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Rome - International Relations
$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid
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.
Create your own academic experience by selecting from the following program components.
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.
- 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/social action 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 natio
- 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.
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CL/AT 250 - Building for eternity. Construction technologies in the ancient Roman world | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CL/AT 250 - Building for eternity. Construction technologies in the ancient Roman world | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| EC 341 - Italian Economy Within the European Union | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| FS 315 - From Cinecitta Studios to Real Locations: A Survey of Italian Cinema in Rome | Fall | 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| LT 353 - Comic Italian Theatre | Fall, Spring | Italian | 3 |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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
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.
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
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
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 mozzarella di bufala. 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 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.
Scholarships & Aid
Use our budget worksheet to calculate your costs
$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid
Our Center
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.
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
Monica Bandella
Italian Language Coordinator
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
Caterina Rossi
Customized Programs Manager
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.
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!
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!
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.
Academics & Partner Universities:
From courses taught by world-class IES Abroad faculty at our Center to courses taught at our local partner universities, know that you’ll be learning from the best of the best this fall. On our Rome - International Relations program, you’ll have the option to take courses taught by world-class IES Abroad faculty at our Center or at one of our partner institutions.
You can further explore course options from our partner universities and find IES Abroad course syllabi on the “Academics” tab.
The following are potential Fall 2021 course offerings:
Art History
- CL/AH 225 - Forma Urbis: The Archaeology of Ancient Rome
- HS/AH/RL 253 - From Pontius Pilate to Theodosius: The Advent of Christianity
- US/SO/AH 320 - Rome as a Living Museum
- US/AH 230 - Roman Architecture & Urban Design
- AH 331 - Creative Genius: Art & Architecture in Baroque Rome
Anthropology
Communications
Classics
- CL/AH 225 - Forma Urbis: The Archaeology of Ancient Rome
- CL/AH 265 - Classical Mythology: Gods and Heroes of Greece and Rome
Economics
Film Studies
History
- HS 236 - Empire Building: History and Myth of Ancient Rome
- HS/AH/RL 253 - From Pontius Pilate to Theodosius: The Advent of Christianity
- HS 335 - Italian Fascism: the First Totalitarian Political Religion
International Relations
- IR/PO 265 - Terrorism: Strategies of Destruction
- IR/HS 343 - Italy and the United States: History of a Long-Standing Interaction
Internship Seminar
Italian Language
Depending on student language levels, the following courses could be offered:
- IT 101 - Italian Language in Context: Novice Abroad I
- IT 102 - Italian Language in Context: Novice Abroad II
- IT 201I - Italian Language in Context: Novice Abroad III Intensive
- IT 301 - Italian Language in Context: Emerging Independent I
- IT 303 - Italian Language in Context: Emerging Independent III
- IT 351 - Italian Language in Context: Independent Abroad I
- IT 401 - Italian Language in Context: Emerging Competent Abroad I
Journalism
Political Science
- IR/PO 265 - Terrorism: Strategies of Destruction
- SO/PO/IR 347 - The Wall: Borders, Violence and Separation in the Contemporary World
Psychology
Religious Studies
Sociology
- SO/PO/IR 347 - The Wall: Borders, Violence and Separation in the Contemporary World
- SO/AN 350 - Organized Crime in Italy: Mafias, Murders, and Business
- SO/PP 240 - Valuing Diversity? Italian Contemporary Immigration and Integration Policies
Health & Safety Protocols
We’re making sure that your learning experience is a safe one so you can focus on the topic at hand. So, to enhance effective social/physical distancing, IES Abroad is taking proactive measures in the classroom, including:
- limiting class enrollment sizes limitations
- adjusting space layout and room choice
- and promoting student/faculty use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Learn more about our health and safety measures for Fall 2021.
Housing
You’ll stay in a clean, comfortable apartment where we’ve taken the utmost safety measures, including single-occupancy rooms. Italian Student Companions will not be available this semester, in our single-occupancy setting. At this time, homestays will also not be offered through IES Abroad program this fall. Learn more about the overarching housing policies for Fall 2021.
Field Trips
Across all IES Abroad programs, field trips will stay local and regional this fall. Your fields trips will all take place in Italy, which means you’ll get fully immersed in the culture(s) you came for! Possible trips include:
- Pompei
- Florence
- Assisi
- Siena
Internships
Our optional, part-time internships have always been designed to give you experience in what it's really like to work in Rome. For Fall 2021, part-time internships will be offered online. That said, we’re working hard to be able to offer in-person opportunities that align with our health and safety standards. You can count on having a part-time internship this fall—definitely virtually and potentially in-person—to help you gain a professional edge this semester.
Our Center
Our Center in Rome is your go-to spot for classes, student services, and information. Serving as your campus away from campus, you can feel safe going to class or checking in with an IES Abroad staff member because, at a minimum, IES Abroad Centers will undergo daily cleaning and disinfection by professional cleaning services.
Cost
Cost details for Fall 2021 can be found on the Cost tab. Be sure to click through the linked total to view a thorough cost breakdown PDF. Consider those 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.
Go Ahead & Get Started…With a Refund Policy that has your Back
As a mission-driven, not-for-profit, we are guided by two priorities as we navigate Fall 2021: to leave the door open for your opportunity to study abroad, and to strive to keep you safe and healthy. So, what’s our advice? Give yourself the chance to have an incredible adventure—even if it’s a bit different than planned!—and know we’re right alongside you as the details unfold.
And thanks to our Fall 2021 Refund Policy, there’s no commitment just yet. What’s more, once you start an application, you’ll be in the loop and hear directly from us if any changes are made to your program.
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