Rome, Italy Paris, France

Architecture & Culture in Europe

Arts & Culture

From ancient arches to the Eiffel Tower, explore architecture and culture in Rome and Paris.

Dive into two of Europe’s most iconic cities and trace the evolution of Western architecture and European modernity. In Rome, explore ancient innovations, Renaissance balance, and Baroque flair. Then, head to Paris to study Gothic cathedrals, modernist landmarks, and the transformation from winding medieval alleys to Haussmann’s grand boulevards. In each city, you’ll build design knowledge, sketch on-site, and learn how buildings reflect culture and identity.

Compare architectural styles shaped by major cultural shifts, explore civic spaces and streetscapes, and develop the ability to see cities through the eyes of a designer. You’ll create a sketch portfolio, reflect in your journal, and develop a final project complete with visual concepts and a written artist statement to present to peers and invited local professionals.

You'll wind your way through Western Europe, taking a day trip to Florence for Renaissance palaces and piazzas and wandering Versailles’ gilded halls and extravagant gardens. Come home with a sketchbook full of ideas, a new crew of friends, and the confidence to see the world like a designer.

A Summer for Fun, Friends, and Your Future

Explore

Have fun discovering Paris and Rome through the eyes of an architect and historian.

Network

Meet new friends and designers. Build your own community.

Get Inspired

Launch your future today! Get inspired by centuries of architeture and design. Train your eye and develop the skills and experience to kickstart a career in architecture or design.

The Destination

Welcome to Rome and Paris—two cities that built the blueprint for modern design.

Rome and Paris are two of the most exciting cities in the world, and if you love architecture, there’s no better place to spend your summer.

Rome is a must-visit destination for design lovers; it's where Western architecture originated and where layers of history continue to shape everyday life. Study Baroque fountains in Piazza Navona, sketch Renaissance facades, and visit basilicas that play with light and space. Walk past ancient civic sites like Largo di Torre, Argentina, then grab pizza in a piazza or do an impromptu photo shoot on the Spanish Steps.

Paris is a city where every architectural era has left its mark, and modern life flows through it all. Study stained glass at Sainte-Chapelle, explore Haussmann’s sweeping boulevards and admire the living green wall at the Musée du Quai Branly. Sketch in the courtyards of Palais Royal, wander the angular paths of Parc de la Villette or ride the Metro just to see the art deco tilework. Snack on warm crêpes, explore open-air markets and end the day with friends beneath the sparkling Eiffel Tower.

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.

Social feed above may feature posts from all CIEE Study Abroad programs, including college programs.

Sample Itinerary

Monday–Friday

Each day offers a balance between interactive instruction and cultural activities with time on your own, too. Morning classes and afternoon activities may swap places.

Breakfast
Hands-on classes with expert instructors and writers
Lunch with your fellow Global Navigators
Out and about for a cultural activity or workshop
Dinner at restaurants

Weekends

Overnight or day excursions to top sites
Quality time with friends

Housing

Hostel/hotel

Sample Activities

Picnic or paddleboat through Villa Borghese, Rome’s largest landscaped park, filled with fountains, sculpture-lined paths, and views of the city. Once a private estate, it’s now a favorite urban green space.
Tour a Renaissance villa with frescoed ceilings, marble columns, and symmetrical gardens. Discover how architects balanced math, nature, and beauty to reflect the ideals of the era.
Visit the Eiffel Tower, once called a “metal monster” by critics. Learn how this radical design became a symbol of Paris and one of the most iconic structures in the world.
Race through the Louvre on a fast-paced scavenger hunt. Marvel at the Mona Lisa and explore the museum’s stunning setting—a grand palace with columned courtyards and a striking glass pyramid.
Cruise the Seine at sunset, gliding past Notre Dame, the Musée d’Orsay, and the Eiffel Tower. Watch the city light up as you float under historic bridges with friends.

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Eligibility

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.

Ready to change your life?

Enroll Today or Contact Us

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

Program Leaders guide and support our High School Summer Abroad participants through every step of their program.

Get Started

Here’s what you need to do to take the next steps:

Start an Application

You're on step closer to an amazing study abroad experience!

Enroll Today

Connect with your Teachers or Parents

Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.

Contact Us

Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about enrolling.

Architecture & Culture in Europe

From ancient arches to the Eiffel Tower, explore architecture and culture in Rome and Paris.