Nine out of ten Italian sixth-formers still choose to spend a year or a semester in the US

A six-month or one-year school experience overseas remains one of the most formative experiences for secondary school pupils. The United States continues to be a major point of reference and a dream for countless students around the world: immersion in the language, school life and everyday interactions fosters independence, adaptability and critical thinking – skills that are now essential for university and for work anywhere in the world, not to mention sport.

More than 90 students are currently preparing, between the end of summer and January, to travel overseas with StudyAway, an agency specialising in the ‘Semester and Academic Year Abroad’ programme in the USA and Canada for secondary school pupils aged 15 to 18 (a programme recognised by the Ministry of Education). Whilst the United States remains a firm favourite – hosting around 70–80 per cent of all participants – Canada is seeing significant growth, with a 25 per cent increase. This interest in the land of the maple leaf is fuelled by its unique educational offering, its perceived safety and a multiculturalism that makes it an increasingly attractive and distinctive destination for the younger generation.

Despite the turbulence in the international arena and complex global dynamics, studying abroad remains a strong and tangible aspiration, as demonstrated by the results of a survey of a sample of 100 students who spent the academic year in the United States during the 2025–2026 period. The most striking finding is the almost total absence of regret: 94.5 per cent of the students stated that they did not regret their decision to go abroad. Integration appears to be strong, with 87 per cent of respondents describing their experience as positive, both in terms of fitting into the local community and discovering a reality different from that in Italia. The figures are also reassuring with regard to the international climate: for 70 per cent, the geopolitical tensions discussed in the media have had no impact on school life and, more generally, on the programme, or have done so only marginally; this is confirmed by the fact that, according to almost seven in ten respondents, the issue is not addressed by teachers in the classroom. However, these concerns do not outweigh the desire to go abroad. 47.3 per cent of students admit to having had some fears, but say they would still make the same choice again.

The concerns relate primarily to the domestic political climate in the United States – cited by 34.5 per cent of the sample – rather than perceived safety during their stay. The most significant finding remains word of mouth: 91 per cent of students would now recommend the same experience to a peer, confirming that the educational value of the experience in the US outweighs the uncertainties of the global context.

Adding to the growing interest in the US is a new factor: sport. With major international events drawing nearer and a growing interest in football in the States — fuelled by post-World Cup enthusiasm — Italian young people are rediscovering the American model, where sport is an integral part of the school curriculum. “The entire American sporting ecosystem offers a unique educational value: a place where competition and academic meritocracy go hand in hand, providing young people with an environment for personal growth that is often fragmented in Italia,” explains Giulia Salamone, Head of Student Support at StudyAway.