First Year Abroad in Rome
Unique Experiences
Cultural Immersion
Explore ancient ruins like the Colosseum, admire masterpieces in the Vatican Museums, and savor the flavors of Italian cuisine.
College Credits
Stay on track with your 4-year graduation requirements and earn up to 13 credits per semester
Lifelong Skills and Friendships
Jump right into independence, far away from home, and bond with other U.S. and international students
The Destination
Explore some of the world’s most breathtaking cultural destinations like the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, Saint Peter’s Basilica, and the Spanish Steps, all located within walking distance from CIEE’s Rome center in Piazza Campitelli no. 3. Wake up each day to Italy’s awe-inspiring beauty and Old World charm, from dazzling azure coasts and majestic snow-capped mountains to urban centers that never cease to delight with their architectural wonders and warm, welcoming locals.
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 marginalized identities might encounter in Rome.
Students may study in Rome for a maximum of 12 weeks (fall or spring).
Excursions & Activities
Ample activities and day-trips will be offered to immerse you in Italy's culture and historical heritage. Each block typically includes two day-trips or one overnight trip.
- Visit the World Heritage Site, Florence, which attracts art lovers, and food and fashion aficionados from across the globe. Most famous for its Renaissance art and architecture, it is home to Michelangelo’s iconic David, the art treasures of the Uffizi Gallery, and Brunelleschi’s majestic dome that dominates the Tuscan skyline. It is no surprise that Florence represents one of Italy’s most important economic centers, but not only for its year-round tourism. The luxury fashion houses of Gucci, Ferragamo and Cavalli were born in Dante’s native city, as well.
- Walk the footsteps of the ancients among the impressive remains of Pompeii, a fascinating town that was destroyed and yet also preserved by the volcanic eruption of Italy’s famous Mount Vesuvius. From the spas and private mansions of Pompeii’s elite to larger-scaled stages for public entertainment, such as Pompeii’s amphitheater, concert hall and sports complexes, students explore a wide range of exciting ruins that reveal what daily life was like in Roman antiquity.
- Take in the breathtaking vistas of the Mediterranean along the colorful Amalfi Coast. Before hitting the sandy beaches and soaking up the sun, students will enjoy southern Italy’s warm hospitality and fine cuisine.
- Explore the hilltop town of Tivoli, which once drew ancient Roman emperors and Renaissance cardinals alike to its cool summer temperatures and relaxing pleasures of villa lifestyle. In fact, the World Heritage sites of Hadrian’s Villa and Villa d’Este are among Tivoli’s must-sees where students find respite in their vast green parks adorned by playful interactive fountains and stunningly gorgeous architecture.
Please note this list of activities is based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to both adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when revising itineraries is always to enhance your experience. Every activity is designed to provide you with a deep immersion in your topic, local culture and sights.
Housing & Meals
Housing
Commuting time from housing to CIEE Rome may be up to 60 minutes.
Homestays: Live with an Italian host family, with or without another CIEE student, and immerse yourself in the city’s language and culture. Each student has an individual room.
Housing is on a first-come, first-served basis. If we cannot accommodate your first housing choice, we’ll let you know before you arrive.
Meals
Homestays: Students living with host families have breakfast and either lunch or dinner at their homes. Host families and students arrange their own meal schedules. Students are responsible for the remaining meals, either preparing them at home or eating in one of many restaurants and cafés throughout the city.
Academics
First Year Abroad offers foundational college courses taught by CIEE local instructors to start your four-year college degree. We combine rigorous intro-level academic courses with unforgettable experiences outside the classroom to create a curriculum fostering academic, intercultural, and professional skills that help you succeed in college and the world beyond.
Our curriculum includes general education courses from major disciplines that offer you college credits to stay on track. Choose lecture and lab courses from the Arts and Humanities, World Language, Natural and Physical Sciences, Mathematics, Social Sciences, as well as courses specifically designed to help you develop organizational, writing and study skills to thrive in college.
Course Information
In the Fall semester, the courses below will be listed as available in Blocks II & III, rather than Blocks I & II. This is because the First Year Abroad program runs during the final two blocks of the Fall semester which is otherwise split into three blocks on CIEE’s Academic Calendar.
For information about how these courses will be transferred back to Dean College, please refer to the course equivalency chart.
Visual and Performing Arts
Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing
Social Sciences
Languages and Cultural Studies
Literature, Linguistics, and Writing
Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment
Fall Block II 2024
Psychology
FYA Block I
- Environmental Science (Lab Course)
- Introduction to Composition I
- Italian Language - Beginning I
- Principles of Microeconomics
FYA Block II
- Art History I
- General Psychology
- Introduction to Political Science
Download the course syllabi
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.
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.
Interested in an academic year program? CIEE offers exciting customizable First Year Abroad (FYA) programs in select locations. Talk to your Enrollment Coordinator if you're interested in any of these combinations, and please note that visa and departure requirements may vary depending on your chosen program combination.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Spring 2026 12 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | ||
| Program Spring 2025 12 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date * | End Date * | |
| Program Fall 2025 12 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | ||
| Program Fall Block II 2024 6 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | |
| Program Fall 2024 12 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | |
| Program Fall Block III 2024 6 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | 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, you will pay your CIEE program fee (fee varies by location) and Dean College tuition and fees ($2,900 total for all locations) directly to Dean College.
Federal financial aid and state aid (Massachusetts residents only) is available through Dean College. Students applying for need-based financial aid from Dean College must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using the FAFSA School Code for Dean College: 002144.
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.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
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.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
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.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
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.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
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.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
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.
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
Get Started
1
Start a CIEE FYA Application
You’re one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience! You need to apply and be accepted by both CIEE and Dean College to join FYA. Don’t worry! We’ll help you through the process!
2
Complete the Dean College FYA Application
You will receive an email with a unique link to your personalized Dean College application after completing your CIEE FYA application.
3
Contact Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to the FYA program.