AFS Italy (Intercultura) prides itself on high quality programs, a strong volunteer base and host family placements identified well before the beginning of the program.
Intercultura hosts approximately 450 students from about 54 countries on this 10 month scholastic program. The students are placed in one of the 157 local chapters throughout Italy (from the extreme north to the extreme south and the major islands of Sicily and Sardegna), where they will be closely assisted during the entire year by trained volunteers. Intercultura offers a 40 hour (at least) in-person language course once in Italy. Some students decide to acquire a certification at the end of the program which serves as an international recognition of their language skills gained while on the program. Intercultura works with the Italian schools in order to obtain the most suitable program of studies for the students with specific requirements, which often results in personalized school schedules. During the program, Intercultura provides intercultural learning opportunities through training sessions on regional and local levels, which also give the students the possibility to share their experiences and offer peer to peer advice, together with trained coordinators, on how to face the various cultural challenges (big or small) that all students inevitably encounter.
Language: AFS Italy offers the an online language course to the students before their arrival in Italy.