For generations, the relationship between Italy and the United States has been built not only by diplomacy, trade and migration, but also by millions of individual experiences. A new generation of Italians is now adding another chapter to that story by choosing America as the place where it wants to study, grow and experience life abroad.
The United States remains at the top of the wish list for Italian teenagers considering an academic experience overseas. New figures from Astudy International Education show a remarkable acceleration: bookings for U.S. programs are already up 60% for departures in August 2027 and 105% for summer 2028.
The numbers are particularly significant because families are making their decisions much earlier. Some Italian students are beginning to plan their American experience during their first year of high school, even though they will actually leave during their third or fourth year.
The attraction goes well beyond learning English. Italian teenagers are drawn to the American high school experience itself – its school spirit, sports, clubs, extracurricular activities, academic flexibility and opportunity to explore subjects that may not be available in the same way at home.
The trend is confirmed by the broader Italian education travel industry. ASTOI Confindustria Viaggi identifies the United States as the central destination outside Europe for Italian High School programs, ahead of Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
There is also an important institutional dimension to these exchanges. The U.S. Department of State's BridgeUSA program specifically includes secondary school students and defines educational exchanges as a way to increase mutual understanding between Americans and people from other countries.
That principle becomes very concrete when an Italian teenager lives with an American host family, attends a local high school, joins a sports team or club and becomes part of a community thousands of miles from home. The exchange works in both directions: young Italians discover everyday America while American families and classmates encounter contemporary Italy through them.
The educational relationship continues after high school. EducationUSA notes strong Italian interest in American higher education, internships and professional opportunities, while bilateral university exchange programs between Italian and American institutions have become increasingly important.
Astudy's expanding cooperation with American partners is another sign of how structured the relationship has become. Italian families can now obtain greater certainty about placements or, depending on the program, indicate preferences among states including Maine, Texas, Minnesota and Michigan.
Behind the statistics, however, is something more enduring. At a time when young Italians can choose among destinations across Europe, Asia, Canada and Oceania, the United States continues to exercise a special attraction.
The American high school remains a dream for many of them – and every Italian student who crosses the Atlantic creates another small human bridge between Italy and the United States.
