
Italian Language & Culture
The Take-Aways
Language Growth and Cultural Competence
Come home with a higher level of Italian and a greater understanding of Italian culture. Use your STAMP 4S language proficiency pre- and post-test scores to demonstrate your language growth and help you earn a Seal of Biliteracy.
College Credits
Choose to earn 4 college credits toward your future college degree. Take advantage of the credits to stand out on your college applications or to satisfy college language requirements.
Lifelong Skills and Friendships
Return with greater self-confidence, independence, and adaptability. Enjoy a broader worldview and diverse friendships of different backgrounds from across the U.S.
60
hours of instruction with a native Italian teacher
4
College Credits
1
Life-changing Experience
The Destination
Welcome to Rome, a symbol of Italy’s cultural riches, architecture, and influence on the world.
Few experiences rival spending a summer abroad in Rome. Located in the center of the Italian "boot,” Rome was once the capital of the influential Roman republic and empire, shaping the Western world as we know it. Its nickname is la città eterna (the Eternal city) because civilizations have lived here for thousands of years. Ancient Romans also believed that—no matter what happened to the world—this city would live on forever.
Rome is as majestic as you’d imagine. Historic and archeological landmarks, including the Colosseum, the Spanish Steps, and the Pantheon stand alongside bustling cafés and delicious trattorias (traditional restaurants). While roaming its cobbled streets and traversing its elegant piazzas (squares), popular street food like trapizzino (pizza sandwich) and supplì (fried rice mozzarella ball) invite you to have a taste. For dessert, creamy gelato awaits at colorful gelateries. As you explore vivid and ancient Rome, you’ll be inspired by a lively culture and a city that is truly an eternal work of art.
Cultural Awareness
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.
Weekly Learning Goals
Program Blogs
Our Last Weekend
This past weekend we got to go to Cinecittà World, an amusement and water park about an hours drive from Rome. It was one of my favorite things that we've... keep reading
A Taste of Tradition: Fassi Gelateria
As we waltzed through the doors of Fassi at 10am, we weren’t sure what to expect. The famous gelateria, located in the heart of Rome, has a reputation for being... keep reading
Embracing Italian Culture
Italy, the land of rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and mouthwatering cuisine, has long captivated the hearts of travelers. But what if I told you that our students are doing more... keep reading
Sample Activities

Just imagine all the fun you’ll have!
- Channel your inner movie star and uncover the glamorous world of Italian cinema at the renowned Cinecittà Studios, where over 3,000 Italian films have been made.
- Picnic at the 17th-century Villa Pamphili, Rome’s largest city park, and play soccer on its open and vast green areas. Then, visit the Museo di Napoleone.
- Practice the steps of traditional tarantella, a fun, folkloric Italian dance that originated in the Middle Ages.
- Take to the hills of Tivoli, a retreat for Romans since 1215 B.C., and visit two Renaissance Villas designed by famous artists.
- Satisfy your sweet tooth at Fassi, Rome’s oldest and most famous gelateria, founded in 1880. Discover how gelato is made and indulge in your favorite flavor.
- In Pompeii, explore the archeological site, imagining what the city was like before it was engulfed by hot lava from the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D.
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.
Dates & Fees
ELIGIBILITY
- Program open to all current high school students—Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors —of all Italian language proficiency levels.
- For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our scholarship page.
For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.
APPLICATION FEE
$25
OPTIONAL COLLEGE CREDIT FEE
$150
Learn more about how to get college credit for your future college degree.
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 Session I 2024 4 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Costs $7,250 | |
Program Summer Session II 2024 4 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Costs $7,250 |
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 Local Phone and WIFI
All Cultural Activities and Excursions
Comprehensive Medical and Travel Protection
24/7 Emergency On-site Support
Our Staff
Dr. Giulia Bottero
Academic Director
Giulia Bottero is the Academic Director and an Italian language instructor for CIEE Rome.
Valeria Galante
HSSA and Faculty-Led Program Coordinator
Valeria Galante is the coordinator for all High School programs in Rome. She takes care of all reservations and logistics, making sure the programs run smoothly.