Italy
You are here
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
My Life in Rome: A Mid-Semester Review
Life in Rome is completely different from what I was expecting, both in good and bad ways. To be honest, I think it’s easy to conjure this fantasy image of Rome based off of pretty Instagram photos and movies; it certainly is a beautiful place to live, filled to the brim with history and culture, but it’s not a flawless Utopia with nothing but postcard-like beauty (though, again, there is quite a lot of that too.) Like any city, it has it’s broken and ugly things.
What I Love About Italy and What I Miss About the US
Now that it is November, I have been in Italy for over 2 months! The time has gone by so fast and I have gotten to see and experience some incredible things. I thought I'd share my experience on what it's like to live in a foreign country for what I believe to be a significant amount of time. Italy is incredibly beautiful, the food is amazing, the culture is vibrant, and the people are fun. Spending this much time in Italy has given me a chance to form opinions about the lifestyle here.
Eurochocolate 2019 in Perugia
Rome is an amazing city, but sometimes it’s nice to get outside the city for a weekend to experience some of the other unique places in Italy. Recently, I went on a day trip to the famous Eurochocolate festival in Perugia, the capital city of the Umbria region!
Coping From 5,000 Miles Away
Studying abroad can feel like a dream come true, but when tragedy strikes it can be particularly difficult to cope without your family, friends, and support network to help you through it.
Traveling Will Change You - Embrace It!
When you start to accumulate experiences, both exciting and uncomfortable, you begin to notice the many subtle ways that you've changed. Through studying abroad in Rome, I've definitely become a braver and more outgoing person!
