Summer Study Abroad Experience in Italy

Summer
Study Abroad Experience in Italy

Immerse yourself in a two-week UWC experience designed to spark academic curiosity, grow personal leadership, and build global friendships.

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The Experience

Summer Study Abroad in Italy at UWC Adriatic

Discover the World. Discover Yourself.

Looking for an unforgettable summer study abroad experience in Italy? The UWC Summer Program at UWC Adriatic offers high school students a unique opportunity to explore global issues, build lifelong friendships, and live and learn in one of Europe’s most stunning coastal regions.

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"How can there be peace without people understanding each other, and how can this be if they don’t know each other?"

— Lester B. Pearson, former Prime Minister of Canada

UWC Adriatic

Why Choose the UWC Summer Program?

Located in the historic Duino Castle overlooking the Adriatic Sea near Trieste, UWC Adriatic has been a hub of intercultural learning and peacebuilding for over 40 years. As part of the prestigious United World Colleges (UWC) network—18 schools on 4 continents—UWC Adriatic welcomes students from over 80 countries who are passionate about making a positive impact.

During this immersive summer study abroad program in Italy, students aged 16 to 18 will:

Engage in hands-on workshops focused on leadership, sustainability, global justice, and more
Participate in intercultural activities that promote empathy, collaboration, and understanding
Explore the Italian coast, from historic towns to breathtaking nature reserves
Live in community at the iconic Duino Castle, a 14th-century fortress filled with history and charm

Spots are limited for this year’s UWC Adriatic summer program. Don’t miss your chance to study abroad in Italy this summer and experience the magic of global learning in a truly inspiring setting.

Dates: July 21 – August 1, 2026

Payment facilities:

At Enrollment: 10%
December 2025: 20%
January 2026: 20%
February 2026: 20%
March 2026: 20%
April 2026: 10%

Language of Instruction: English

Ages: 15 to 18 years old

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Program Details

During the two weeks an international group of participants will have the opportunity to live a holistic experience of individual and community development.

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Program Content
Subject Leaders
Program Advisors
Keynote Speakers
College Application
Day Trip
Faculty

Program Content

1. Leadership

2. Sustainability

3. International Understanding & Relations

4. Financial Literacy

5. Art

6. Social Service

Subject Leaders

Alberto Diaz Cayeros

Mexico, Professor of Political Science at Stanford University

Vijay Kashyap

India, Former Senior Director of Global Human Resources Gruppo Campari

James Caffrey

Ireland, Life Sciences Consultant and Founder, Thouros BioAdvisors

Elena Morettini

Italy, Global Head of Sustainable Business at Globant

Cesare Onestini

Director General at the General Secretariat EU Council

Jeanette von Hoffmann

South Africa, Sustainability and Environmental Expert, Circular Economy, at Enel X

Claudia Pavoletti

Italy, Head of Legal Affairs & License Management Services EMEA for Trellix

Alex Neuber

Germany, Managing Partner Lasanoz Finance. Corporate Finance Advisory

Alvaro Diaz Valenzuela

Chile, Managing Director at Creasys and former professor of Financial Engineering at UAI

Emilio T. Gonzalez

USA, Partner at Ducenta Square Asset Management & Former Director of USCIS under President Bush

Juan Pablo di Pace

Argentina, Internationally Acclaimed Film Director and Actor

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Program Advisors

Benjamin Arias

Middlebury College

Lena Cassidy

Yale Univeristy

Leonardo Mangiola

Brown University

Weronika Wozny

Middlebury College

Tsveltina Milkova

Duke Univeristy

Eleonora Chiesa

University of Pisa

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Keynote Speakers

Claudia Pavoletti

Italy, an expert in Intellectual Property, Head of Legal Affairs & License Management Services EMEA for Trellix. She is also a Global Ambassador for Diversity/Inclusion & ESG. Mrs. Pavoletti operated in the Music, Technology, and Security industries.

Mohamed Abdallah

Lebanon, Founder and General Manager of Medenter. Mohamed has more than 25 years of international development and finance experience. He is the Founder and General Manager of Medenter a business and intel market entry analysis for corporate clients. He taught a Decision Analysis for Executives at IESE Business School.

Riccardo Staglianò

Italy, Reporter for La Repubblica. Reporter for La Repubblica, contributor to Corriere della Sera on technology, co-founder of Caffè Europa, and author of Bill Gates: An Unauthorized Biography. Teaches new media and online journalism at the Third University of Rome.

Carlo Lo Savio

Italy, International correspondent for RAI. Mr. Lo Savio is an international correspondent with RAI, over his 30 year carreer Mr. Lo Savio has covered elections, wars and international events all around the world.

Emilio T. Gonzalez

USA, Ex-Director of USCIS. Mr. Gonzalez is a Partner and Senior Advisor at Ducenta Squared Asset Management. He previously served as Director of USCIS under President Bush, and Director of Western Hemisphere Affairs at the National Security Council.

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College Application

For those that are in their US College Application Process, will have the opportunity to opt to have first-hand tips on application strategies, essay writing tips and first-hand impressions from our Program Advisors.

college application

Day Trip

Day Trip - Hidden Venice

Faculty

Britt Bøymo

Director of Learning

Former School Principal with 30 years of experience in Norway School System.

Carolina Franco Vasco

Deputy Director of Learning

Head of School of the Newman School in Bogota

Maria Chiara Billi

Director of Participant Engagement

Education Projects & Academic Manager at the UWC of the Adriatic

Dr. Valeria Wittner

Well Being & Emotional Intelligence Coach

Professor of Psychology at the University of Buenos Aires

Gonzalo Lopez Jordan

Program Director

Chairman at Patagonia Financial Holdings

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Apply Now – Secure Your Spot Today!

Join UWC Summer Experiences — build lifelong skills, connect with mentors, and engage with a global community. Apply early — spots are limited!

Program Dates: July 21 – August 1, 2026
Location: UWC Adriatic, Duino, Italy

Ages: 15 to 18 years old
Application Fee: $50

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What People are Saying

"...gives (t) admission team good confidence that the student who participates in this program would be interested in engaging with the rest of the campus and be excited to learn with other students from around the world."

Admission Officer - Top Liberal Arts College, USA 🇺🇸

"Signing up was quick and simple! I'm really looking forward to an incredible two weeks of learning, exploring, and making lifelong connections."

Rocio M., Argentina 🇦🇷

"My daughter has participated in many summer programs before, ranging from sports/activities focused to monothematic programs. However, she is absolutely thrilled to have finally found a program that truly nurtures her holistic experiential learning. The opportunity to engage with kids from all over the world in such a dynamic and enriching environment will greatly benefit her."

Barbara L. Parent of Participant, UK 🇬🇧

United World Colleges Adriatic

Patagonia Bright Futures Foundation

United World Colleges

Patagonia Financial Holdings

UWC Summer Experiences

FAQ

Find answers to common questions about our programs, admissions, and student life.

What level of English is required to participate in the program?

The program is delivered in English. The applicant should have the potential to contribute to the program in English, even if his or her English capabilities are slightly limited compared to other participants. A conversational level of English is fine.

What is included in the Tuition?

Tuition covers Room & Board, Day Trip, and Content Activities.

Where is the Program host?

The Program is hosted at United World College of the Adriatic.

Do I get any credit at my current school for participating?

Probably, if your school requires a certain number of social service, our Certificate of Completion will certify 30 hours of social service during our Program. It will be up to your school to accept such credit, but we can provide your school with the basis of our social service to account for those hours.

Apply Now – Secure Your Spot Today!

Apply Now