Everything you want to know before Summer Academy.

Summer Academy 2027 course offerings will be shaped by student interest and confirmed once viable classes can be formed.

Applicants indicate their preferred courses during the application process. We review each student’s academic record, grade level and any applicable prerequisites before confirming an appropriate placement.

Students often select ENG3U English 11 and ENG4U English 12; AWD3M Visual Design: Arts in Italy, Grade 11, and AWD4M Visual Design: Arts in Italy, Grade 12; and PPL2O, PPL3O, and PPL4O Healthy Active Living Education, Grades 10, 11, and 12.

We always offer LWIBD Beginner’s Italian.

Priority applicants receive priority consideration for course preferences, although all courses remain subject to sufficient enrolment, staffing and availability.

Students enrol in one Ontario secondary school course and complete the 110 hours of instruction required to earn a full credit toward the Ontario Secondary School Diploma.

Canadian College Italy is inspected annually by Ontario’s Ministry of Education and has held OSSD credit-granting authority since the school’s founding in 1995.

Students must complete the required coursework, assessments and final evaluations and meet the course expectations to earn the credit.

For Ontario students: Students receive an official Ontario report card documenting the completed course and credit. This can be provided to the student’s home school so the credit can be added to their Ontario Student Record.

For students outside Ontario: Recognition and equivalency are determined by the receiving school or educational authority. Families should confirm the proposed course with their home school’s guidance department before the program begins.

CCI is happy to communicate with a student’s guidance counsellor and provide course descriptions or other supporting information when needed.

Students complete 110 hours of instruction over the four-week program. Classes normally run from Monday to Friday and include a break for lunch.

Summer Academy is academically purposeful and moves at a focused pace. Attendance, participation and timely completion of assignments are essential.

Whenever academically appropriate, teachers also look for opportunities to connect classroom learning with Lanciano and the surrounding Italian setting.

The final daily schedule will be provided to enrolled families before arrival.

Depending on the course, students should expect some homework, independent reading, projects or preparation for assessments.

From Monday to Thursday, students attend a supervised evening study hall. This provides dedicated time to complete assignments, review material and ask for support.

The coursework is intensive but manageable. The schedule is carefully balanced so students still have time for activities, excursions, residence life and enjoying Italy with their classmates.

Our small classes allow teachers to know students personally, monitor their progress and provide individualized guidance.

If a student has an Individual Education Plan, psychoeducational assessment or documented learning need, families should share the relevant information during the application process.

Our academic team will review the documentation and determine how the student can be supported within the structure and requirements of an intensive four-week credit course.

We want students to feel confident and supported, while also ensuring that each course’s academic expectations are met.

No. Although students in CCI’s full-year boarding program wear a school uniform, uniforms are not required for Summer Academy.

Students should bring comfortable, lightweight and school-appropriate clothing suitable for warm Italian weather.

Lanciano is a traditional Italian town where people generally dress neatly in public. When visiting churches or other religious sites, students must wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees as a sign of respect.

More detailed clothing guidance is included in the Summer Academy packing list.

Accepted families complete a detailed Student Enrolment & Information Form before arrival.

The form asks for emergency contacts, medical history, allergies, dietary requirements, medication information and anything else that could affect the student’s health, safety or participation.

Families must provide complete and accurate information. Relevant details are shared confidentially with the school personnel responsible for the student’s care, including residence, kitchen and trip staff.

Enrolled families will receive the current form and submission deadline directly from CCI.

Yes. Every student must have comprehensive travel health insurance covering the full duration of the program.

The policy should include emergency medical treatment, hospitalization and medical evacuation or repatriation. Families should review exclusions carefully and understand how expenses and reimbursements are handled.

Domestic or provincial health coverage may not cover medical expenses incurred outside the student’s home country.

Keep in mind that Italian hospitals and clinics won't file claims with foreign insurance providers, and neither can the school.

Students must have a credit or debit card to cover unexpected medical expenses.

A student who feels unwell should immediately speak with a residence don, teacher or member of the school office.

Staff will assess the situation with school leadership and determine whether rest, monitoring, a pharmacy visit, a doctor’s appointment or emergency care is appropriate.

When medical care is needed, CCI arranges the appointment and a staff member accompanies the student to assist with transportation, communication, translation and emotional support.

Parents are notified promptly and receive available medical reports, invoices and receipts.

Residences are closed during school hours, so students who are too unwell to attend class rest in CCI’s quiet infirmary at school.

School staff monitor the student throughout the day and keep parents informed when appropriate.

The infirmary is intended for genuine rest and recovery. Students may be asked to surrender phones, laptops or other electronic devices while signed in.

Families are responsible for medical consultations, prescriptions, specialist care, hospital charges and other healthcare expenses incurred by their child.

A visit to a local doctor is about €100–€150 for common ailments like a sore throat or an earache.

Italian healthcare providers generally require payment directly and may not submit claims to a foreign insurance company. Students should therefore have access to a credit or debit card for unexpected medical expenses.

CCI provides families with available reports and receipts so they can submit a claim to their insurer.

If the school pays an expense to prevent a delay in necessary treatment, the family will be required to reimburse CCI.

For safety, prescription medications must be declared before arrival and handed to the appropriate residence staff when the student reaches campus.

Residence dons store and administer medication according to the dosage, timing and written instructions provided by the student’s parent or guardian and prescribing professional.

Medication must arrive in its original, clearly labelled container. Students should bring enough for the entire program and should not rely on having medication shipped to Italy after arrival.

Limited exceptions may apply to emergency medication that must remain immediately accessible, such as an asthma inhaler or EpiPen. These arrangements must be discussed with CCI in advance.

Undeclared medication or failure to follow medication procedures is treated as a serious safety and Code of Conduct matter.

Yes. CCI’s kitchen team is experienced in accommodating a range of food allergies, intolerances and dietary requirements.

Families must clearly disclose all dietary and medical information before arrival. Relevant information is shared with kitchen, residence and supervising trip staff so that everyone involved in the student’s care is properly informed.

We also support students with severe allergies, including anaphylaxis. These students require current medical documentation, an emergency action plan and at least one—preferably two—in-date EpiPens.

CCI takes careful precautions, but it is not a completely allergen-free environment, particularly during excursions when food preparation may be outside the school’s direct control.

July in Italy is hot and often sunny. Students should bring and regularly use sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and a refillable water bottle.

The tap water in Lanciano is safe to drink, and students should refill their bottles frequently—especially before trips, activities and beach days.

Students should also bring comfortable, broken-in walking shoes. Lanciano is a hill town with stairs, cobblestones and uneven streets, and excursions can involve considerable walking.

Insect repellent and after-bite cream are useful during the summer months. A small day bag for water, sunscreen and personal essentials is also recommended.

It depends on where the student is travelling from and which flight they book.

CCI typically arranges for Ontario-based staff to travel with students on Air Canada flight AC890 from Toronto to Rome and AC891 from Rome to Toronto.

Flight schedules and staffing arrangements can change, so enrolled families will be informed well in advance about which flights will have CCI staff travelling on board.

Staff travelling on the same flight are available to guide and support students, but this is not the same as an airline’s formal Unaccompanied Minor service.

Regardless of where students are travelling from, we connect students, families and the CCI travel team before departure day. We share staff contact information, coordinate arrival plans and make sure everyone knows what to do when they reach Rome.

Many airlines permit high-school-aged students to travel independently, but minimum-age requirements and unaccompanied-minor policies vary by airline, route and country.

Families must confirm the applicable rules directly with the airline before purchasing a ticket. Low-cost and connecting carriers may have different requirements from major international airlines.

Before booking a formal Unaccompanied Minor service, please consult CCI. Airline handover requirements may not be compatible with the school’s group arrival and departure arrangements.

CCI cannot provide individualized airport supervision outside its confirmed travel-day arrangements.

Please contact CCI before booking an airline’s Unaccompanied Minor service, as airline procedures vary and may not be compatible with our group travel arrangements.

For arrivals in Rome: With sufficient advance notice, CCI may be able to designate a staff member to meet the student and complete the airline’s formal handover procedure. The family must provide the airline’s requirements and all necessary documentation well before departure.

For departures from Rome: CCI is generally unable to satisfy airline Unaccompanied Minor requirements. Airlines typically require a designated adult to accompany the child through check-in, remain at the airport until the flight has departed and, in some cases, stay for up to two additional hours.

Our staff must supervise the full student group and coordinate the program’s airport transportation, so they cannot remain behind to complete these individualized departure requirements.

Do not add an Unaccompanied Minor service to a student’s return flight without first receiving written confirmation from CCI. If the airline requires the service, the family may need to arrange for another designated adult or select an alternative flight.

It is completely normal for students—and parents—to feel nervous about a first independent international journey.

Many Summer Academy students are travelling overseas without their parents for the first time. Before departure, enrolled families receive detailed instructions, airport meeting information, staff contacts and guidance for every stage of the journey.

Students also connect with CCI staff and classmates before departure, so they are already part of a community by the time travel day arrives.

Every student requires a valid passport and must meet the entry requirements that apply to their citizenship, itinerary and travel dates.

Typically, Canadians will not need a traditional visa to travel to Italy for a one-month program, as short stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area are visa-free

Visa and travel-authorization requirements vary by nationality. Families are responsible for checking the current requirements through the appropriate embassy, consulate and official Italian or European Union travel websites before departure.

Students travelling without one or both parents should also carry a signed parental consent letter and any additional documentation required by their country or airline.

Students should carry copies of their insurance information, CCI arrival instructions and emergency contact details in their hand luggage.

CCI will remind enrolled families about known requirements, but immigration and airline rules remain the family’s responsibility.

Families are strongly encouraged to book flights that arrive at Rome Fiumicino Airport during the morning of the designated arrival day.

Morning arrivals give students time to collect their luggage, meet the CCI airport team and join our supervised coaches within the scheduled airport-transfer window.

The coach departs after the students arriving within that window have been received. Late-afternoon or evening arrivals may fall outside CCI’s transfer arrangements, in which case families will be responsible for organizing and paying for private transportation to Lanciano.

Enrolled families will receive the official arrival and departure dates, recommended travel windows and, when available, suggested flights before booking.

Once travel is confirmed, families must send CCI the complete itinerary, booking reference and flight numbers. If the airline later changes the itinerary, please notify us immediately.

Please confirm the published Summer Academy 2027 travel window before purchasing non-refundable flights.

CCI provides private, supervised coach transportation between Rome Fiumicino Airport and Lanciano for students travelling within the designated arrival and departure windows.

The journey normally takes approximately three to three-and-a-half hours and travels through the mountains of central Italy.

The coach departs after the last scheduled student in the group has arrived and joined CCI staff. Supervised transportation back to the airport is also provided on the designated departure day.

Rome airport transfers on designated program travel days are included in Summer Academy tuition.

If a family chooses to book a flight scheduled to arrive outside CCI’s designated airport-transfer window, they are responsible for arranging and paying for private transportation from the airport to campus.

This is different from a flight that was booked within our transfer window but is unexpectedly delayed. CCI monitors all confirmed student flights on arrival day. If one of those flights is delayed, our staff will remain at the airport and we will hold the coach until the affected student or students arrive.

Families should send CCI the complete itinerary as soon as travel is booked and notify us immediately of any airline changes.

Please confirm the Summer Academy 2027 transfer window before purchasing flights.

Yes. On the designated arrival day, CCI staff are stationed at Rome Fiumicino Airport to monitor confirmed itineraries, welcome students and direct them to the supervised coach transfer.

Before departure, families receive the airport meeting location, maps, staff names, photographs, contact numbers and instructions explaining what students should do after collecting their luggage.

CCI staff may also be booked on selected recommended flights. Any confirmed flight supervision will be communicated directly to enrolled families and should not be assumed before receiving written confirmation.

Canadian College Italy strongly discourages travel plans that require a student under the age of 18 to stay alone in an airport or transit hotel.

Hotel restrictions: Many airport hotels will not permit an unaccompanied minor to check in, even when a family has previously received written or verbal confirmation. These restrictions often arise from legal and liability requirements.

Supervision limitations: CCI staff cannot escort individual students to hotels or assist with hotel check-in because they must remain with the other students under their care at the airport.

Travel and safety risks: After a long travel day, an unaccompanied student may have difficulty managing hotel transfers, alarms, check-out times, flight changes or other time-sensitive arrangements. Illness, cancellations and missed flights can be particularly difficult for a minor to manage without an adult present.

Whenever possible, CCI strongly recommends arranging travel so that minor students can remain with the CCI team at the airport until their departure.

If a family nevertheless chooses an airport-hotel arrangement, they are responsible for confirming the hotel’s policy and arranging all accommodations, transfers and onward travel. CCI will also require a signed Waiver of Liability acknowledging that once the student leaves the care of CCI staff, the school is no longer responsible for the student’s safety, accommodation or travel logistics.

Families considering an overnight airport stay should contact the Admissions Office before finalizing their plans so that safer alternatives can be explored.

Students should bring an unlocked mobile phone that supports either a physical Italian SIM card or an eSIM.

Families may purchase and activate a travel eSIM before departure. The main advantage is that the student can have mobile data immediately upon landing in Italy without changing a physical SIM card. However, some travel eSIMs are more expensive and provide data only, without an Italian phone number, traditional calls or SMS messaging.

Alternatively, students can purchase a prepaid Italian SIM card or local eSIM after arriving in Lanciano. These plans are generally economical and often include generous data, calls and an Italian phone number. CCI staff can help students find a provider and arrange an appropriate plan.

Before purchasing an eSIM, families should confirm that the student’s phone is unlocked, eSIM-compatible and that the chosen plan provides coverage throughout Italy.

Free Wi-Fi is available at the airport, school and residences, helping students stay connected until their mobile service is active.

A working phone is important for communication with residence staff, particularly during approved free time in Lanciano. Students must keep their phone charged and remain reachable when away from direct supervision.

Weekdays are structured around class, meals, activities, free time and residence routines.

Students attend class from Monday to Friday, with a break for lunch. After school, the schedule may include sports, cultural activities, local outings or supervised free time in Lanciano.

Evenings include dinner, organized activities and, from Monday to Thursday, supervised study hall. Weekends create more time for major excursions, beach days and experiencing Italy with classmates.

The detailed 2027 schedule will be shared with enrolled families before arrival.

CCI’s kitchen prepares traditional Italian meals using fresh, high-quality ingredients selected from local suppliers whenever possible.

The menu changes regularly and includes familiar favourites as well as regional dishes. Weekly traditions may include pizza night, when our kitchen fires up its wood-burning oven.

Menus are published so students know what is being served and can learn about the dishes and their cultural significance.

All scheduled meals are included in Summer Academy tuition. Students are expected to attend required meals unless excused by staff.

Our kitchen also works closely with students who have allergies, intolerances or documented dietary requirements.

Students do not need to speak Italian before arriving at CCI.

School instruction is in English, except during Italian-language classes. However, relatively little English is spoken in Lanciano, giving students an authentic and welcoming opportunity to practise.

Learning a few phrases before arrival can help students feel more confident. Downloading the Italian language pack in a translation app is also useful.

The people of Lanciano are friendly and patient, and students often return home surprised by how much Italian they have learned naturally.

Because meals, scheduled activities and program trips are included, students do not need a large amount of spending money.

Spending habits vary, but approximately €50–€75 per week is generally a generous allowance for optional extras such as gelato, coffee, souvenirs or small purchases with friends.

Students are discouraged from carrying large amounts of cash. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and contactless payment is common.

Students should also have access to a credit or debit card for unexpected or emergency expenses. Families should confirm that the card works internationally and that the student knows the appropriate PIN.

Homesickness is natural, particularly during the first few days of a new experience. Students—and sometimes parents—may need time to adjust to the distance, new routines and unfamiliar surroundings.

CCI staff are familiar with the signs of homesickness and respond with empathy, reassurance and practical support.

Staying active and engaged is often the most effective remedy. Residence dons and teachers encourage students to participate in meals, activities and everyday routines while helping them build connections with classmates.

We also encourage students to speak directly with staff when they are struggling. Learning to ask for support is an important part of developing confidence and self-advocacy.

Parents may communicate with their children regularly, while keeping the program schedule and time difference in mind.

Students are not permitted to use their phones during class and may be required to surrender them at the beginning of lessons. Calls should not interfere with meals, activities, study hall or residence responsibilities.

Many families arrange a regular time for a short call after afternoon activities and before study hall. Depending on the time difference, lunchtime may also be convenient.

Regular contact can be reassuring, but allowing students time to become involved in their new friendships and routines is an important part of the boarding-school experience.

CCI uses regular check-ins and curfews to balance student independence with clear safety expectations.

From Monday to Thursday, students must be in residence and ready for study hall by 9:30 p.m. Study hall normally runs from 9:30 to 10:30 p.m.

On Friday and Saturday, junior curfew is normally 10:00 p.m. Senior curfew is normally 11:00 p.m., with a mandatory senior check-in in the main piazza at 10:00 p.m.

Sunday curfew is normally 10:00 p.m. for all students.

For curfew purposes, senior students are generally at least 16 years old and entering Grade 11 or Grade 12.

Final curfews and residence schedules are confirmed in the Summer Academy Code of Conduct provided to enrolled families.

Students have scheduled free time after school and on weekends when they can enjoy Lanciano with their friends.

They may visit cafés and shops, enjoy a gelato, spend time in the piazza, relax in residence common areas or participate in optional activities.

Many students enjoy working out at the school fitness centre or volunteering at the local hospital.

When permitted to explore Lanciano without direct adult supervision, students must remain in groups of at least two, stay within approved boundaries, carry a working phone and remain in contact with their residence dons.

Free time is balanced with classes, meals, excursions, organized activities, study hall and residence responsibilities.

Students should pack lightweight, comfortable and school-appropriate clothing suitable for a hot Italian summer.

Important items include sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a refillable water bottle, comfortable broken-in walking shoes and a small day bag.

Students should also bring swimwear, a quick-dry beach towel and clothing that covers the shoulders and knees for visits to churches and religious sites.

Those planning to use the CCI gym should bring clean indoor-only athletic shoes and a separate fitness towel.

A portable phone charger, European plug adapters and any course-specific supplies requested by the teacher are also useful.

Download the Packing List

Students should avoid bringing excessive luggage, large amounts of cash, expensive jewellery or valuable belongings that are not necessary for the program.

Students should also avoid bringing appliances or objects that could create a safety risk in residence. High-drain appliances from North America, such as hairdryers, curling and straightening irons will instantly short-circuit and create a fire hazard when plugged into Italy's 230V sockets. Affordable options can be purchased in town. 

Most small electronics (phones, laptops) are dual-voltage (100–240V) and work with just a plug adapter.

Any item prohibited by CCI’s Code of Conduct or residence rules must remain at home.

Alcohol, cannabis, illegal substances, cigarettes, vaping products, nicotine products, weapons and other prohibited items must never be brought to CCI.

If a family is uncertain about a particular item, please ask CCI before packing it.

Accepted families receive a series of forms that help CCI prepare properly for each student.

These normally include:

• A Student Enrolment & Information Form
• A Residence Questionnaire
• A Code of Conduct acknowledgement
• Medical, insurance or learning-support documentation where applicable

Additional information may be requested depending on the student’s course, health needs or travel arrangements.

CCI will send enrolled families the correct 2027 forms and submission deadlines directly.

Families should send CCI the student’s complete itinerary as soon as travel has been booked.

Please include the airline, flight numbers, departure and arrival times, booking reference and details of any connecting flights.

This information allows our team to monitor arrivals, coordinate airport staff and plan supervised transportation to campus.

If the airline changes or cancels any part of the itinerary, please notify CCI immediately—even if the change appears minor.

CCI’s Code of Conduct explains the expectations and shared responsibilities that help keep students safe and ensure that the community functions respectfully.

It covers behaviour at school, in residence, throughout Lanciano and on all school trips and activities. It also addresses attendance, curfews, check-ins, academic responsibilities, respectful conduct and prohibited behaviour.

The Code of Conduct remains in force throughout the program. Students and their parents or guardians must read and acknowledge it before arrival.

Serious or repeated violations may result in disciplinary consequences, suspension or removal from Summer Academy.

Students should keep essential documents and valuables in their hand luggage rather than checked baggage.

This includes:

• Passport and required travel documents
• Parental travel-consent letter where applicable
• Travel health-insurance information
• CCI arrival instructions and emergency contacts
• Mobile phone, charger and portable battery
• Prescription medication in its original labelled container
• A change of clothing and essential toiletries

Students should never place their passport, medication, phone or essential travel information in checked luggage.

No. CCI provides each student with bed linens, a pillow, bedding and regular bath towels.

Sheets and bath towels are collected and sent to our professional laundry service each week, so students do not need to wash these themselves.

Students should, however, bring a lightweight quick-dry towel for beach trips and a separate fitness towel if they plan to use the CCI gym.

Students are welcome to bring a favourite pillow, pillowcase or other small comfort item from home, but this is entirely optional.