicants to be aware there is a lot of paperwork to submit and you will need to be on top of submission if you submit a late application.
Do I need to know Italian?
Nope! One of the main goals of studying abroad is to become fluent in another language while living overseas. The host family and school will not expect you to be fluent when you first arrive and will help you improve your language skills. As long as you try your best, you’ll pick up the language sooner than you might think!
What visa do I get and how do I apply?
All students studying on semester or academic year programs will be required to obtain a student visa to Italy. It is the students’ responsibility to obtain this visa, but Greenheart will provide you guidance and the proper documentation you’ll need to apply.
Are flights included?
Round trip airfare from New York City (JFK) to your final placement site is included in the cost of the program. If JFK is not convenient for you and you wish to book flights on your own we will deduct the flight from your total fee.
Will someone pick me up at the airport?
Yes! You will be picked up at your final destination by your host family. They can’t wait to meet you!
Can I choose where I will be placed with my host family?
You must be flexible about where you are placed within Italy unless you upgrade to a destination guarantee program. We can offer a destination guarantee for an additional fee. The fee depends on how long you are going for (Year 5000 euros. Semester 2500 euros. Trimester 1500 euros). The following cities can be guaranteed: Florence, Rome, Milan.
I know a family in my program country that would like to host me. Is this possible?
This is possible as long as we have a support network in the family’s host community and there is an available nearby host school.
Will I be placed in a city like Rome?
It is unlikely you will be placed in a city unless you opt for the destination guarantee (see above FAQ). A majority of our families live in small to medium-sized towns outside of major cities, and it is important you be open-minded to small-town life.
What if I don’t like my host family? Can I request a new one?
No. We do not change host families based on preferences or location. However, if issues arise once you are on the program, we will handle them on a case-by-case basis and may make changes if necessary.
Will I have a host sibling my age?
There is no guarantee that you will have a host sibling your age. Your host family may have young children, teenage children, or grown children who no longer live at home. Regardless of the age of your host siblings, they’ll be excited to welcome into the family!
Depending on your host family, you may be expected to share a room with a host sibling of the same gender.
Can I travel on my own during the program?
You are not permitted to travel on your own during the program. There will be opportunities to travel through the program and/or through your school, but you are must be accompanied by an approved chaperone to travel. Some schools will offer optional field trips.
Can friends study abroad together?
Our programs are based on a full, cultural immersion experience so friends are not allowed to study abroad together in the same host town. You’re welcome to both go to Italy at the same time but you would not be placed together. Don’t worry though; making friends in your new host town will happen quickly!
Will anyone at my school speak English?
It’s possible that teachers and students at your school will speak English. However, remember that you’re there to learn Italian!
All classes will be taught in Italian as this is a full immersion program.
Do I need vaccines?
We follow the CDC’s guidelines for travelers to Italy, and Italian schools also require the following before accepting students: polio, DTP, Hep B, HIB, Measles, Rubella, Mumps, and Chickenpox. Meningococcal is not required but strongly recommended.
You are required to submit a record of immunizations during application process.
Will I have a cell phone and internet?
You will be required to have a local Italian phone number. Please make sure that your U.S. phone is “unlocked” as to accept a SIM card from Italy! We give you tips and advice for communication while abroad during your program.
All host families (and most every person) in Italy have internet in their homes. There is also 4G internet widely available throughout the country.
If you have a laptop we recommend bringing it, as it will be helpful for school and for communicating with home.
What is the insurance?
Comprehensive medical and accident insurance will be included in the cost of your program. This will cover you for most medical expenses you might incur, like prescriptions, ER visits, doctor visits, dental accidents, and hospitalizations.
What happens if I get sick or have an emergency?
If you get sick, your host family or local coordinator will help you go to the doctor.
If you have an emergency on program, we have a 24/7 emergency number you can call. Our in-country partner staff and your host family will be there to assist you. Greenheart will be in touch with your parents regarding your emergency.
Can I come home to visit or can my parents visit while I’m abroad?
No. Visits are not allowed during the high school program. We find visits can be disruptive and limit the success a student is making at immersing themselves in the culture and can make students homesick. If your family wishes to visit, they should plan to meet you after your program is completed. In this instance, Greenheart Travel’s National office and international partner office should be informed of your family’s plans.
Do you offer any scholarships, financial aid, or special discounts?
Yes. Every year we offer various scholarships for select high school program destinations. There are two Early Bird Deadline discounts offered each year as well. If you have hosted a student for Greenheart Exchange, you are also eligible for a Greenheart Host Family discount.
My school requires service learning in order to graduate. How will I do that abroad?
Greenheart Travel is proud to offer the Greenheart Club for all of our students. The Greenheart Club challenges our participants to pursue a deeper level of immersion through volunteerism. As a member of the Greenheart Club, you will receive guidance in strategizing creative ways to give back to your community, have access to tools for tracking your impact and receive incentives for your efforts as a global leader. This is a great chance for you to get to know the local community outside of the classroom while you study abroad.
Can I take the SATs abroad?
You will not be able to take the SAT’s while abroad. We highly recommend taking the SAT’s prior to or after the program.
I already graduated, can I still apply?
On a case by case basis, we can accept already graduated students for High School programs in Argentina, Austria, Belgium, France, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, and England.
Can I speak to current high school students or alumni?
We also have a list of mentors (teens and parents) that are past participants open to chatting about their experience with potential new participants. Please inquire here if you want to be put in touch with a mentor.
What happens on the first day of school?
On the first day of school, you will go with your host family or host siblings and they will introduce you to your class. The first day is typically on 3-4 hours, so just enough time for you to settle in and become acquainted with your new surroundings. Sometimes, you will already have met your school coordinator (typically a teacher) before the first day.
