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Academics
Our mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences. We offer unique courses that explore Film & Media Studies through an in-depth and hands-on approach. Our world-class professors and course options at prestigious local universities enhance your academic experience and provide you with new perspectives each day in class.
While in Rome, you take 15–19 credits per semester. Our goal is to make sure your academic needs are met. You can craft your own academic experience by selecting from the following course types:
- Italian language courses (required, 4 or 8 credits) are offered at the IES Abroad Center.
- Area studies courses* (required, 3 credits) are offered at the IES Abroad Center in English or Italian in a wide range of disciplines.
- Service learning/Social action placement and accompanying seminar (optional, 3 credits)
- Internship or Archaeology Internship (optional, 3 credits)
- Local university courses (optional, 3 credits) are offered in English or Italian. You take these classes alongside local students.
*In addition to your program’s specified coursework, you can take any of the area studies courses offered through our Language & Area Studies Program.
Courses
This is a list of planned course offerings and these courses are taught at the IES Abroad Center by local faculty. A final list of course offerings will be made available to you in your MyIESabroad account. In addition to your program’s specified coursework, you can take any of the area studies courses offered through our Language & Area Studies Program.
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.
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| EC 341 - Italian Economy Within the European Union | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| HS/IR 334 - Italy and the Mediterranean World | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| IR/HS 343 - Italy and the United States: History of a Long-Standing Interaction | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| IR/HS 346 - Cold War Europe: A History | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| PO/HS/PH 355 - Politics and Philosophy of Power in the Land of Machiavelli | Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| IN 395 - Internship Seminar | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| HS/IR 334 - Italy and the Mediterranean World | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| IR/HS 343 - Italy and the United States: History of a Long-Standing Interaction | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| IR/HS 346 - Cold War Europe: A History | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| PO/IR 265 - Terrorism: Startegies of Distruction | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| SO/PO/IR 347 - The Wall: Borders, Violence and Separation in the Contemporary World | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| IT 101 - Italian Language in Context: Novice Abroad I | Fall, Spring | Italian | 4 |
| IT 102 - Italian Language in Context: Novice Abroad II | Fall, Spring | Italian | 4 |
| IT 201I - Italian Language in Context: Novice Abroad III Intensive | Fall | Italian | 8 |
| IT 301 - Italian Language in Context: Emerging Independent I | Fall, Spring | Italian | 4 |
| IT 301I - Italian Language in Context: Emerging Independent Abroad I Intenstive | Spring | English | 8 |
| IT 303 - Italian Language in Context: Emerging Independent III | Fall, Spring | Italian | 4 |
| IT 351 - Italian Language in Context: Independent Abroad I | Fall, Spring | Italian | 4 |
| IT 401 - Italian Language in Context: Emerging Competent Abroad I | Fall, Spring | Italian | 4 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| PO/HS/PH 355 - Politics and Philosophy of Power in the Land of Machiavelli | Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| PO 221 - Contemporary Italian Politics | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| PO/HS/PH 355 - Politics and Philosophy of Power in the Land of Machiavelli | Spring | English | 3 |
| PO/IR 265 - Terrorism: Startegies of Distruction | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| SO/PO/IR 347 - The Wall: Borders, Violence and Separation in the Contemporary World | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| SO/PP 240 - Valuing Diversity? Italian Contemporary Immigration and Integration Policies | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| SL/SO 395 - Social Action Seminar | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| SL/SO 395 - Social Action Seminar | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| SO/PO/IR 347 - The Wall: Borders, Violence and Separation in the Contemporary World | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| SO/PP 240 - Valuing Diversity? Italian Contemporary Immigration and Integration Policies | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
Partner Institution(s)
Most partner institution courses are worth 3 credits. Please note the program start and end dates may change if you are taking a university course.
Registration & Advising
Course offerings vary from semester to semester. Exact course availability is determined shortly before the start of each semester. For this reason, it will not be possible for you to officially register until your arrival in Rome; however you will need to refer to current course offerings in order to pre-register as part of your application.
Università degli Studi Roma Tre
www.uniroma3.it
Founded in 1992 as Rome’s third university, Roma Tre has become the city’s second largest, with over 35,000 students, and has gained a significant reputation in the Italian academic world thanks to its quality programs and international focus. 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
- Social Sciences
Students may select English-taught courses in:
- Political Science
Location & Commute Time
The campuses of Roma Tre are located throughout the city. The main campus is located in Piramide/Ostiense area in the southern part of the city. Directions to the locations of different faculties are located on Roma Tre's website. Rome is not a “university town” in the sense that student life is clustered around the universities; therefore, it takes about 45 minutes on the bus to travel from Roma Tre to the IES Abroad Rome Center.
Rome University of Fine Arts (RUFA)
www.unirufa.it/en
RUFA is a private art academy north of Rome’s historic center near Piazza Verbano. IES Abroad students studying the fine arts with at least one semester of college-level Italian language can enroll in one course at RUFA. Students can choose from courses in:
- Painting & Drawing
- Printmaking
- Sculpture
Commute Time
The commute time from RUFA to the IES Abroad Rome Center is about 45 minutes to one hour by the bus. Rome is not a “university town” in the sense that student life is clustered around the universities. The public transportation system in Rome is called the ATAC (l'Agenzia per la Mobilità del Comune di Roma).
Accademia di Costume e Moda
http://www.accademiacostumeemoda.it/en/
The Accademia di Costume e Moda 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. The Accademia di Costume e Moda is only offered during the Fall semester. The Accademia offers English-taught courses in:
- Fashion communication
- Fashion design
- Fashion styling
Internships
Interning while you study in Rome gives you a rewarding job experience with a wealth of long-lasting career benefits. You will:
- Gain a better understanding of the real-life, everyday culture of your host country
- Add global work experience and skills to your resume or your application for graduate school
- Improve your confidence
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. Our Rome Center offers two types of internships with a seminar designed to complement that type of internship. The two internship options are:
- Traditional Internship
- Archaeology Internship
Personalized Placements
Once you indicate your interest in an internship, we work with you to find the idea internship, social action, or archaeology placement that fulfills your academic and career goals. We've placed students with a wide variety of organizations and businesses. If we don't currently work with a business or organization in your field of interest, we ill search for a placement that's right for you.
Placement Fields
- Archaeology
- Art & Art History
- Business & Marketing
- Communication
- Education
- Humanities
- Human Rights
- Immigration & Social Inclusion
- International Relations
- Journalism
- Media
- Not-for-Profits
- Political Science
- Public Policy & Health
- Sociology & Urban Policies
- Tourism
Archaeology Internships
If you’re interested in archaeology, you can participate in a seminar on the theory and practice of archaeological excavations. This option is designed to give an introduction to best field practices in stratigraphy, documentation, ancient building techniques and cataloging finds. Internship placements for this option include local excavations or museum work on archaeological materials.
Service Learning
Social Action/Service Learning
Participating in a social action/service 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 first-hand some of the social issues that affect Rome.
A social action/service learning experience consists of time spent with a local organization, accompanied by an academic, for-credit service learning seminar. Through the seminar you have structured time for reflection and discussion, and even research, on the issues of your host community.
Possible placements may include organizations focused on:
- Development & Microfinance
- Education
- Environment & Food Policy
- Human Rights
- Immigration
- Public Health
- Social Inclusion
Field Trips & Events
Even though your adventure starts in Rome, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the cultures and traditions of your host country. Several two-day field trips are organized each semester. You may choose one field trip, which is subsidized by IES Abroad. You have the option of signing up for other field trips at your own cost if spots are available. Here are a few possible destinations:
Amalfi Coast
2 Days | Fall & Spring
Enjoy the stunning coast by boat. Explore the coastal towns of Amalfi and Ravello. Visit the amazing archaeological sites of Paestum and take taste the products of a local farm.
Tuscany
2 Days | Fall & Spring
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.
Course-Related Trips
IES Abroad Rome organizes more than 150 course-related trips each semester that complement IES Abroad courses and contribute to your knowledge of Italian culture and society. A few possible course-related trips include:
- Etruscan Burial Grounds of Cerveteri & Tarquinia
- Sperlonga - Remains ans sculptures of the ancient villa of the emperor Tiberius
- Monasteries of Subiaco
- Tivoli - Villa of the emperor Hadrian and Villa and gardens of the Este family
- Florence
- Ostia Antica & Pompeii
- Assisi
- Roman aqueducts in the Italian countryside
Daily Life
Part of making you feel at home in Rome is doing our best to help you feel safe and cared for. Whether it’s the orientation program that prepares you for what’s ahead, your housing that is well-located and comfortable, or the field trips that take you to places off the beaten path—we’re all about our student services. This is just one of the things we’re known for.
Orientation
The program begins with a one-week orientation that introduces you to our Rome staff, your fellow students, and the city of Rome. Topics such as academics, housing, transportation, and health and safety are covered during the week.
Additionally, CORE™, IES Abroad’s Comprehensive Orientation Experience, begins during orientation and continues throughout the semester with activities focusing on cultural adjustment, goal achievement, and preparing for the return home.
Housing
We want to make sure that your greatest challenge is deciding which landmarks to see first or discovering the best café—not finding a place to live where you feel comfortable. We do our best to locate housing that is reflective of how the local students are living. Our goal is that when you leave Rome, it will feel like home.
Italiano a Casa
If you are interested in improving your language proficiency, you may opt to sign an Italian-only language pledge with your roommates or homestay family.
Apartments
Share apartments 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.
Homestays
Located throughout the city, homestays generally house one to two students. You receive breakfast daily and have the option of sharing three evening meals each week with your host family.
Internet access is available.
Extracurricular Activities & Cultural Events
Redefine the way you live and learn in Rome through our cultural events, such as:
- Participating in cooking classes and visits to the local farmer's markets
- Taking part in papal audience on Wednesdays
- Attending outings to art exhibitions, concerts, and the opera
- Enjoying Italian regional specialties at trattoria nights
- Joining the IES Abroad-sponsored soccer team
Get to Know Your New City
The Pantheon, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Vatican…the list of historic sites in Rome is endless. Our programs take you beyond the tourist visits and inside the cultural and historic significance of these landmarks.
Soccer is more than a sport in Italy. Soak in the passion and pride at an A.S. Roma game in the Stadio Olimpico.
Spend the morning picking up produce, cured meats, freshly baked bread, and Rome’s famous mozzarella di bufala. Pro tip: Make it a picnic with your local friends and head to a park or piazza to enjoy!
While founded on seven hills, Rome is actually surrounded by 10. Take your pick and climb to the top for the best views of the city.
There’s no denying the mouthwatering food of Rome. Partake in the Center-sponsored cooking class, where you’ll learn the techniques and traditions of Roman cooking first-hand.
Program Cost
Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your study abroad office to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your home school policies, and other factors.
Use our budget worksheet to calculate your costs
$5 Million in Financial Aid
Our Center
Situated in the heart of Rome along the Tiber River across from the Castel Sant’ Angelo, the IES Abroad Rome Center is a newly renovated 1920s-era building within walking distance of the Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, and the Vatican.
Features include:
- Multi-media academic facilities
- Auditorium used for conferences and guest lectures
- Rooftop terrace with city views
- Internet and WiFi printer access
- Reading room and study area
Our Staff
Dott. Gianni Ponti
Center Director
Dott. Ponti is an archaeologist specialized in Imperial Roman architecture. After earning a BA in Classics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Dott. Ponti obtained a Laurea in archaeology from the University of Rome. He has worked on a number of archaeological excavations in the Mediterranean, including Troy, Aphrodisias and Leptis Magna. His studies and research focus on the use of marble in Roman construction, the ancient marble trade, quarrying and carving techniques. Dott. Ponti has worked on a number of excavations in Rome, including the Palatine Hill and the Imperial Fora. He has done research for the Department of Antiquities on a number of conservation projects including the Ara Pacis, the Column of Trajan and the Arch of Constantine. He is currently directing an excavation at the Villa of Maxentius on the Via Appia, as well as conducting architectural studies at Leptis Magna, Libya, with the Università di Rome Tre. Dott. Ponti has taught at the Istituto Centrale del Restauro of the Department of Antiquities and is currently Archaeology Advisor of the American Academy in Rome. He has been teaching archaeology courses at IES Abroad Rome since 2004.
IES Abroad Staff
IES Abroad Rome Staff
Monica Bandella
Italian Language Coordinator
Sara Coppolella
Student Services Assistant
Simona Di Giustino
Academic & Internship Coordinator
Valeria De Mori (Caterina Rossi currently covering)
Academic Assistant and Moodle Project Manager
Arianna Gaffi
Student Services & Housing Coordinator
Lisa Gabbarelli
Health & Safety Advisor
Luisa Taffara (Luca Bonati covering until mid-March)
Center Manager & Administrator
Elisa Bellitto
Administrative Assistant
Daira Nocera
Customized Programs Manager (part-time)
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