Italy
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Imagine studying abroad in Italy, where you experience the past mingling with the present. You may pass Roman ruins, a medieval cathedral, and a Renaissance fountain, all on your way to a modern art expo.
When you study abroad, Italy becomes your classroom. Our programs offer the opportunity to explore not only your host city, but also some of the best sites that the country has to offer through our immersive cultural excursions.
Explore historic and modern intricacies in business, culture, design, and more when you study abroad in Italy. With programs like modern fashion in Milan, archaeology in Rome, or even vinicultural business in Siena, IES Abroad is here to help you have the experience of a lifetime.
Live at the cutting-edge of creativity, business, and finance in this cosmopolitan metropolis in Northern Italy.
Il Duomo & Piazza del Duomo
The chief piazza in Milan, Piazza del Duomo takes its name from the dominating Gothic cathedral, il Duomo di Milano. Often described as one of the greatest churches in the world, this Gothic cathedral took five centuries to complete and is the fourth largest church in the world.
Santa Maria delle Grazie
Santa Maria delle Grazie is probably most famous for the painting that lies within its walls - da Vinci's Last Supper (Il Cenacolo).
Via Montenapoleone
Milan is the fashion capital of the world, and many designers host fashion shows in the city during Fashion Week. Via Montenapoleone is home to all the top designers, including Versace, Gucci, Prada, Armani, and more.
Castello Sforzesco
This sprawling and impressive castle, constructed in the 14th century, is now home to several museums and famous art collections. It has undergone numerous restorations since its first destruction in 1477 and rebuilding by Francesco Sforzesco in 1450.
Pirelli Tower
Known in Italy as the Grattacielo Pirelli or Pirellone, the Pirelli Tower is the second tallest building in Milan. It was designed by architect Gio Ponti and built in 1956 upon orders from Alberto Pirelli, president of the Pierlli Company.
The past meets the present in Italy’s capital, a modern and vibrant city full of art, history, and culture.
Vatican City
Located entirely within the city of Rome, Vatican City is the smallest country in the world. Officially the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, Vatican City is also home to the colossal St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.
Pantheon
The Pantheon, meaning "to every god" in Greek, was built more than 1,800 years ago. Originally a temple for all pagan gods, it was converted into a church in 609.
Colosseum & Roman Forum
The Colosseum is the most recognizable structure in Rome. Once an ampitheatre for gladiator contests and spectacles, it could hold up to 50,000 people; truly an accomplishment for the time.
Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain is the largest fountain in Rome and boasts a magnificent scene of Triton, the Greek god of the sea.
Escape to the Tuscan countryside in this small, historic city with a rich student population.
Piazza del Campo
Siena's large, shell-shaped principal piazza is a favorite of tourists and locals alike. Renowned worldwide for its beauty and architectural integrity, the Piazza del Campo also hosts the famous Palio di Siena horse races twice a year.
Duomo di Siena
Built during the 13th century, Siena's famous black and white marbled medieval cathedral houses valuable Italian sculpture works from Donatello, Bernini, and a young Michelangelo.
Palio di Siena
In July students experience the world-renowned horse race, the Palio di Siena.
The Latest from Italy
3 Bags and 5,365 Miles
The last time I set foot in Europe was spring of my senior year in 2016. I traveled to Santorini, Athens, Mykonos, and Turkey with my best friends on a two star cruise. The rooms were as large as a bathroom (and that’s a generous description), the majority of our fellow passengers were senior citizens from China who could not speak much English (if any) and we had little to no cell coverage- it was the one of the best weeks of my life.
Sweet Home Chicago - Dealing with Reverse Culture Shock
I’m home! Though I’m excited about the next semester, there was so much that I wasn’t expecting to be shocked or surprised by when I got home. I knew that reverse culture shock was a thing that I was probably going to experience, but I wasn’t really sure what aspects would bother me. Here are a few things that I noticed were major differences between my life in Siena, and my hometown of Chicago.
Gnocchi Night - Hard Work is Delicious
Italy – the country where every city boasts an extensive history of food and wine. Every city you visit has something they are famous for, whether that be the pizza in Naples or the tortellini in Bologna. Spending a semester in Siena, I quickly learned to appreciate high-quality food and the process of creating it.
Falling in Love With Italy - A Mini-Travel Guide from Siena
Italy is one of the most incredible countries in the world, full of culture, food, and adventure. One of my main focuses when coming to study abroad in Siena was getting to know my host country as much as possible. Therefore, I focused most of my travel within it and spent as much time as possible seeing what makes it so special.
What It Means to Come Home
Coping with coming back to reality is both tougher and easier than I expected.
