Italy
Dates
May 18 – June 15, 2026
Subjects
Cuisine & Culture, Art & Drawing, English, Italian Culture, Honors
Deadlines
Dec. 1: Apply Early & Save $100
Feb. 5: Regular Deadline
Program Overview
The KIIS summer program in Italy begins in the Oltrarno quarter of Florence with an exploration of the Renaissance city’s world-class art and architecture and surroundings. It then moves to Siena, where students wander the enchanting medieval streets and alleyways. The program then moves to the Trastevere district of the ancient and modern capital of Rome, visiting museums, classical ruins, historic churches, palaces and other destinations. By investigating Italian art and history and taking part in the local culture, students become acquainted with the Italian people, their culture and their way of life.
Note: Studying abroad likely is more physically strenuous than you are used to at home. KIIS study abroad programs typically involve approx. 5-10 miles of walking (approx. 10,000-20,000 steps) or the like in a day, including the possibility of walking, hiking, and climbing stairs in heat and humidity, over elevations at higher altitudes, and over rocky terrain. See Health & Wellness for more information.
Block 1
Block 2
All KIIS course credit is awarded by Western Kentucky University. Prior to your KIIS program, please speak with your home campus academic advisor and/or study abroad office to determine course equivalencies. Grades will be transferred to your home institution in mid-August after the completion of the program. Course offerings are subject to change according to enrollment. For more information, visit Transcripts & Grades.
Program Excursions
Students may take an independent day trip to Venice, the capital of northern Italy’s Veneto region. Once the capital of the maritime empire, the city is built on islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. Here the canals lined with Renaissance and Gothic palaces offer an unparalleled experience whether walking alongside the canals or taking a ride in a gondola.
We take a day to leave the hustle-bustle of Florence for the nearby hill-town of Fiesole. There we tour the ruins of a settlement occupied by the ancient Etruscans and Romans. We have lunch in town, walk its charming streets, and hold classes on the piazza before returning to our Florence hotel.
Vatican City is considered to be the center of the Roman Catholic Church and home to the Pope. The KIIS group will visit St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museum, all of which are the most popular landmarks of Vatican City.
The Duomo is the main cathedral of Florence. With its famous cupola (dome) designed and engineered by Brunelleschi, fascade, baptistery and campanile, it is one of the most memorable landmarks in the world.
The Uffizi and Accademia Galleries showcase some of the most important artworks created during the Italian Renaissance. Home to famous artworks, such as, Michelangelo's David, Botticelli's Birth of Venus and countless others, students will experience these masterpieces firsthand.
The Colosseum and Roman Forum are some of the most important landmarks of western civilization. We will spend time exploring these ancient ruins that were once the center of the world and that have captivated our collective imagination ever since.
In a kitchen overlooking the tiled roofs of Siena, a master chef leads us in the preparation of a multi-course dinner. We make our pasta from scratch, an entree and side-dish, dessert and hors-d'oeuvres, and throughout the evening we learn the secrets of Italian cuisine. After the meal is made, we sit down for a jovial and well-earned feast!
What's Included
Program Cost: $5,995 + airfare
To help you budget, keep in mind that you are responsible for the cost of obtaining a passport ($165), two meals per day + personal expenses (approx. $600-$1200 depending on your food tastes/spending habits/optional independent travel preferences), any class readings/materials, and any fees from your college/university.
Although KIIS tries to foresee all possible expenses in formulating program fees, please note that dramatic fluctuations in foreign currency valuations and/or airline surcharges may affect the total cost of the program.
Group Flight
Estimated Cost: $2,050 – $2,150
The KIIS Italy program offers a group flight option where you can travel to/from Italy with other students and faculty. If you choose this option, KIIS will purchase a round-trip flight ticket for you. The flight cost will be added to your final program fee on April 1. The group flight will depart from Cincinnati or Louisville.
If not selecting the group flight, you are responsible to purchase your own round trip (multi-city) airfare.
The flight to Florence, Italy is overnight, arriving the following morning. On the return, the flight from Rome, Italy to the USA departs and arrives on the same day. Visit Flights and Passports & Visas for more information.
Student Voices
“My KIIS experience was something for which I could never have prepared. I was terrified leaving the country for the first time, but it ended up being one of the most amazing months of my life. Italy is the greatest place in the world to spend a summer enjoying art, food and historical culture.”
– Wynn, Italy
“My study abroad program to Italy opened my eyes to another culture. I loved getting to meet new people from other universities and my home university. It was informative to meet Italian business owners, restaurant owners and cooks. Everyone demonstrated their culture beautifully and were open to discuss their cities and their pride for their nation. Italian culture and life is a concept that will never go unnoticed. They pride themselves on the simple quality of their food and the joyous interactions they use to connect with people.”
– Jessica, Italy
“One thing I promised Angelique during her time in college was the chance to study abroad. When the opportunity presented itself for Angelique to travel to Italy, I couldn’t say no. I was definitely nervous at first, but I knew she was in good hands with the KIIS faculty and program directors. During her time abroad, Angelique visited Florence and Rome. She learned all about Italian culture, food, history, art, and so much more. Angelique reflects on her memories from the trip to this day and is still in contact with her classmates with whom she traveled. I would encourage every student to take advantage of this incredible opportunity and am forever grateful to KIIS for giving my daughter an experience she will never forget!”
– Viveca, parent of Italy student
“I signed up for the KIIS Italy Study Abroad program expecting that I would only learn about Italian culture, but I ended up also learning more about who I am as a person.”
– Leen, Italy
“Deciding to study abroad with KIIS was the best decision I’ve ever made! I got to learn so much about Italian culture, see so many historical landmarks, and meet so many incredible people! I will always be grateful for all of the experiences and people I met while abroad. I can’t think of any other way I would want to spend my summer!”
– Hannah, Italy
“The KIIS Italy Summer trip brought me so many amazing experiences like getting to not only see the Pope but be feet away from him! I can’t explain how enriching and life changing this study abroad trip was for me! Not only did we get to visit busy cities like Rome and Florence but we also got to see the countryside in Tuscany! Italy is even more beautiful than the pictures!”
– Christina, Italy
“KIIS was such a special experience that I will never forget. Over the four weeks, I got to visit the most extraordinary places and create bonds with new people overseas. I learned more than I ever imagined about the places we visited and also about myself as an individual. I encourage anyone who ever has the chance to experience the KIIS Italy program.”
– Maggie, Italy
“My KIIS Summer Abroad in Italy was a life changing experience that brought me new perspectives and understandings. If you do take the extra initiative to broaden your horizons, you will find some of the most beautiful things this world has to offer.”
– Ashley, Italy
I live for travel and nature which is part of why I love the KIIS…
Studying abroad on the KIIS Italy program was one of the best experiences of my…
One of my favorite days in Italy was when I took a day to wander…
Here are a few things you can do in Italy during your study abroad trip.
Take Your Education Further
Description
Dates
May 18 – June 15, 2026
Subjects
Cuisine & Culture, Art & Drawing, English, Italian Culture, Honors
Deadlines
Dec. 1: Apply Early & Save $100
Feb. 5: Regular Deadline
Program Overview
The KIIS summer program in Italy begins in the Oltrarno quarter of Florence with an exploration of the Renaissance city’s world-class art and architecture and surroundings. It then moves to Siena, where students wander the enchanting medieval streets and alleyways. The program then moves to the Trastevere district of the ancient and modern capital of Rome, visiting museums, classical ruins, historic churches, palaces and other destinations. By investigating Italian art and history and taking part in the local culture, students become acquainted with the Italian people, their culture and their way of life.
Note: Studying abroad likely is more physically strenuous than you are used to at home. KIIS study abroad programs typically involve approx. 5-10 miles of walking (approx. 10,000-20,000 steps) or the like in a day, including the possibility of walking, hiking, and climbing stairs in heat and humidity, over elevations at higher altitudes, and over rocky terrain. See Health & Wellness for more information.
Block 1
Block 2
All KIIS course credit is awarded by Western Kentucky University. Prior to your KIIS program, please speak with your home campus academic advisor and/or study abroad office to determine course equivalencies. Grades will be transferred to your home institution in mid-August after the completion of the program. Course offerings are subject to change according to enrollment. For more information, visit Transcripts & Grades.
Program Excursions
Students may take an independent day trip to Venice, the capital of northern Italy’s Veneto region. Once the capital of the maritime empire, the city is built on islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. Here the canals lined with Renaissance and Gothic palaces offer an unparalleled experience whether walking alongside the canals or taking a ride in a gondola.
We take a day to leave the hustle-bustle of Florence for the nearby hill-town of Fiesole. There we tour the ruins of a settlement occupied by the ancient Etruscans and Romans. We have lunch in town, walk its charming streets, and hold classes on the piazza before returning to our Florence hotel.
Vatican City is considered to be the center of the Roman Catholic Church and home to the Pope. The KIIS group will visit St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museum, all of which are the most popular landmarks of Vatican City.
The Duomo is the main cathedral of Florence. With its famous cupola (dome) designed and engineered by Brunelleschi, fascade, baptistery and campanile, it is one of the most memorable landmarks in the world.
The Uffizi and Accademia Galleries showcase some of the most important artworks created during the Italian Renaissance. Home to famous artworks, such as, Michelangelo's David, Botticelli's Birth of Venus and countless others, students will experience these masterpieces firsthand.
The Colosseum and Roman Forum are some of the most important landmarks of western civilization. We will spend time exploring these ancient ruins that were once the center of the world and that have captivated our collective imagination ever since.
In a kitchen overlooking the tiled roofs of Siena, a master chef leads us in the preparation of a multi-course dinner. We make our pasta from scratch, an entree and side-dish, dessert and hors-d'oeuvres, and throughout the evening we learn the secrets of Italian cuisine. After the meal is made, we sit down for a jovial and well-earned feast!
What's Included
Program Cost: $5,995 + airfare
To help you budget, keep in mind that you are responsible for the cost of obtaining a passport ($165), two meals per day + personal expenses (approx. $600-$1200 depending on your food tastes/spending habits/optional independent travel preferences), any class readings/materials, and any fees from your college/university.
Although KIIS tries to foresee all possible expenses in formulating program fees, please note that dramatic fluctuations in foreign currency valuations and/or airline surcharges may affect the total cost of the program.
Group Flight
Estimated Cost: $2,050 – $2,150
The KIIS Italy program offers a group flight option where you can travel to/from Italy with other students and faculty. If you choose this option, KIIS will purchase a round-trip flight ticket for you. The flight cost will be added to your final program fee on April 1. The group flight will depart from Cincinnati or Louisville.
If not selecting the group flight, you are responsible to purchase your own round trip (multi-city) airfare.
The flight to Florence, Italy is overnight, arriving the following morning. On the return, the flight from Rome, Italy to the USA departs and arrives on the same day. Visit Flights and Passports & Visas for more information.
Student Voices
“My KIIS experience was something for which I could never have prepared. I was terrified leaving the country for the first time, but it ended up being one of the most amazing months of my life. Italy is the greatest place in the world to spend a summer enjoying art, food and historical culture.”
– Wynn, Italy
“My study abroad program to Italy opened my eyes to another culture. I loved getting to meet new people from other universities and my home university. It was informative to meet Italian business owners, restaurant owners and cooks. Everyone demonstrated their culture beautifully and were open to discuss their cities and their pride for their nation. Italian culture and life is a concept that will never go unnoticed. They pride themselves on the simple quality of their food and the joyous interactions they use to connect with people.”
– Jessica, Italy
“One thing I promised Angelique during her time in college was the chance to study abroad. When the opportunity presented itself for Angelique to travel to Italy, I couldn’t say no. I was definitely nervous at first, but I knew she was in good hands with the KIIS faculty and program directors. During her time abroad, Angelique visited Florence and Rome. She learned all about Italian culture, food, history, art, and so much more. Angelique reflects on her memories from the trip to this day and is still in contact with her classmates with whom she traveled. I would encourage every student to take advantage of this incredible opportunity and am forever grateful to KIIS for giving my daughter an experience she will never forget!”
– Viveca, parent of Italy student
“I signed up for the KIIS Italy Study Abroad program expecting that I would only learn about Italian culture, but I ended up also learning more about who I am as a person.”
– Leen, Italy
“Deciding to study abroad with KIIS was the best decision I’ve ever made! I got to learn so much about Italian culture, see so many historical landmarks, and meet so many incredible people! I will always be grateful for all of the experiences and people I met while abroad. I can’t think of any other way I would want to spend my summer!”
– Hannah, Italy
“The KIIS Italy Summer trip brought me so many amazing experiences like getting to not only see the Pope but be feet away from him! I can’t explain how enriching and life changing this study abroad trip was for me! Not only did we get to visit busy cities like Rome and Florence but we also got to see the countryside in Tuscany! Italy is even more beautiful than the pictures!”
– Christina, Italy
“KIIS was such a special experience that I will never forget. Over the four weeks, I got to visit the most extraordinary places and create bonds with new people overseas. I learned more than I ever imagined about the places we visited and also about myself as an individual. I encourage anyone who ever has the chance to experience the KIIS Italy program.”
– Maggie, Italy
“My KIIS Summer Abroad in Italy was a life changing experience that brought me new perspectives and understandings. If you do take the extra initiative to broaden your horizons, you will find some of the most beautiful things this world has to offer.”
– Ashley, Italy
I live for travel and nature which is part of why I love the KIIS…
Studying abroad on the KIIS Italy program was one of the best experiences of my…
One of my favorite days in Italy was when I took a day to wander…
Here are a few things you can do in Italy during your study abroad trip.
Take Your Education Further
Additional information
| Term | |
|---|---|
| Subject | Art & Drawing, Cuisine & Culture, English, History, Honors, Italian Culture |
