Information for term Italian Language & Culture
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
Click to OpenFew experiences rival the opportunity to study abroad in Rome. Nowhere else can students step between thousands of years of art, history, and rich layers of contemporary Italian culture, surrounded by world-famous churches, monuments, and museums.
Each day after language classes, you’ll head out on the town and speak Italian independently in shops and markets throughout the city. Living with a local homestay, you’ll practice your Italian as you prepare and share meals, shop at local markets, learn local customs, and enjoy everyday life – and gelato! By the end of your stay, your proficiency will have grown by leaps and bounds.
CIEE Gap Year Abroad programs are focused on supporting participants in acquiring knowledge and developing skills to live in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world. In addition to developing your language skills and gaining a better understanding of the local culture, you will take part in our Global Competence Course. This online course will allow you to connect and collaborate in real-time with our entire cohort of Gap participants worldwide, through interactive workshops and discussions. Reflect on your own cultural biases, share insights about your experience and learn about topics ranging from cultural identity and leadership styles to how to work and live sustainably or develop communication skills.
With the Vatican Museums in your neighborhood and Rome as your classroom, you’ll be completely immersed in the city’s dazzling culture. Make the most of this amazing opportunity!
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement
CIEE is requiring all participants to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before traveling on programs. Read more ›
The Take-Aways
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LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY
15-20 hours per week of Italian language learning designed to improve real-world language skills.
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GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE
uild a strong foundation in the core components of intercultural learning. Come home with an improved sense of self and awareness of what shapes others.
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CERTIFICATE
Earn a Certificate of Learning in Italian, and documented language growth through pre- and post-program testing.
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of alumni said their language skills improved
96% -
said they learned to interact with different cultural backgrounds
94% -
said their level of independence increased
89%
Location & Culture
Click to Open


The Destination
With a history spanning 3,000 years, Rome is one of the most culturally rich cities in the world.
Ancient statues adorn museums housing priceless paintings and archaeological treasures. On this program you’ll visit major landmarks, including the Colosseum, the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, Saint Peter’s Basilica, Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel Ceiling, and charming piazzas. The Vatican Museums contain enough valuables to keep you busy for days.
During guided tours and onsite workshops and activities you’ll discover historical monuments, architectural icons and artistic masterpieces spanning antiquity, the Renaissance, Baroque and more modern periods.
What else can you do in Rome? Stroll through medieval piazzas, view Renaissance paintings, and catch up with the latest fashion by window shopping. Eat gelato! People-watch in busy cafes, grab a plate of pasta or pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice), and live your gap experience with gusto!
Daily Life
Click to OpenDaily Life
A succesful Gap experience achieves the right balance between structured language instruction, practice in the community and cultural activties to be fully immersed in the local culture.
Here's how a typical week goes on a CIEE Gap Language & Culture program:
- 15-20 hours of interactive language learning at a language school
- 1 to 2 hours of the CIEE Global Competence Course
- 2 cultural activities
- Free time to explore and have fun!
Weekends are for group excursions (1 overnight trip and 2 daytrips per semester) or personal travel and exploration.
*If Covid-19 homestay requirements cannot be met participants will be placed in a CIEE-vetted dormitory or apartment. Confirmation will be communicated to participants in advance.
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Local CIEE Center staff available 24/7
Activities
Click to OpenSample Activities
- Climb to the top of St. Peter’s dome.
- View the Colosseum, Vatican, Spanish Steps and other iconic sites in Rome.
- Take a cooking class in the world’s gastronomical capital.
- Learn how gelato is made in one of Roman most famous ""gelateria"" and then taste plenty!
- Bike around the famous Villa Borghese park on a pedal-powered treasure hunt.
- Stretch your vocal cords in an Italian singing workshop.
- Picnic at the 17th century Villa Pamphili and play soccer on its vast public green.

Sample Day Trips
Take a day trip to the hills of Tivoli, home to two Unesco World Heritage Sites with grand Renaissance villas and gardens. This beautiful and peaceful refuse for Romans provides participants with a unique contrast to Roman everyday life.
Please note this list of activities is based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to both adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when revising itineraries is always to enhance your experience. Every activity is designed to provide you with a deep immersion in your topic, local culture and sights. Get ready for maximum fun!
Eligibility & Fees
Click to OpenEligibility & Fees
Eligibility
- High school graduates in good academic standing.
- Students must demonstrate, through the application and interview process, flexibility and maturity.
- Students must be 18 years or older at the time of their departure.
- No previous language experience required.
Fees
$50
Priority deadline discount: Apply to a fall semester or academic year by 5/1 and get a $400 discount. Apply to a spring semester by 9/1 and get a $400 discount. Discounts are deducted from final balance.
Program fee includes iNext travel insurance. Full inclusions are found online.
Apply for an academic year and enjoy an authentic holiday experience! If you stay in your host country between the fall and spring semesters, CIEE will cover your housing costs. We will either extend your homestay or provide you with an alternate lodging option until your spring semester classes and activities resume.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Costs |
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Academic Year 2022 36 weeks | Rolling Admissions | Sep 4, 2022 | May 13, 2023 |
$25,650 |
Fall 2022 15 weeks | Rolling Admissions | Sep 4, 2022 | Dec 17, 2022 |
$13,500 |
Spring 2023 15 weeks | Sep 1, 2022 | Jan 29, 2023 | May 13, 2023 |
$13,500 |