Rome, Italy

Language & Area Studies

Study Abroad
Program Options:
Experiential Learning, Part-Time Internship
Length:
Fall, Spring, Academic Year

At a Glance

Housing:

Apartment, Homestay

Credits:

15 to 19 per Semester

Language of Instruction:

English, Italian

Language Prerequisites:

None

Part-Time Internship (Optional):

Included in Program Fee

Visa Required:

Yes

About the Program

Rome will be your classroom. Can you imagine places like the Vatican, the Pantheon, the Forum, or the Colosseum being part of your education? Our courses are experiential in nature, and we organize more than 150 course-related trips each semester to historic, artistic, and cultural sites that take advantage of the city’s many opportunities. An Italian language course at your proficiency level gives you the skills you need to navigate this city with ease.

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Craft Your Own Academic Experience

Choose four courses from across all our program offerings in Rome.

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Study at an Italian University

Take any number of English- or Italian taught courses.

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Gain Hands-On Experience

Add international work experience to your résumé.

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Live with a Local Student

Live with an Italian Student Companion (ISC).

Fall 2024

Spring 2025

Program Dates:

September 02 - December 12

Application Deadline:

Estimated Cost:

$
20,559

Program Dates:

Late January - Mid May

Application Deadline:

Program Advisor

Kellie Wallace headshot

Kellie Wallace

Once you’ve applied for a program, I’ll be your direct point of contact. From housing to course registration and everything in between, I’m here to help you prepare to study abroad. Once you’re accepted to your program, you’ll find even more detailed information about what you need to know before you depart in your Predeparture Guide. Let’s get started!

📱 800.995.2300 ✉️ study@IESabroad.org

About the Destination

Why Rome?

It is impossible to avoid the past in Rome. It eagerly waits for you around every corner, hoping to intrigue you with a worn-down step, surprise you with an unexpected fountain, or inspire you with ancient architecture. Come study Rome’s unmatched historic and artistic past while simultaneously learning about its modern role in international politics and business.

Learn More About Rome

Get to Know Your New City

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Discover the Ins and Outs of World-Famous Landmarks

Our programs take you inside the cultural significance of Roman landmarks.

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Watch a Roma Game

Soak in the passion and pride at an A.S. Roma game.

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Take in a Panoramic View of the City

Take your pick of Rome's hills, and climb to the top for the best views.

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Take a Cooking Class

Learn the techniques and traditions of Roman cooking first-hand.

Housing

  • Apartment
  • Homestay
  • Residence Hall

Apartment

Share an apartment with other IES Abroad students and have the option of living with an Italian Student Companion (ISC), a local Italian student who provides opportunities to engage in cultural activities. Apartments are furnished, single-sex, and generally accommodate four to seven students, with two to three IES Abroad students sharing a bedroom. Internet access is available in every apartment. Meals are not included, but apartments offer equipped kitchens.

Academics

Our mission is to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences. We offer many unique courses that explore Italian language, history, culture, and more—all taught by our world-class professors. Italian-taught course options at our partner universities enhance your academic experience and provide you with new perspectives each day in class. Build your own academic experience by taking an elective course from one of our other programs in Rome.

Partner Institutions

a man standing in the doorway of Rome University of Fine Arts (RUFA)
  • ACM
  • RUFA
  • Roma Tre

Accademia di Costume e Moda

The Accademia di Costume e Moda (ACM) is one of the most famous Fashion Academies in Rome. It is located in the very heart of Rome, close to the IES Abroad Center. The academy was founded in Rome in 1964 with the sponsorship of the city of Rome.  

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Courses

You take 15-19 credits per semester. Language courses are taught in Italian, and all other courses are taught in English, unless otherwise noted. Academic programming is scheduled five days a week. Create your own academic experience by selecting from the following program components.  

  • IES Abroad Italian language course at your proficiency level (required, 4 or 8 credits) 
  • English- or Italian-taught IES Abroad area studies courses (optional, 3 credits each) 
  • English- or Italian-taught IES Abroad elective courses (optional, 3 credits each) 
  • English- or Italian-taught courses at a local university (optional, 3 credits each) 
  • Community-based learning/social action placement and seminar (optional, 3 credits) 
  • Internship placement and seminar (optional, 3 credits)  

To learn more about IES Abroad’s innovative theoretical and pedagogical approaches to teaching language abroad, refer to the IES Abroad MAP for Language & Intercultural Communication.  

NOTE: This is a list of planned course offerings. After you are accepted, you will see a list of final course offerings in your MyIESabroad account. Additionally, IES Abroad reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond our control.

IES Abroad Courses

Disciplines (28)

Anthropology (1)

Course name Term Language Credits
SO/AN 350 - Organized Crime in Italy: Mafias, Murders, and Business Fall, Spring English 3

Partner Institution Courses

Accademia di Costume e Moda

The Accademia di Costume e Moda is only offered during the Fall semester. Students may select one English-taught course on Fashion Styling and Communication.

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Rome University of Fine Arts

IES Abroad students studying the fine arts with at least one semester of college-level Italian language can enroll in one course at Rome University of Fine Arts (RUFA). Students can choose from courses in Painting & Drawing, Printmaking, and Sculpture.

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Università degli Studi Roma Tre

Roma Tre offers advanced Italian-taught courses to students who are proficient in Italian. There is also the possibility of taking English-taught courses in the Political Science department. Students may select Italian-taught courses in Humanities, Religious Studies, and Social Sciences, and English-taught courses in Political Science.

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PRO-TIP

Apply for your passport today!

Getting your passport is a crucial step for studying abroad. With processing times taking longer than usual, consider this a gentle reminder to not procrastinate on getting or renewing your passport.

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Field Trips

Even though your adventure starts in Rome, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. All trips are included in the program fee unless otherwise noted with ($).

NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability. 

Buildings sit crowded on a hill on the Amalfi coast, with a large rocky outcropping standing tall in the background.

Pompeii & The Amalfi Coast

2 Days Fall, Spring & Summer

From a guided tour of Pompeii to stunning views of the Amalfi coast, this trip provides fascinating insights into the lives of the ancient Romans and the beauty of modern day Italy.

A lush garden sits off the Tuscan coast on a sunny day.

Tuscany

2 Days Fall, Spring & Summer

Tour the countryside of one of Italy’s most unique regions, with its gorgeous landscapes and rich artistic legacy. You will also visit the sites of the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance.

Part-Time Internships

Did you know that, while in Rome, you can intern as part of your study abroad experience? With a part-time internship, you’ll gain global work experience that will increase your job readiness and give you an advantage after graduation. With an internship, you will: 

  • Take an important step in your career development by navigating the professional world with our support. 
  • Learn more about yourself both personally and professionally and build confidence in the process. 
  • Experience what working in Rome is really like and gain an authentic understanding of the workplace culture while developing real, applicable job skills that will bolster your career readiness. 
  • Begin building an international network by making connections with coworkers and peers. 

All of our internships are supervised and earn IES Abroad credit. You participate in a 3-credit seminar to complement the practical experience you gain during the internship for a greater understanding of work life in your host country. 

Placement Examples

tourists visiting an art museum in Rome

Arts, Art History & Humanities

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Business

student teaching on a summer internship program

Education

students checking their phone in front of the European Council

International Relations & Politics

Two students sit outside at a table on their college campus working from a laptop.

Marketing

a studio audience behind a camera in Milan

Media & Journalism

Experiential Learning

Community-Based Learning

Participating in a community-based learning experience in Rome is an opportunity to give back to the community while gaining a much deeper understanding of the city’s culture and society. These cause-driven placements have you working alongside local people toward a common goal, in which you experience firsthand some of the social issues that affect Rome. 

A community-based learning experience consists of time spent with a local organization, accompanied by an academic, for-credit seminar. Through the seminar, you have structured time for reflection and discussion as you explore human development, social business, and the need for closer contact between economics and ethics.  

Placement examples include development and Microfinance, education, environment and food policies, human rights, immigration, public health, social inclusion.

Program Cost

Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your current college or university to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your school's policies, and other factors.

Spring 2024

Tuition
$
15,760
Housing
$
4,166
Insurance
$
230
Total
$
20,156

Fall 2024

Tuition
$
16,065
Housing
$
4,249
Insurance
$
245
Total
$
20,559

Academic Year 2024

Tuition
$
28,900
Housing
$
8,500
Insurance
$
490
Total
$
37,890

Spring 2025

Tuition
-
Housing
-
Insurance
-
Total
Pending

Use Our Budget Worksheet to Calculate Your Costs

See the Worksheet
APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

$7 Million in Scholarships & Aid

We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from studying abroad. This is why we commit millions of dollars to our study abroad scholarships and aid.

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About the IES Abroad Center

The Center is where our highly trained local staff provide on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad. 

The IES Abroad Rome Center is situated in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the city. This renovated 1920s-era building sits along one of the longest rivers in Italy called the Tiber. Whether you’re visiting the Pantheon, or walking back from the Vatican, the Center is your study abroad hub. 

 

Orientation

Start at Home
Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins at home with our virtual orientation to meet the IES Abroad Center staff, fellow students, and the city.
Arrive in Rome
Orientation continues when you arrive onsite with activities focusing on adjusting to Rome. Detailed information about other important topics is also covered.
Get to Know the City
Beyond orientation sessions, you will have opportunities to explore and discover Rome before classes start to help you feel at home in your new environment.
Prepare to Learn
Feel prepared to begin classes with practical lessons, activities designed to help you learn your way around the area, and support from our dedicated student staff.
On-Site Staff Support
Our experienced, trained, and dedicated local staff are on-site throughout your entire program to ensure you have the support you need during your abroad adventure.

Health & Safety

With 70 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" so that you don’t have to. From international health insurance included in the cost of your program to highly-trained local staff who can connect you to English-speaking healthcare providers, we are working around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.

Support You Can Expect to Receive on Our Programs

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CISI International Health Insurance

In the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional.

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24/7 Emergency Support

Whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city.

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Mandatory Cell Phone Policy

Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.

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Location-Specific Information

Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.

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TripTracker System

Allowing you to share independent travel plans.

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Crisis Drills

So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.

Program Dates

Spring 2024

Program Dates:

January 29 - May 09

Application Deadline:

Fall 2024

Program Dates:

September 02 - December 12

Application Deadline:

Spring 2025

Program Dates:

Late January - Mid May

Application Deadline:

Requirements

  • Eligibility Requirements
  • Application Requirements
  • Passport & Visa Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

  • 18 years of age 
  • In good standing at your home school 
  • 2.75 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale (GPAs under 2.75 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact a Previous Student

Student Ambassadors

No one knows the IES Abroad experience better than a student who has lived it! From budget tips to housing experiences, our volunteer Ambassadors are here to share it all.

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The Student Experience

How will study abroad redefine your world? We can’t wait to find out.

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