downtown rome spanish steps fountain
Rome, Italy

Semester in Rome

Study Program

Dates

-

16 weeks

Costs

Credit

12 - 17 semester hours

18 - 25.5 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

TBD

Credit

12 - 17 semester hours

18 - 25.5 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Tentative Dates

-

15 weeks

Credit

12 - 17 semester hours

18 - 25.5 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

-

15 weeks

Costs

Credit

12 - 17 semester hours

18 - 25.5 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Overview

Spend your semester living and learning in the Eternal City! Designed for students from all academic backgrounds, the Semester in Rome program is the perfect chance to earn credits toward your degree while immersing yourself in Italian culture.  

When class is in session, you'll choose from a unique mix of flexible and diverse courses (in English or Italian) at CIEE Rome and CIEE's renowned partner institution, Roma Tre. You may also enroll in courses with a local flavor, like language, politics, photography, cuisine, or sustainability initiatives.

Outside the classroom, you'll have every opportunity to participate actively in the Italian community. Immerse yourself in the local culture with optional credit-bearing internships, volunteering opportunities, or language programs. Don't stop there; round out your study abroad adventure by participating in co-curricular and extracurricular activities and off-the-beaten-path trips organized by CIEE to appreciate Rome’s impressive cultural attractions and landmarks. 

Unique Experiences

Take a cooking class

in the world’s gastronomical capital, where you can prepare your own pasta

Explore the ancient ruins

like the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon

Shop in style

along Rome’s streets, which are lined with high-end boutiques, artisanal shops, and markets, offering everything from designer clothing to handmade crafts

2,700

years of history

900

churches in Rome, the most of any city in the world

50,000

spectators used to visit the colosseum for contests

Experience
  • Rome girls in sunglasses at Colosseum
  • Rome center common area
  • Rome students on steps in the hills

Your Destination

Rome is simply a one-of-a-kind destination. Once the center of Western civilization, and with a history spanning nearly 3,000 years, Rome houses some of the world’s most-visited attractions. It also includes Vatican City, an independent country within Rome’s boundaries and the seat of the Pope, not to mention the home to the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel. Thanks to its unparalleled beauty, Rome repeatedly hosts international movie productions – more recently for “The House of Gucci,” the upcoming “Mission Impossible – Dead Reckoning,” and Angelina Jolie’s “Without Blood.”

CIEE Rome occupies the main floor of the prestigious Palazzo Capizucchi and it is a short walk from some of the main landmarks of the city, such as the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps.

CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Rome.

The Culture

HSSA Rome students on steps

Excursions & Activities

  • Participate in overnight excursions and/or day trips to some of the most iconic places in Italy, such as Florence, Pompeii, and the Amalfi Coast
  • Visit Rome’s incredible museums and archeological sites, and more, like the Roman Forum, local markets, the Senate House and the Presidential Palace, Cinecittà Studios, and other local businesses and startups
  • Relax while listening to Italian music masterpieces at the Opera
Rome sunny ruins

Other Cultural Activities

  • Participate in optional activities with local shelters or not-for-profit entities like Retake Rome to give back to the local community
  • Join local student engagement groups to meet Italians, make friends, and network
HSSA Rome students working in notebook on steps

Academic Projects

A for-credit Internship (in English) allows students the opportunity to gain practical work experience in a local company within a variety of industry sectors. Students can choose to intern for NGOs, publishing companies, marketing agencies, businesses, and more. Internships include weekly classroom components that enrich the experience.

Directed Independent Research is for qualified students who have demonstrated academic rigor and curiosity toward a particular research topic. Independent research topics will be approved by the CIEE Rome Director and must reflect a topic that is relevant to Rome or Italy. To be accepted into this course, students must submit a structured proposal with the topic of exploration, and the significance of the research topic as it relates to Rome/Italy, methodology, a literature review, and a schedule of research milestones. Upon research completion, students will present their findings to a panel of academics.

Program Blogs

From CIEE

Best Coffee Shops and Restaurants in Rome

By College Study Abroad Ambassador at CIEE

By: Liz Huber HEY EVERYONE!! If you’re someone who is studying abroad in Rome, Italy in the near future, this blog post is for you. Especially if you’re someone who... keep reading

From CIEE

Four Places to Visit While Studying Abroad in Rome

By College Study Abroad Ambassador at CIEE

By Trynity Scott I absolutely adored studying abroad in Rome. It has so much history and things to see and do. You can learn something from every piece of ruins... keep reading

From CIEE

Places to visit while studying abroad in Rome

By College Study Abroad Ambassador at CIEE

By: Carolyn Schwartz Studying abroad in Rome provides a fantastic opportunity to explore a city with a rich history, stunning architecture, amazing cuisine and vibrant culture. Here are some must-visit... keep reading

Housing
Academics

Academics

Roma Tre University was founded in 1992 by the Ministry of Public Education. A public research university, Roma Tre University is made up of eight schools, 32 departments, and more than 35,000 students.

Important Note about Exam Dates: Students are required to stay in Rome until they have completed their Roma Tre exams. Official Fall exams are in January, and official Spring exams are in June. However, early exams in December and May may be possible, but they should be confirmed on an individual basis with the professor at the start of the regular semester session, during the add/drop period. Please note that it is up to the discretion of each professor to allow the taking of final exams before the start of the official examination period.
CIEE courses and exams end by December and May, therefore students can take critical courses with CIEE should their preferred course choice at Roma Tre does not offer early exams. You will be provided with housing until all your exams are completed. As it is impossible to confirm your exam schedule prior to your arrival, if your priority is to leave Rome as soon as your university finals are finished, please book an airline ticket with a low change fee or a flexible departure date. 

GPA

2.5

Additional Requirements

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Requirements

All CIEE “Semester in” Rome students take four or five courses per semester, for a total of 12-17 U.S. credits. These courses can be a combination of CIEE and host institution courses (Università Roma Tre) in English and/or Italian.

Students with five semesters of college-level Italian or equivalent may attend courses at Roma Tre in the faculties of International Relations and Political Science.

Program Credit

Total Credits: 12 - 17 U.S. semester/18 - 25.5 quarter credits (15 semester credits recommended)

Course Credit

  • CIEE courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours, unless otherwise indicated
    • CIEE Language Courses: 3 – 4 U.S. semester/4.5 – 6 quarter credits; 45 – 60 contact hours
  • CIEE Internship: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 15 seminar hours, 100-120 internship placement hours
  • CIEE Directed Independent Research: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 15 contact hours, 100-120 research hours
  • Università Roma Tre courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 135 notional hours

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Academic Culture

Roma Tre University has an academic culture that emphasizes innovation, internationalization, and research with a strong focus on independent learning, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary study. Classes are generally lecture-style and they can involve less guidance than U.S. students are accustomed to: syllabi can be less detailed and there are fewer assessments. Attendance is mandatory and assessment is typically based on a single final exam, often oral. CIEE courses are more typically in the style of U.S. universities, with carefully monitored attendance, regular assignments and exams, and participation all being important factors in grading.

Class Format

Courses are delivered through a mix of lectures, seminars, and practical sessions, on site classes and will vary depending on the class.

Grading

Students are evaluated by a combination of exams, class participation, and assignments. Grades for Roma Tre are based on the final exam.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Language of Instruction

English and/or Italian

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Courses

Course Information

For students who want to take classes in Italian at Roma Tre a minimum of five semesters of Italian, or equivalent, is required.

Academic Projects

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Architecture

Course
Language
Semester Credit

History, Philosophy, Religion

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Visual and Performing Arts

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Communication, Journalism, and Media

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Health Professions and Related Programs

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Social Sciences

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Languages and Cultural Studies

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Academic Projects

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Architecture

Course
Language
Semester Credit

History, Philosophy, Religion

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Visual and Performing Arts

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Communication, Journalism, and Media

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Health Professions and Related Programs

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Social Sciences

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Languages and Cultural Studies

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Roma Tre University
Below is a sample of courses offered in English for 3 U.S. credits. Course offerings may vary from semester to semester.

  • Gender and Political Theories 
  • European Constitutional Law 
  • Post-colonial studies in the English Speaking World 
  • Theory of Human Rights  
  • Sustainability, Economic Development and transport 
  • The United States and the world in the 20th and 21st centuries

Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.

Scholarships

Scholarships & Grants

CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.

Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:

  • Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
  • CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
  • MSI Grant
  • Trailblazer Grant

To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.

Learn more about scholarships

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Fees & Housing

Program Fall 2024 16 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $20,950
Program Academic year 2024-2025 Start Date * End Date TBD*
Program Spring 2025 15 weeks Start Date * End Date *
Program Spring 2024 15 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $20,950

*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.

To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $14,456**

Housing = $6,000

Insurance = $194

Total Fees = $20,950

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $1,904

International Airfare = $1,250††

Local Transportation = $200

Books & Supplies = $150

Visa Fees = $60†††

Potential travel to consulate for visa = $500††††

Personal expenses = $300†††††

Total Costs = $4,364

Optional Housing

CIEE accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee:

Select Housing Fee = $750^

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals (breakfast and dinner). For students in apartments, you should budget approx. $278 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†††Full-semester students only. To be paid at Italian consulate in US

††††If no consulate in your home area

†††††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

^The default criterion to assign housing is first-come, first-served; however, other factors may also be considered.

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $14,456**

Housing = $6,000

Insurance = $194

Total Fees = $20,950

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $1,904

International Airfare = $1,250††

Local Transportation = $200

Books & Supplies = $150

Visa Fees = $60†††

Potential travel to consulate for visa = $500††††

Personal expenses = $300†††††

Total Costs = $4,364

Optional Housing

CIEE accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee:

Select Housing Fee = $750^

Select Plus Housing Fee = $1,500^^

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals (breakfast and dinner). For students in apartments, you should budget approx. $278 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†††Full-semester students only. To be paid at Italian consulate in US

††††If no consulate in your home area

†††††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

^first-come, first serve, based on availability

^^first-come, first serve, based on availability

What's Included

Tuition

Housing

Pre-departure Advising

Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions

Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet

Orientation

Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city

On-site Staff

Full-time program leadership and support in your city

Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities

Excursions and/or Study Tours

Travel Protection

CIEE iNext travel protection

24/7 emergency on-site support

Staff

Our Staff

Dr. Giulia Bottero

Center Director

Giulia Bottero is the Academic Director and an Italian language instructor for CIEE Rome.

Palmina Trombetta

Student Life Manager

Originally from Sydney, Australia, Pam moved to Rome in 2006. She graduated in Commerce, majoring in Organizational Behavior and then took the Cambridge University CELTA certificate to teach English to...

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