Rome - International Relations | IES Abroad

Rome - International Relations

The program evaluation date for this program has passed, and we have determined that this program can run this spring. Learn more about the programmatic details on the Spring 2022 tab.

Tips for Navigating This Page

As you explore the details of this program across the Overview, Field Trips, Daily Life tabs and more, know that these tabs are reflective of our future programming once COVID regulations allow us to resume. If you’re considering studying abroad in the nearer future, look for term-specific tabs like Fall 2021 or Spring 2022 to see how we’ve adjusted program details to give you that IES Abroad experience you’re looking for, while keeping you safe and healthy.

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.

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

What You'll Study

As part of your coursework, you’ll meet with political leaders; members of Parliament; international, national, and local institutions; and the Senate. You also have the extraordinary opportunity to take Italian- or English-taught courses in the Humanities and Social Sciences at the prestigious Università degli Studi Roma Tre, the second-largest university in Rome. A wide variety of other disciplines are offered, as well, so you can supplement your study of International Relations with a course from another one of our programs in Rome focused on Italian language, Art History, History, Classics, Sociology, and more.

Enhance what you learn in the classroom and add international work experience to your résumé by participating in an optional internship or community-based learning/social action placement and accompanying seminar. Possible placements include an NGO focusing on developing nations, an urban planning organization, an international politics think tank, a notfor-profit organization that works with immigrants, and more.

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$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid

We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from participating in an IES Abroad Program. This is why we commit more than $6 million to our scholarship and aid programs.

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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 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.

While in Rome, 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, see page 28)
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, see page 28)
English- or Italian-taught courses at a local university (optional, 3 credits each)
Community-based learning placement and seminar (optional, 3 credits)
Internship placement and seminar I(optional, 3 credits) Possible placements may include:
- International politics think tank
- NGO focused on developing nations
- Urban planning organization

*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 possible course offerings in Rome. The final course list for each term will depend on faculty availability, students interested in each course, and discipline diversity. After you are accepted, you will see a list of tentative course offerings for your term 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.

Architecture
Course Name	Term	Language	Credits
CL/AT 250 - Building for eternity. Construction technologies in the ancient Roman world	Fall, Spring	English	3

Classics
Course Name	Term	Language	Credits
CL/AT 250 - Building for eternity. Construction technologies in the ancient Roman world	Fall, Spring	English	3

Economics
Course Name	Term	Language	Credits
EC 341 - Italian Economy Within the European Union	Fall, Spring	English	3

Film Studies
Course Name	Term	Language	Credits
FS 315 - From Cinecitta Studios to Real Locations: A Survey of Italian Cinema in Rome	Fall	English	3

History
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

Internship Seminar
Course Name	Term	Language	Credits
IN 395 - Internship Seminar	Fall, Spring	English	3

International Relations
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
IR/PO 265 - Terrorism: Strategies of Destruction	Spring, Fall	English	3
SO/PO/IR 347 - The Wall: Borders, Violence and Separation in the Contemporary World	Fall, Spring	English	3

Italian
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 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

Literature
Course Name	Term	Language	Credits
LT 353 - Comic Italian Theatre	Fall, Spring	Italian	3

Philosophy
Course Name	Term	Language	Credits
PO/HS/PH 355 - Politics and Philosophy of Power in the Land of Machiavelli	Spring	English	3

Political Science
Course Name	Term	Language	Credits
IR/PO 265 - Terrorism: Strategies of Destruction	Spring, Fall	English	3
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
SO/PO/IR 347 - The Wall: Borders, Violence and Separation in the Contemporary World	Fall, Spring	English	3

Public Policy
Course Name	Term	Language	Credits
SO/PP 240 - Valuing Diversity? Italian Contemporary Immigration and Integration Policies	Fall, Spring	English	3

Service Learning
Course Name	Term	Language	Credits
SL/SO 395 - Social Action Seminar	Fall, Spring	English	3

Sociology
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

Community-Based Learning

Participating in a community-based learning/social action 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/social action 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.

Possible placements may include organizations focused on:

Development & Microfinance
Education
Environment & Food Policies
Human Rights
Immigration
Public Health
Social Inclusion

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.

Personalized Placements
Once you indicate your interest in an internship, we work with you to find the ideal placement that satisfies your interests and goals. We’ve placed student with a wide variety of organizations and businesses. If we don’t currently offer placements in your field of interest, we will look for one that’s right for you.

Archaeology - 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.

Placement Examples
Past students have interned in the following fields. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Just talk to your IES Abroad Advisor—we are always looking for new internship opportunities for our students.

Arts, Art History & Humanities
Business
Education
Environment & Community Service
Entrepreneurship
Immigration & Social Inclusion
International Development
International Relations & Politics
IT
Marketing
Media & Journalism
Social Action
Travel & Tourism
Visual Arts

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.

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

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 and 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 is an orientation program that prepares you for what’s ahead, 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.

Orientation

Our orientation introduces you to the IES Abroad Rome staff, your fellow students, and the city of Rome.

Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins at home with our virtual orientation to help you prepare for your IES Abroad experience. Orientation continues throughout the semester with activities focusing on academic and cultural adjustment. Detailed information about housing, public transportation, culture, health and safety, and other important topics are also covered.

Housing

Apartments – 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.

Homestays – Located throughout the city, homestays generally house one to two students. You receive breakfast daily and have the option of sharing five 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

Discover the Ins and Outs of World-Famous Landmarks

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.

Watch Roma Game

Soccer is more than a sport in Italy. Soak in the passion and pride at an A.S. Roma game in the Stadio Olimpico.

Shop at Local Farmer's Market

Spend the morning picking up produce, cured meats, freshly baked bread, and Rome’s famous "supplì" rice meatballs with mozzarella and tomato sauce. Pro tip: Make it a picnic with your local friends and head to a park or piazza to enjoy!

Take in a Panoramic View of the City

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.

Take a Cooking Class

There’s no denying the mouthwatering food of Rome. Partake in the 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.

Term: Spring 2022
Term	Tuition	Housing	Insurance	Total
Spring 2022	$14,585	$3,860	$230	$18,675

Term: Fall 2021
Term	Tuition	Housing	Insurance	Total
Fall 2021 Academic Year	$14,299 $25,725	$3,780 $7,560	$230 $455	$18,309 $33,740

Scholarships & Aid

Use our budget worksheet to calculate your costs

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$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid

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Our Center

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While in Rome, we want to ensure you have every opportunity to immerse yourself in new experiences. That’s why our IES Abroad Rome Center staff is committed to providing outstanding academic and student support services. We take care of the details, so you can soak up every moment of your Rome experience.

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, the Pantheon, and the Vatican. Our Center is your connection point for all things IES Abroad.

Take your IES Abroad courses in the Center's multi-media classrooms
Meet up with friends or hang out between class on the Center's rooftop terrace with an incredible city view
Meet with staff in their offices
Study in the reading room, complete with a library and computer lab
Take your classes to the next level with music practice rooms, a digital photo facility, and a video editing lab

Other features include: WiFi and printing facilities.

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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 Rome Staff

Sara Coppolella
Student Affairs Assistant

Simona Di Giustino
Academic & Internship Coordinator

Valeria De Mori
Academic Assistant and Moodle Project Manager

Arianna Gaffi
Student Affairs & Housing Coordinator

Luisa Taffara
Center Manager & Administrator

Elisa Bellitto
Administrative Assistant

students walking to class in center hall

conservation room with three works on table

with of three student conservation projects on table

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 what time zone you’re in.

In response to COVID-19, enhanced safety guidelines will be implemented this year—such as social distancing and personal protective equipment (PPE) in on-site classes, in-country field trips and travel only, and apartment or residence hall housing (no homestays) that ensures proper space should self-quarantining be necessary.

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student in denim jacket looking over shoulder and smiling

How We Support You

We plan for "what if" 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.

Learn more about the support you can expect to receive on our programs, including:

International health insurance through CISI in the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional
24/7 emergency support whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city
Location-specific health and safety information presented at orienation by on-site staff
TripTracker system allowing you to share independent travel plans in case you need to be contacted swiftly in a crisis
A mandatory cell phone policy so that you can be contacted locally and receive any emergency updates via call or text
Crisis drills so that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise
And more!

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Health & Safety Resources

You safety begins with being accurately informed from the moment you're considering study abroad through to the day you return home.

Take note of ways you can maintain your health and stay safe abroad while reviewing our resources, including:

IES Abroad MAP for Student Health, Safety & Crisis Management
Study Abroad Safety Tips for Traveling
IES Abroad Student Blogs on Safety and Mental Health
And more!

BROWSE RESOURCES

Fall 2021

We all know that Fall 2021 is going to look a bit different from other study abroad terms, but that doesn’t mean it still won’t be the most incredible semester of your life!

We’re working hard to keep you safe and well, so you can focus on what you came to do—live and learn abroad (and have some fun along the way!). Below is a summary of the main tweaks to the program this semester, which may be updated as more details become known. You can learn even more about our measures for all programs on our Fall 2021 Health & Safety page.