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Short programme

Our affiliate in Italy offers a range of short programmes which can be tailored to your needs. Since no schools in New Zealand currently teach Italian language, interest in these programmes is often limited to classics tours. If you let us know what you would like, we can investigate what can be done for you.

Longer programme

All longer exchanges require some knowledge of Italian before you leave. As soon as you are serious about going, you should start learning. We recommend that you engage a native speaker for one-on-one lessons at least once per week until you leave. You should also be studying independently or in a class or both. Some schools offer after-school or evening classes. Check your local Italian organisations for information.

Gap Year students

You can go to Italy when you are 18 and can turn 19 while on exchange, but you must apply while still enrolled at school in NZ. Italian students are generally a little older than NZ students at the same stage of their schooling. As a gap year student you can have a little more freedom than most other students during the summer break in Italy but we need to be sure of your suitability. The basis of an exchange is that you become part of a family and don’t just use the family home as a place to sleep while you’re having fun.

Orientation

We give all students a brief orientation before they leave and in Italy there is a five day orientation held for exchange students from many countires. It is held in the district north of Torino and includes a lot of language instruction. From here, you are transferred to your host family and to your host school.

Click Notes for Students to get comprehensive information about our exchanges to Italy, including information on placements, the application procedures and exchanges for gap year students.

Placements

These are made before you leave and if you have applied at the correct time you should be in contact with your host family for at least a week before you leave. Some students are in contact for a month or more.

Host families have to go through an interview and vetting process. Most placements are around Milano and Torino in the northwest but you can be place anywhere in the country. Your personality and preferences are taken into account if at all possible, but the supply of generous and welcoming families is not bottomless and you must be prepared to adapt to the situation you are given.

Successful placements depend as much upon you as upon the family you’re given. Some students stay with the same family for a whole year while others may have two or three families.

Like to know more about our Student Exchange programme? Click on the ‘Enquiries’ link or e-mail ian@nziiu.co.nz