WORLDWIDE CULTUREL
EXCHANGE PROGRAM
High
School

ITALIAN MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAM

The second stage of the Italian education system—secondary education—includes both the Liceo (academic high schools) and Vocational Education and Training pathways.

The Liceo system is a five-year program, consisting of two consecutive two-year cycles followed by a final year focused on university preparation. Vocational education, on the other hand, lasts between three and five years, depending on the track.

a) Classical and Scientific High Schools
(Liceo Classico and Liceo Scientifico)
These schools aim to prepare students for higher education.
• Duration: 5 years • Age range: 14 to 19 • Weekly class hours: o Liceo Classico: 27–29 hours o Liceo Scientifico: 25–30 hours

b) Art Schools
(Liceo Artistico and Istituto d’Arte)
These institutions focus on helping students specialize in the arts. • Duration: 5 years • Age range: 14 to 19 • Weekly class hours: 39–44 hours

c) Vocational and Technical High Schools
These schools provide both theoretical knowledge and practical training to students aged 14 to 19, aligned with the needs of various sectors in the labor market.
• Technical High Schools (Istituti Tecnici) offer programs in fields such as agriculture, commerce, tourism, industry, and maritime studies. Duration: 5 years, structured as a 2+3 year system (no exam between stages). Classes are spread over 5 or 6 days per week, with hours varying by branch and grade level. A significant portion of the curriculum is dedicated to field-specific practical training. • Vocational High Schools (Istituti Professionali) provide education in four main areas: o Agriculture o Industry o Handicrafts o Specialized Services/Sectors (e.g., interior decoration, pastry making, musical instrument craftsmanship, etc.)

Each area includes several subfields that are vital to the modern workforce. o Duration: 5 years o At the end of the first three years, students receive the title of craftsman. o After completing all five years, they earn the title of technician.

Eligibility & Placement

Turkish students who are currently enrolled in Italian high schools in Türkiye, or who can provide proof of completing at least 120 hours of Italian language instruction, are eligible to apply for the Italian Ministry of Education High School Student Exchange Program.

Accepted students are placed with volunteer Italian host families by designated institutions and enrolled in the public high school closest to their host family’s residence.