Narrow your search with better keywords - aside from choosing Italy for its delicious fresh pasta, mouth watering gelato, candy wines, bustling night life, and its fascinating open markets, then pick something to study that Italy is great at. And, step four answers that question.
Presence of English classes - you definitely want to go through a program that has intensive Italian language courses, but you also want the option of other classes like art or architecture taught in English, especially if you can't even ask, "Where is the bathroom?" in Italian.
How long to stay abroad? - it's a matter of personal preference, but the trend as of late is over half the Americans going abroad are doing it for the summer or winter term (Open Doors Report 2006). Although, studies show the longer you stay abroad, the better you develop educationally, personally, and professionally. Talk about a huge resume booster.
What is Italy good at? - If you're studying in Italy, then you definitely want to learn from the best in, but not limited to, art, architecture, interior design, Italian culture, food, and wine. What better place to learn how to make tiramisu than Italy, right?
What if you don't like any of these choices? - then take enough filler classes to be considered full time, and focus on traveling more. Classes abroad are fairly easy, so homework shouldn't be an issue. In addition, Italy is arguably one of the best geographically positioned countries to travel around Europe and the Mediterranean, so work your plan.