Student Exchange Program Italy

This covers eight years, divided into three years' lower secondary, followed by five years' upper secondary education. The upper secondary courses consist of classical, scientific, artistic, technical, vocational and teacher training options. Classical secondary school/Liceo Classico is a five-year course, with emphasis on the Humanities, but with scientific subjects in the second cycle. Scientific secondary school/Liceo Scientifico, also a five-year course,  provides more specialized preparation for those wishing to study at university. The technical upper secondary course is offered by the Istituti Tecnici and lasts for five years. Vocational secondary education is provided by the Istituto Professionale, Liceo Artistico, Istituto di Arte and Liceo Linguistico. All these courses lead to different types of Diploma di Maturità (Maturità Classica, Scientifica, Artistica, Magistrale, Tecnica, etc). Since 1998-1999 the school leaving qualification is called Diploma di Esame di Stato. The options are the same as those listed for the Maturità.

Italian high schools offer core subjects such as Italian language and literature, math, science, a foreign language (most commonly English, French or German), physical education, and catholic religion (the latter is not a mandatory subject). Moreover, each school places an emphasis on certain subject areas. For example, students may study in a school that places an emphasis on liberal arts, or sciences.

Classes are held from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm Monday through Saturday. Lunch is usually eaten at home. Some students return for afternoon classes.

Once American students have been placed in a class (10th grade, 11th grade, etc.), they will be required to attend all of the subjects with their classmates. On occasion, exchange students may be asked to help with discussion exercises during English lessons.

In addition to academic preparation, students will find a wide availability of after school and non-academic activities. Please note, however, these are not expressly part of the program and that students must have the approval of their host family to participate. Any costs incurred for extra-curricular activities (i.e. attending a local fitness center, playing soccer, music lessons, etc) must be covered by the participants.  Student Exchange Program Italy

Academic year:

Classes from: Nov to: Oct

Languages of instruction: Italian

Higher Education: Italy