First Year Abroad in Rome
Unique Experiences
Give in to your sweet tooth
when you learn how to make your own gelato
Take the time to enjoy
Rome's markets, beautiful squares, and hidden treasures
Discover the historic center of Rome
which includes some of the most important artistic achievements in history
Your Destination
Rome is Italy’s timeless city, filled with ancient history, lively piazzas, and an iconic arts scene – the perfect backdrop to explore any of your interests. Spend 12 weeks wandering through the Colosseum and Roman Forum, savoring gelato while people-watching in Trastevere, and exploring local markets filled with fresh produce and handmade crafts. Whether you’re studying business, science, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, Rome is the perfect place to study abroad.
Program Highlights
- Tutoring + Academic Support: Receive personalized one-on-one tutoring to help you excel in your courses and stay on track with your studies.
- First Year Workshops: Participate in a life skills workshop led by experienced on-site staff to develop your communication, self-management, and personal skills. (Required; non-credit bearing; 1.5 hours/week, including dinner.)
- Academic Courses: Choose from CIEE courses and online courses delivered by CIEE’s global partner, ASU, that align with your academic interests.
- Immersive Experiences: Participate in activities, excursions, study tours, and more that showcase your host city's culture, values, and local art, film, music, cuisine, and sports scenes.
Excursions & Activities
CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Rome will open doors for you to explore Italy’s rich diversity, language, culture, history, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad. Each semester typically includes two day trips and one overnight trip.
Samples of excursions and activities:
- Hike in the breathtaking countryside of Lazio or relax in the tranquil gardens and vineyards that surround the Eternal City
- Unleash your creativity in hands-on workshops such as painting or pottery classes
- Wander through medieval hilltop towns like Orvieto or Assisi or unwind in picturesque seaside villages along Italy’s stunning coastlines
Please note: Activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.
Housing & Meals
Housing
CIEE Rome offers diverse housing options, including shared apartments, residence halls, and homestays located in exciting residential areas. They are conveniently located within walking distance of restaurants, cafés, shops, and public transportation, with a maximum commute of 60-70 minutes to CIEE Rome.
Standard Housing: Includes a single or double room at a homestay, or a double or triple room at a shared apartment or at a residence hall, all located within a 60-70-minute commute of CIEE Rome.
- Homestays: Homestays feature a kitchen, living room, and bathroom shared with a host family. Breakfast and dinner are included.
- Apartments: Apartments boast kitchens, common areas, and access to laundry facilities shared with others. Meals are not included.
- Residence Halls: Residence halls have kitchen access, shared laundry facilities, and common spaces. Meals are not included.
Select Housing: Includes double and triple occupancy rooms in apartments or residence halls, within a 45-minute commute of CIEE Rome. Select housing requires an additional fee.
- Apartments: Apartments boast kitchens, common areas, and access to laundry facilities shared with others. Meals are not included
- Residence Halls: Residence halls have kitchen access, shared laundry facilities, and common spaces. Meals are not included.
A note: The default criterion to assign housing is first-come, first-served; however, other factors may also be considered. If we cannot accommodate your first housing choice, we'll let you know before you arrive.
Meals
Apartments: Meals are not included.
Residence Halls: Meals are not included.
Homestays: Host families provide breakfast and dinner, and students are responsible for lunch.
Academics
CIEE Rome: Study in central Rome within walking distance of important landmarks, including the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, and the Campo de' Fiori neighborhood. CIEE Rome features five classrooms, two student lounges, a student life office, and an academic advising office.
Arizona State University (ASU): Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar.
Transcripts: Tulane University is CIEE’s School of Record for First Year Abroad. Tulane ensures that our academic programs meet the highest standards of quality and, upon completing your program, they will issue you an official U.S. transcript for any First Year Abroad courses you've successfully completed abroad (with the exception of CIEE x ASU online courses;). Students taking ASU courses online will receive an Arizona State University transcript.
Course Information
Course Notes
Block Numbers
During the Fall semester, the courses below will be listed as available in Blocks II & III, rather than Blocks I & II. This is because the First Year Abroad program runs during the final two blocks of the Fall semester which is otherwise split into three blocks on CIEE’s Academic Calendar.
Language Classes
During course selection, students interested in a non-introductory language course will be instructed to take an online language assessment to determine their proficiency level. Enrollment will be finalized on site and is based on assessment outcomes.
Syllabi available October 1
You have the flexibility to choose from a selection of in-person courses taught by CIEE instructors and from over 3,000 asynchronous undergraduate ASU Online courses.
In the table below, you can explore some of the exciting courses we offer. On the left are examples of the in-person First Year Abroad classes you can take with CIEE. On the right are just a few examples of the thousands of ASU Online courses available to you while you're abroad.
| Sample CIEE Courses (in-person) | Sample ASU Courses (online) |
|
|
CIEE proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, online coursework at no additional charge.
Check the CIEE program dates and ASU start dates below to maximize course options within your program.
Search ASU Online Courses BROWSE FAQs for more INFO
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.
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.
Interested in an academic year program? CIEE offers exciting customizable First Year Abroad programs in select locations. Talk to your Enrollment Coordinator if you're interested in any of these combinations, and please note that visa and departure requirements may vary depending on your chosen program combination.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Fall Block II 2026 6 weeks | Start Date | End Date | ||
| Program Fall 2026 12 weeks | Start Date | End Date | ||
| Program Fall Block III 2026 6 weeks | Start Date | End Date | ||
| Program Spring Block I 2027 6 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | ||
| Program Spring Block II 2027 6 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | ||
| Program Spring 2027 12 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * |
*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 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.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Our Staff
Francesca Cuccovillo
Center Director
Francesca has over a decade of expertise in the field of international higher education, having held various roles encompassing admissions, recruitment, student affairs, and academic advising. Notably, she dedicated seven...
Dr. Giulia Bottero
Academic Director
Giulia Bottero is the Academic Director and an Italian language instructor for CIEE Rome.
Cristina Cavalieri
Student Life Director
Cristina brings more than a decade of experience in international education and student affairs.