Our International Relations Program explores the role and history of Italian involvement in European, Mediterranean, and world affairs from the 1800s to the present. You’ll explore the long-lasting interaction and implications of Italy’s position in the EU, the intricacies and complexities of Italian politics since the end of WWII, fundamental contemporary issues such as terrorism and mass migration, and more.
Rome, Italy
International Relations
At a Glance
Program Dates:
- Spring 2025: January 27 - May 08
- Fall 2025: August 25 - November 21
- Spring 2026: Late January - Early May
Credits:
12 to 15 in the Fall 2025 Semester
Estimated Cost:
$20,740
Housing:
Apartment,
Homestay
Language of Instruction:
English,
Italian
Language Prerequisites:
None
Part-Time Internship (Optional):
Included in Program Fee
About the Program
Fall 2025 Update Regarding Italian Visas & 90 Day Programs
New! Study Abroad in Italy Without a Student Visa This Fall
To accommodate recent legislative changes affecting student visas in Italy, we've created new opportunities for study abroad in Italy without a visa (for most students) this fall.
Check out our Study in Milan (No Visa) program or any one of our Rome and Siena programs which have all been adjusted in length, credits, and courses for Fall 2025—all while preserving the quality we're known for.
Helping you make your study abroad dreams a reality? It's just what we do.
Spring 2026
Program Dates:
Late January - Early May
Application Deadline:
Program Advisor
Riley Villhauer
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!
About the Destination
Why Rome?
Although the Roman Empire fell some 1,500 years ago, its legacy has loomed large throughout modern history. The Senate and legislative assemblies of the ancient Roman Republic are similar to how legislature currently works in many countries, including the United States. Today, Rome plays a large role in European and global politics, economics, and business. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better place to examine international relations between the EU and the United States than Rome, a city that laid the groundwork for much of Western civilization.
The Student Experience
All Roads Lead to Rome... Re-Entry Reflection
After returning to the USA, I'm seeing the ways that my semester abroad changed me.
Program Dates
Spring 2025
Program Dates:
January 27 - May 08
Application Deadline:
Fall 2025
Program Dates:
August 25 - November 21
Application Deadline:
Spring 2026
Program Dates:
Late January - Early May
Application Deadline:
Academics
Daeun K. • Hope College
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 International Relations, 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
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.
Courses
In the Fall 2025 semester, students will take 12-15 credits. Please note that students in the Spring 2026 term and beyond may have adjusted program components.
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)
In addition to your program’s specified coursework, you can take any of the area studies courses offered through our Rome - 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.
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
Anthropology (1)
| Course name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| SO/AN 350 - Organized Crime in Italy: Mafias, Murders, and Business | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
Please note: Due to current visa restrictions, only Accademia di Costume e Moda will be available as a partner university offering in the Fall 2025 semester.
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.
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.
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.
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)
About the IES Abroad Center
IES Abroad Rome
The Center is your study abroad hub, where our highly trained local staff provide on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad.
The IES Abroad Rome Center is situated in the heart of Rome along the Tiber River, across from the Castel Sant' Angelo. The Center is a newly renovated 1920s-era building within walking distance of the Piazza Navona, Pantheon, and the Vatican.
IES Abroad Rome Staff
Gianni Ponti
IES Abroad Rome Center Director (Currently on Leave for a Special Assignment)
Simona Di Giustino
Acting Director, Academic Affairs & Internships Manager
Arianna Gaffi
Assistant Director, Student Affairs & Housing Coordinator
Luisa Taffara
Assistant Director, Administration, & Human Resources
Francesca Angeli
Academic Manager
Antonella Maglione
Italian Language Program Coordinator
Elena Dalla Massara
Internship Coordinator
Valentina Castellani
Health and Safety Advisor
Valentina Pulpito
Student Success Coordinator
Michela Carnevali
Student Affairs Assistant
Elisa Bellitto
Administration Assistant
Naike Valeriano
Customized Programs Manager and Co-Curricular Activities Coordinator
Giulia Lazzarelli
Academic & Customized Programs Assistant
Caterina Gulfo
Customized Program Assistant
Beatrice Bradley
Student Success Coordinator
Edoardo Lucarini
IT Manager
Brando Maxwell
Front Desk Coordinator
Housing
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.
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.
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.
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.
Umbria
2 Days
Fall & Spring
The trip in the region of Umbria, called “the heart of Italy”, starts with a relaxed rafting tour down the amazing waters of the river Nera valley (equipment and gear included). The group will have lunch in the area and then move to a tiny medieval village...
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:
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
Arts, Art History & Humanities
Business
Education
International Relations & Politics
Marketing
Media & Journalism
Experiential Learning
Bianca R. • Hope College
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 2025
Fall 2025
Academic Year 2025
Spring 2026
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.
Orientation
Health & Safety
With 75 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 your program cost to highly trained local staff who can connect you with English-speaking healthcare providers, we work around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Identity Resources
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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