Experience Italy and Europe like never before with AHA’s gap year programmes!
Choose from 6 to 12 weeks of travel and immersive study in art, history, food, literature, culture..
Explore iconic cities such as Rome, Florence, and Venice outside the beaten track; led by our young and passionate tutors that will help you the discover the hidden treasures and the true beauty of Italy.
Join us for an unforgettable journey of discovery and growth
Our Gap Year programs run twice a year, with our 6-week Spring and Autumn Courses in Italy starting respectively in October and January & our 12-week Semester Program in France, UK and Italy starting in September!
With decades of experience, we have crafted this kaleidoscope of European culture,showcasing many of the bright lights and curiosities of human experience as expressed in art. It is a life-changing course with enduring power.
Students return having experienced and seen wonderful things.They are refreshed, in love with knowledge, and more confident in their own intellect. Thus, they are perfectly prepared to make the most of their gap year and college beyond.
Our 6-Week Courses: Autumn and Spring
Students immerse themselves in iconic cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice, as well as hidden gems like Bologna and Siena, all guided by our dynamic tutors who bring Italy's vibrant art and culture to life. We use our time fully to utterly imbibe all that Italy has to offer. This is a truly comprehensive cultural experience.
These ambitious programs provide a deep dive into the art world, the range of art, architecture, and sculpture spans from the ancient world to the present day. Along the way, we delve into philosophy, literature, political history, economics, and much more. Additionally, participants will experience wine tasting, opera, cooking, drawing, rudimentary Italian, concerts, and even football.
The 12-Week Semester Course
For an even broader adventure, our 12-week Semester program runs from September to December, expanding your journey across Europe, including the UK and France.
In the first six weeks, students explore art, architecture, and culture in the UK and France before heading to Montepulciano, a charming hilltop town in Tuscany, for a two-week intensive Italian language course.
Participants will engage with Europe’s artistic landscape while visiting significant cultural sites, gaining insight into artistic movements from ancient to contemporary times.
All programs celebrate Italy’s and Europe incredible culture, featuring exclusive visits to iconic landmark such as the Sistine Chapel and St. Mark’s Cathedral. Each experience is unique, filled with creativity and discovery.
Creative workshops in painting, writing, and more let students express themselves artistically in small groups, guided by friendly and knowledgeable tutors who provide personalized support.
Join us for a transformative journey that blends art, culture, and unforgettable experiences!
What is included in the fees
- Tuition in small groups
- Train travel or private coach travel between cities
- All accommodation
- Breakfast
- Transfers in Italy
- All transport in Italy when concerned with teaching
- Instructional materials
- All museum entrance fees
- Notes and reading lists
- Drawing tuition
- 2 conversational Italian lessons
Extras included in the Semester Course:
- The additional courses in Tuscany (language, cookery, literature, and film)
- All travel and air travel between cities on the tour i.e. flights from Paris to Tuscany and travel from Tuscany throughout Italy on the Autumn course
- Transport when concerned with teaching (by issuing Oyster cards, bus passes, or buying train tickets
Lunches and suppers are not included in the course price. We recommend that students bring £35 – £38 per day to cover these meals and spending money.
Recently Updated
I had a wonderful experience with AhA.
As a non native English speaker I was afraid of the language barrier but it turn out that this program help me improve significantly and that I was able to create really special and life changing contact with other students.
This program really get you no matter if you're a expert in art and history or a total beginner like I was.
I was able to learn so much and create memorable memories.
At first I didn't believe it but after this 6 weeks, I can say it without hesitation our AhA groupe became like a family to me.