Sustainable Smart Cities
Your Sustainable Smart Cites program in Rome lasts a full semester and provides an in-depth look at how Italy's capital is using innovative urban design solutions to prepare for the future. You will enroll in at least one sustainability course that explores how urban planning, technology, and public policy contribute to sustainability in Rome while also enrolling in your choice of business, communications, STEM, language, and other courses. This program offers a wide range of CIEE courses, host institution courses, and courses taught online through CIEE's global academic partner, ASU. Enhance your experience with cross-disciplinary cultural and extracurricular activities related to sustainability. Live and learn in Rome!
Unique Experiences
FOCUSED ON SUSTAINABLE ITALIAN CULINARY TRADITIONS
LEARNING TO MINIMIZE FOOD WASTE AND MAKE ECO-CONSCIOUS INGREDIENT CHOICES
DISCOVER ANCIENT ROMAN SUSTAINABLE ENGINEERING PRACTICES
THROUGH A GUIDED TOUR OF HISTORIC SITES LIKE THE COLOSSEUM AND THE PANTHEON
VOLUNTEER WITH RETAKE ROMA
TO HELP RESTORE AND BEAUTIFY THE CITY THROUGH COMMUNITY CLEAN-UPS AND URBAN REGENERATION PROJECTS.
Your Destination
Rome is a sustainable smart city known for its innovative approach to preserving history while integrating green initiatives and smart technology. The city promotes energy efficiency, eco-friendly transport, and sustainable urban planning to enhance modern living. Students can explore iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Vatican, along with a vibrant cultural and academic scene. Whether you are studying environmental science, business, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, Rome offers a rich and inspiring study abroad experience.
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.
Program Highlights
- Featured Courses: Choose from a set of related courses that explore how innovative cities utilize digital technologies and modern strategies to prepare for the future and impact the environment.
- Sustainability in Practice Workshop: Take part in an optional workshop to compare different models of sustainability in your host country and around the world. Topics may include business, public policy, technology, waste-management, and more.
- Immersive Experiences: Participate in networking events with local sustainability initiatives, activities that address how urban planning and technology can help lessen the impact on the environment, meaningful volunteer work with local organizations, and study tours to meet local changemakers and companies driving sustainability efforts.
- Academic Projects: Enroll in a for-credit internship, directed independent research project, or service-learning to develop integrated sustainable solutions that address economic, social, and environmental challenges.
Excursions & Activities
Excursions & Activities CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Rome will open doors for you to explore Italy’s rich diversity, language, culture, history, contemporary trends, vibrant art, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.
Samples of excursions and activities:
- Visit Cascata delle Marmore, a model for sustainable hydropower and eco-tourism, highlighting the balance between natural preservation and renewable energy generation
- Visit Ostia Antica and Parco Regionale dell'Appia Antica, two Roman sites that demonstrate how conserving cultural heritage and natural ecosystems can support sustainable development
- Visit Perugia to explore how the city’s energy-efficient public transportation and waste reduction programs make it an ideal destination for responsible tourism
Please note: Activities are based on past programs and are 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.
Program Blogs
Finding Home in Rome
By: Lisa Msuya When deciding what study abroad program I would pursue, as soon as I saw Rome, Italy, I knew immediately that it would be the place for me... keep reading
Life-Changing Semester in Rome
By: Haley Carlson Studying abroad in Rome with CIEE is more than just an adventure—it’s a transformative experience that pushes you to grow in ways you never imagined. From the... keep reading
Top 5 Italian Holidays and Traditions
Ever wondered what it's like to celebrate like an Italian? Spoiler alert: It's not just about pizza and pasta. When you mix ancient traditions, mouth-watering food, and a dash of... keep reading
Housing & Meals
Housing
Housing CIEE Rome offers diverse housing options to ensure you're comfortable in your home away from home. From homestays to shared apartments, we will strive for your accommodation preferences to be met. All housing is located under 70 minutes from CIEE Rome and conveniently located near plenty of shopping, supermarkets, restaurants, and public transportation.
- Standard Housing: Includes a single or double room at a homestay; a double or triple room at a shared apartment; or at a residence hall, all located under 70 minutes from CIEE Rome.
- Select Housing: Includes double and triple occupancy rooms in apartments or residence halls, within a 45-minute commute of CIEE Rome. Select housing requires an additional fee.
A note: The default criterion to assign housing is first-come, first-served; however, other factors may also be considered. If we cannot accommodate your first housing choice, we'll let you know before you arrive.
Meals
Apartment and Residence Hall: No meals provided.
Homestay: Breakfast and dinner are provided by their host families.
Academics
CIEE Rome: Study in central Rome within walking distance of important landmarks, including the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, and the Campo de' Fiori neighborhood. CIEE Rome features five classrooms, two student lounges, a student life office, and an academic advising office.
LUISS University (Libera Università Internazionale degli Studi Sociali Guido Carli) is a prestigious private institution in Rome, renowned for its strengths in business, law, economics, and political science. With triple accreditation from AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA, LUISS is part of an elite group of universities globally recognized for excellence in management education.
Arizona State University (ASU): Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar.
Course Information
Featured Courses
It will be the responsibility of the CD/RDO to include the host institution's featured courses on each individual location specific program document. Please list up to 5 samples of specific sustainability related courses the host institution offers in English (in the middle column, the rest will be filled out by Curriculum Committee).
The Sustainable Smart Cities program offers a diverse range of courses that explore how urban development, policy, and sustainability intersect. Students will explore important topics such as sustainable business practices, green urban planning, global environmental challenges, and the future of food systems. Through an interdisciplinary approach, these courses equip students with the tools and insights needed to tackle pressing sustainability issues and create meaningful change in cities worldwide.
| CIEE Courses (in-person) | LUISS University (Libera Università Internazionale degli Studi Sociali Guido Carli) | ASU Courses (online) |
Building Sustainable Cities Sustainable Development in the 21st Century Business & Sustainability Engineering, Sustainability & Society Sustainable Tourism | Climate - Neutral & Smart Cities Climate Justice, Esg & Sustainable Investing Green & Sustainable Finance Strategy, Csr & Sustainability Managing The Energy Transition | Introduction to Sustainability Sustainable World Sustainable Energy Technology and Systems Pathways to Sustainability |
CIEE proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, 100% online coursework that aligns with your degree requirements from anywhere you study abroad.
CIEE and ASU offer courses online per program eligibility, at no additional charge. Be sure to review online courses with your home school advisor.
Check the CIEE Program Dates and ASU start dates below to maximize course options within your program!
Search ASU Online Courses BROWSE FAQs for more INFO
LUISS University, formally known as Libera Università Internazionale degli Studi Sociali Guido Carli, is a prestigious institution located in Rome, Italy. Founded in 1974, LUISS specializes in social sciences and offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including economics, political science, law, and business administration. The university is renowned for its strong emphasis on research, internationalization, and collaboration with leading companies and institutions. With a diverse student body representing over 100 nationalities, LUISS fosters a vibrant academic community that encourages critical thinking and innovation. The university's commitment to excellence is reflected in its rigorous academic standards and partnerships with prominent universities worldwide, making it a key player in higher education in Italy and beyond.
Course descriptions, and course lists and syllabi can be found online; note that CIEE students cannot enroll in Pass/Fail courses nor Graduate level courses. Please also note that not all courses are offered all semesters and that each CFU/ECTS credit is equal to 0.5 US credits.
Below is a sample list of courses offered in English. Not all of the following courses are available every year.
- Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies
- Databases and Big Data
- Gambling: Probability and Decision
- Advanced Statistics
- Ai Frontiers: Large Language Models
- Big Data And Smart Data Analytics
- Data-Driven Innovation
- Data-Driven Models For Investment
- Digital Ecosystems
- Ethics For Artificial Intelligence
- International Operations And Global Supply Chain
- Management Of Innovation
- Privacy In The Digital World
- Python And R For Data Science (Lab)
- Data Privacy And Security
- Data Visualization
- Internet And Network Economics
- Machine Learning
- Building Sustainable Cities
- Sustainable Development in the 21st Century
- Business and Sustainability
- Engineering, Sustainability, and Society
- Sustainable Tourism
- Culture and Cuisine in Italy
- Exploring Rome, the Birthplace of the Modern Museum
- From Dawn to Dusk in Ancient Rome, Daily Life in the Capital of the Roman Empire
- Michelangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci: The Story behind the Italian Renaissance
- Mythology and Architecture in Rome
- Marketing and Legacy of Italian Design
- Power, Politics and Law: Mafia, Camorra, and Gomorrah
- Rome Wasn't Built in a Day: The Art, Architecture, and History of the Ancient City
- Cross-Cultural Psychology
- Economics of Wine
- Food, Nutrition, and Culture
- Global History of Architecture and Cities
- Intercultural Communication and Leadership
- International Finance
- International Management
- International Marketing
- Operations Management
- Principles of International Business
- Principles of Marketing
- Strategic Management
- Italian Language - Beginning I
- Italian Language - Beginning II
- Internship Seminar (in English)
- Internship Seminar (in Italian)
- Service-Learning Project
- Directed Independent Research
Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.
Discover Internship Opportunities
We're excited you're considering this program! Next, explore the types of internships you can choose from for an epic internship abroad with CIEE Study Abroad
Explore Industry Options
Business Management and Administration
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Consumer Goods and Retail
Explore consumer behaviors, business strategies, international retail trends, and more in the global commerce marketplace.
Education and Training
Experience international teaching methodologies and curriculum development in classrooms around Jordan, Spain, and more.
Hospitality and Tourism
Polish your hospitality management skills by studying global tourism practices, customer service excellence, and more.
Marketing, Sales and Service
Explore global market dynamics, cross-cultural consumer engagement, and sales techniques in firms, agencies, and companies.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Gain hands-on skills in sustainable technologies, research projects, and scientific studies in Costa Rica, Mexico, and more.
Browse Internship Opportunities
Explore internship placements available through this program to find the right fit for your academic and professional goals.
Disclaimer: Internship placements are subject to availability and host employer hiring discretion. Application and payment of CIEE fees does not guarantee specific placement. This internship listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party.
Scholarships & Grants
CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.
Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:
- Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
- MSI Grant
- Trailblazer Grant
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.
Dates & Fees
You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Spring 2026 15 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * |
*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.
To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.
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.
What's Included
Tuition
Housing
Pre-departure Advising
Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
Orientation
Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city
On-site Staff
Full-time program leadership and support in your city
Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
Excursions and/or Study Tours
Travel Protection
CIEE iNext 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...
Dr. Giulia Bottero
Academic Director
Giulia Bottero is the Academic Director and an Italian language instructor for CIEE Rome.
Get Started
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Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.
3
Contact CIEE
We're here to help! Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
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Interested in an optional internship?
After being accepted to this program and submitting the required internship documents, work with CIEE staff on your internship goals and select which positions to interview for. CIEE will reach out to companies that would be a good fit for you, your interests, and your qualifications. Finalize your internship placement upon arrival!
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