Italian Language & Culture
Few experiences rival the opportunity to study abroad in Rome, the Eternal City.
Nowhere else but in Rome can you step between thousands of years of art, history, and rich layers of contemporary Italian culture, surrounded by world-famous churches, monuments, and museums.
Each day after language classes, you’ll head out on the town and speak Italian independently in shops and markets throughout the city. Living with a local homestay, you’ll practice your Italian as you prepare and share meals, shop at local markets, learn local customs, and enjoy everyday life—and gelato! By the end of your stay, your proficiency will have grown by leaps and bounds.
With Rome as your classroom, you’ll be completely immersed in the city’s dazzling culture. Make the most of this amazing opportunity!
The Take-Aways
Language Proficiency
15-20 hours per week of Italian language learning designed to improve real-world language skills.
Global Perspective
Build a strong foundation in the core components of intercultural learning. Come home with an improved sense of self and awareness of what shapes others.
Certificate
Earn a Certificate of Learning in Italian, and documented language growth through pre- and post-program testing.
96%
of alumni said their language skills improved
94%
said they learned to interact with different cultural backgrounds
89%
said their level of independence increased
The Destination
With a history spanning 3,000 years, Rome is one of the most culturally rich cities in the world.
Ancient statues adorn museums housing priceless paintings and archaeological treasures. The Vatican Museums contain enough valuables to keep you busy for days.
During guided tours and onsite workshops and activities, you’ll discover historical monuments, architectural icons and artistic masterpieces spanning antiquity, the Renaissance, Baroque and more modern periods.
What else can you do in Rome? Stroll through medieval piazzas, view Renaissance paintings, and catch up with the latest fashion by window shopping. Eat gelato! People-watch in busy cafes, grab a plate of pasta or pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice), and live your gap experience with gusto!
Sample Activities
Climb to the top of St. Peter’s dome.
View the Colosseum, Vatican, Spanish Steps and other iconic sites in Rome.
Take a cooking class in the world’s gastronomical capital.
Learn how gelato is made in Rome's most famous gelateria and then taste plenty of flavors.
Bike around the famous Villa Borghese park on a pedal-powered treasure hunt.
Stretch your vocal cords in an Italian singing workshop.
Picnic at the 17th century Villa Pamphili and play soccer on its vast public green.
Sample Day Trips
Take a day trip to the hills of Tivoli, home to two Unesco World Heritage Sites with grand Renaissance villas and gardens. This beautiful and peaceful refuse for Romans provides participants with a unique contrast to Roman everyday life.
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. Get ready for maximum fun!
Eligibility
- Program open to recent high school graduates (no more that 1 year post-graduation) who:
- Are at least 18 years old at the time of their departure
- Are in good academic standing
- Demonstrate—through the application and interview process—flexibility and maturity.
- No previous language experience required.
- Please note Gap participants may volunteer at local organizations with prior authorization from CIEE. Gap participants however, are not authorized to take any job or seek employment during their stay.
For more information, refer to our detailed GAP eligibility criteria.
Dates & Fees
Fees
$50
Priority deadline discount: Apply to a fall semester or academic year by June 1 and get a $400 discount. Apply to a spring semester by October 1 and get a $400 discount. Discounts are deducted from final balance.
Program fee includes iNext travel insurance.
Additional information about insurance can be found on the FAQ page.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Academic Year 2025 33 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | ||
| Program Spring 2026 11 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | ||
| Program Spring 2025 11 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Costs $16,250 |
| Program Academic Year 2024 33 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Costs $29,300 |
| Program Fall 2025 12 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | ||
| Program Fall 2024 12 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Costs $16,250 |
*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.