Italian Language & Culture MILAN, ITALY
Milan, Italy

Italian Language & Culture

Language & Culture

Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

$7,450

Highlights

College credit option

Daily cultural activities

Immersion with a host family

Weekend excursions

Application Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

$7,450

Highlights

College credit option

Daily cultural activities

Immersion with a host family

Weekend excursions

Application Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Overview
Refine your Italian language skills in trendy Milan.

Experience four weeks of language immersion in one of the world’s most influential fashion capitals: Milan. After language classes, step out into the city's chic neighborhoods to converse with Milanese locals and sharpen your language skills. Stroll through enchanting vias adorned with stunning architecture. Discover the artistic haven of the Brera district, where galleries and boutiques line the cobblestone streets. Be awestruck by the intricate details of the Duomo di Milano, a true testament to the city's artistic prowess. 

Indulge in the authentic flavors of home-cooked meals during your stay with a local host family and savor delicious dishes at trattorias (traditional restaurants). Meet local teens and learn what it’s like to grow up in Italy. On weekend excursions, explore the canals of Venice and the ancient streets of Verona, where Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is set, in the neighboring region of the Veneto. Your Milanese adventure will go beyond your language gains—it'll be an extraordinary voyage into the heart of northern Italian culture and style.

Why Choose This Program?

Live the Language

Experience authentic immersion in the Italian language and culture.

Network

Meet new friends and gain a new family. Make lasting memories and connections.

Get Inspired

Jump up a level in Italian. Shine on college applications.

Destination
  • Italian Language & Culture MILAN, ITALY
  • Italian Language & Culture MILAN, ITALY
  • Milan city shot

The Destination

Welcome to Milan, a magnet for artists and the home of high-end fashion houses. 

Located in northern Italy, Milan has a rich history spanning over two thousand years! Founded by the Celts in the 6th century B.C., it was once the capital of the Western Roman Empire and became an important financial center in the Renaissance. During this time, Leonardo da Vinci painted the famous Last Supper, covering the end wall of the Santa Maria delle Grazie church. Legend has it da Vinci also contributed to the renovation of Milan’s canals. Renaissance and contemporary art lovers alike enjoy the large waterways of the Bohemian Navigli district, where beautiful exhibits, galleries, and courtyards display local artists’ works. 

Milan is an ideal location for young creatives. Prestigious fashion schools attract top designers from around the world. International chefs travel here to take in the food scene, influenced by the many flavors of the region. The city offers many walking areas, cycling paths, and large parks as well, like the Parco Sempione and Giardini Indro Montanelli, which offer a chance to unwind amidst the cityscape.

 
Itinerary

Sample Itinerary

Objective 

You will get to know Milan and settle into your homestay while starting your Italian language journey. You will focus on basic communication skills, practice through conversations with locals, and work on a personal profile project. You will also explore Milan’s city center, including a visit to the Duomo, and immerse yourself in Italian family life during meals. This week is all about building your language foundation and adapting to the local culture.

Your language level is determined through a language proficiency test before you arrive on program.

Highlights*

  • Milan city center tour and Duomo visit
  • Pizza-making workshop at Rosso Pomodoro
  • Visit to Dreamers Museum
     

*Based on prior year itinerary and subject to change.

Objective 

You will explore the theme of community (Level 1) or creativity (Level 2). Level 1 students describe places, shops, and landmarks, and express preferences on topics like Italian food, fashion, and events. Level 2 students discuss Italy's creative side, sharing opinions on music, street art, cultural events, and famous painters.

Highlights*

  • Visit to The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci
  • San Siro Stadium and Museum tour 
  • T-shirt customizing workshop 
  • Street art tour of Isola neighborhood

*Based on prior year itinerary and subject to change.

Objective 

You will dive deeper into Milan and Italy while expanding your vocabulary and language skills. Level 1 students will focus on directions, describing places and weather, and travel-related terms. Level 2 will practice giving opinions, discussing neighborhoods, and shopping. Level 3 will tackle current events through discussions and presentations. By the end of the week, you will complete a Travel Flyer (Level 1), a Virtual Tour of a Rome Neighborhood (Level 2), or a public awareness campaign (Level 3).

Highlights*

  • Guided visit to Pirelli Hangar Bicocca 
  • Visit to Museum of Illusions
  • Visit to Museo della Scienza
  • Final project presentations
     

*Based on prior year itinerary and subject to change.

Objective 

You will reflect on your personal growth while focusing on new vocabulary, structures, and language skills. You will explore the benefits of travel, learn how to adapt to other cultures, express future goals, and discuss your study abroad experience. By the end of the week, you will join a panel discussion on the impact of study abroad and complete a project documenting your journey. You will also visit Venice, where you will dive into contemporary Italian and European art and learn about Venice’s cultural influence.

Highlights*

  • Visit to the Peggy Guggenheim Museum
  • Group lunch in Venice’s Canarregio neighborhood 
  • Farewell dinner at Trattoria in Venice

*Based on prior year itinerary and subject to change.

Monday–Friday 

Each day offers a balance between interactive instruction and cultural activities with time on your own, too. Morning classes and afternoon activities may swap places.  

  • Breakfast at your homestay  
  • Engaging Italian classes with expert language instructors, all native-speakers   
  • Lunch in the community with your fellow Global Navigators  
  • Out and about for authentic conversations in the community and a cultural activity   
  • Dinner and evening discussions at your homestay  

Weekends   

  • Overnight or day excursions to top sites  
  • Quality time with friends and your host family

Housing

Carefully-screened Homestay

Activities

Sample Activities

Italian Language & Culture MILAN, ITALY

Just imagine all the fun you’ll have!

  • Hop on a bike and cruise along the Naviglio Grande, the oldest of the canals that make up Milan’s canal system.
  • Climb to the terrazza of the Gothic Duomo di Milano, the world's 4th largest church in the world. Catch breathtaking views across the city.
  • Craft your very own Milanese dishes with the help of a local chef. Then, sample your creations!
  • Admire Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper, one of the most iconic art pieces in the world, painted on the wall of the Santa Maria delle Grazie church between 1494 and 1498!
  • Step into Castello Sforzesco Castle, a fortress built in the 14th century. Explore Leonardo da Vinci's Sala delle Asse and Michelangelo's Pietà Rondanini Museum.
  • Take an architectural tour of BAM, a public park that hosts Milan’s most unique high-rise, the Vertical Forest.

Please note activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.  

Testimonials
From CIEE

Pinoteca Ambrosiana

By Susan Henkel at CIEE

Pinoteca Ambrosiana or Pinoteca di Berea is the oldest museum in Milan. Beginning in 1618, la Pinoteca di Berea began as the home of the collected works of art for... keep reading

From CIEE

First Tour at the Duomo!

By Ludovica Mancini at CIEE

Ciao a tutti! Today was a pretty special day for the students, students took part in their very first Italian class by Professoressa Valentina and Professoressa Katia! They learned basic... keep reading

From CIEE

7 Things to Know About High School Summer Abroad Housing

By High School Summer Abroad at CIEE

High school summer abroad is not just about teens exploring a topic in an exciting location. It’s also about finding a temporary home away from home. Read the 7 things you should know about our housing options.

Eligibility

Eligibility

  • Participants must be 14 years old and above.
  • Program open to all current high school students—Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors —of all Italian language proficiency levels. 
  • For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our scholarship page

For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

Application Fee 

$25 

Optional College Credit Fee 

$150 

Learn more about how to get college credit for your future college degree.  

Program scholarships and tuition include iNext Travel Insurance, but do not cover the cost of flights. Find additional details about what’s included with your tuition.    

More questions? Find answers, get application support, sign up for virtual presentations, or contact us

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Costs

Program Summer Session I 2025 4 weeks Start Date End Date Costs $7,450
Program Summer Session II 2025 4 weeks Start Date End Date Costs $7,450

Ready to change your life?

What's Included

Interactive Classes

Housing

3 Meals/Day

(Dietary Needs Accommodated)

All Ground Transportation

(Once In-country)

Optional Flight Chaperone

(Flight Cost Not Included)

Pre-departure Advice and Orientation

Access to WIFI

(No international data plan or SIM card included)

All Cultural Activities and Excursions

Comprehensive Medical and Travel Protection

24/7 Emergency On-site Support

Staff

Our Staff

Stephen Marth

Center Director

Stephen joins CIEE with over a decade of experience in the study abroad field in Italy. He has lived and worked in Bologna and Rome, where he served first as...

Program Leaders guide and support our High School Summer Abroad participants through every step of their program.

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