Italian Language & Culture
Summer '25 Applications Open
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 pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice) and supplì (fried rice mozzarella ball) invite you to have a taste. For dessert, creamy gelato awaits at colorful gelaterias. 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 intriguing visit to Castel Sant'Angelo
Today we got to now the fascinating story of Castel Sant'Angelo. We entered and were easily amazed by the aura that the building emanated: at first its wide and gloomy... keep reading
The Vatican Gardens and the Sistine Chapel all in one morning!
Entering the Vatican Gardens wasn't as difficult as imagined: there was a long line but it was a matter of a few seconds and we were inside, with our tickets... keep reading
Un Giorno a Tivoli
Our first Saturday in Italy was spent exploring a city older than Rome itself: Tivoli! This town was established in 338 BC and is home to about 55,000 people. How... keep reading
Sample Activities
Just imagine all the fun you’ll have!
- Picnic at the 17th-century Villa Borghese, one of Rome’s largest parks, and play soccer on its open and vast green areas.
- 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 the enchanting Villa d'Este.
- 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.
Eligibility
- Participants must be 14 years old and above.
- 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.
Dates & Fees
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 2025 4 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Costs $7,450 | |
Program Summer Session II 2025 4 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Costs $7,450 |
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
(Local Set up to Use U.S. Smartphone Abroad)
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.