Creative Writing & Culture in Europe
A Summer for Fun, Friends, and Your Future
Explore
Have fun discovering Athens and Rome through the eyes of a writer and storyteller.
Network
Meet new friends and professional writers. Build your own community.
Get Inspired
Launch your future today! Master literary techniques, refine your creative process, and build a standout writing portfolio.
The Destination
Welcome to Athens and Rome, two impressive capitals on the Mediterranean Sea.
Home to over 3,000 years of history, the mythic traditions, classic works of literature and revolutionary artistic movements of Greece and Rome have long left their mark on Western culture. Here, the birthplaces of famous writers like Homer, the author of the Odyssey, and Ovid, the poet behind Metamorphoses, sets the scene for your creative writing journey.
In these cities, architectural wonders and historic ruins wait at every turn. Take in sprawling views of Athens from the famed Acropolis and Parthenon, two icons that stand in contrast to the modern metropolis below. In Rome, grand landmarks like the Colosseum and the Roman Forum are stark reminders of a once prolific empire. While immersed in it all, enjoy local dishes like gyros and baklava as well as homemade pasta and gelato.
Your time in Southern Europe immersed in a new culture will help you gain a deeper connection to the past and spark your imagination for stories to come.
Cultural Awareness
CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. No matter where you choose to study abroad with CIEE, our staff will be on hand throughout your program to provide advice, resources, and support.
Sample Itinerary
Sample Activities
Just Imagine all the fun you'll have!
- Go back in time as you take in the ruins of the Acropolis of Athens, an ancient citadel that has overlooked the city since the 5th century B.C.
- Walk the aisles of Odeon of Herodes Atticus, an ancient openair theatre at the base of the Acropolis that hosted performances after it was built between 160 A.Dmo. – 174 A.D. and modern acts.
- Learn more about the Athens Ancient Agora, a central square in the old city where ruins leave behind traces of the bustle of business, politics, and social activities that have taken place there over centuries.
- Participate in a Character Creation Workshop at Villa Borghese, a lush 17thcentury estate where your imagination will be put to work as you develop characters through observational storytelling and laughter.
- Spend the day at Cinecittà World, the largest film studio in Europe, where dozens of critically acclaimed movies have been filmed, most notably Wes Anderson's The Life Aquatic (2004) and Martin Scorsese's The Godfather III (1990).
8 Reasons to Study Art in High School on a Summer Abroad Program
Studying art is all about developing your creativity and seeing the world in new ways. Did you know you can take your passion abroad and study art in another country... keep reading
How to Apply for Your First Passport
Prepare early for your study abroad adventure and apply for your first passport. Here’s how!
How Can I Help My Teen Pick a Study Abroad Program?
Is your teen thinking about studying abroad? That’s super exciting! Choosing the right program, however, can feel overwhelming—especially if your teen is having a hard time deciding where they want... keep reading
Eligibility
- Participants must be 14 years old and above.
- Program open to all current high school students: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors.  
- For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our scholarship page.
For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.
Dates & Fees
Application Fee
$25
Program scholarships and tuition include iNext Travel Insurance, but do not cover the cost of flights. Find additional details about what’s included with your tuition.
More questions? Find answers, get application support, sign up for virtual presentations, or contact us!
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Summer Blocks IV, V 2026 3 weeks | Start Date | End Date |
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.
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.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
Ready to change your life?
What's Included
Interactive Classes
Housing
3 Meals/Day
(Dietary Needs Accommodated)
All Ground Transportation
(Once In-country)
Optional Flight Chaperone
(Flight Cost Not Included)
Pre-departure Advice and Orientation
Access to WIFI
(No international data plan or SIM card included)
All Cultural Activities and Excursions
Comprehensive Medical and 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...
Program Leaders guide and support our High School Summer Abroad participants through every step of their program.
You might also like
- Rome, Italy
- Arts & Culture
Conjure up new stories and characters inspired by the myths of Ancient Rome.
- Hostel/Hotel
- London, England
- Arts & Culture
Spark your literary inspiration in London, home to countless authors and stories that have shaped the world.
- Hostel/Hotel
- Edinburgh, Scotland
- Arts & Culture
Craft your own narratives against the backdrop of ancient castles, winding lanes, and spectacular landscapes.
- Dorm/Residence hall