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sunny day roman ruins
Rome, Italy

Italian Language & Culture

Language & Culture

Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

$7,450

Highlights

College credit option

Daily cultural activities

Immersion with a host family

Weekend excursions

Application Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

$7,450

Highlights

College credit option

Daily cultural activities

Immersion with a host family

Weekend excursions

Application Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Overview
Call Rome your home and practice your Italian skills surrounded by 3,000 years of history! 

Embark on four weeks of language immersion in the colossal capital of Italy. After language classes, practice your new skills conversing with local teens at markets, shops, and the lively piazzas that dot the city. Step back in time at ancient and iconic sites, like the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, and the Vatican. Marvel at Renaissance masterpieces, like the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael Rooms, and gain a deeper understanding of Italy’s vital artistic contributions to the world. 

At your homestay, grow your Italian language and culture savvy while cooking and sharing authentic Italian meals with your host family. On excursions, venture to ancient Tivoli, a hill-top town with stunning Italian gardens, and visit the excavations of Pompeii, a once bustling southern city that was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. In and out of Rome, you’ll not only grow your Italian but also experience the extraordinary art, vast history, and irresistible flavors of southern Europe.

Why Choose This Program?

Live the Language

Experience authentic immersion in the Italian language and culture.

Network

Meet new friends and gain a new family. Make lasting memories and connections.

Get Inspired

Jump up a level in Italian. Shine on college applications.

Destination
  • High school students at a museum in Rome, Italy
  • downtown rome spanish steps fountain
  • High school students making CIEE with their arms by a waterfall in Rome

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.

 
Itinerary

Sample Itinerary

Objective 

You will explore your own identity (Levels 1 & 2), meet new people, discover new places, and learn how to communicate in culturally appropriate ways. By the end of the week, you will complete a project about yourself in Rome (Levels 1 & 2).

Your language level is determined through a language proficiency test before you arrive on program.

Highlights*

  • Italian cooking class focusing on pizza and tiramisu
  • Visit to the Colosseum
  • Gelato walk with Program Leaders
  • Group tour of Villa Borghese and treasure hunt

*Based on prior year itinerary and subject to change.

Objective

You will explore the theme of community (Level 1) or creativity (Level 2). You will describe places, shops, and landmarks, and talk about wants, needs, likes, and dislikes on topics like Italian dishes, fashion, and events (Level 1). You will express opinions, compare and contrast, and discuss Italy's creative side, covering music, street art, cultural events, and famous painters (Level 2).

Highlights*

  • Visit to the Vatican Museums
  • Cooking workshop at Rosso Pomodoro
  • Guided tour of Piazza Venezia
  • Explore the Trastevere neighborhood

*Based on prior year itinerary and subject to change.

Objective 

You will explore Rome and Italy while learning new vocabulary, structures, and functions. You will practice giving and following directions, describing places and weather (Level 1). You will express opinions, dramatize, and exchange information while building vocabulary related to neighborhoods, history, shopping, and opinions (Level 2).

Highlights*

  • Visit to Castel Sant’Angelo
  • Tour of the Park of the Aqueducts
  • Free time for exploring local markets
  • Visit to Tivoli and Villa d’Este
  • Visit to Pompeii archaeological site 

*Based on prior year itinerary and subject to change.

Objective 

You will reflect on your personal growth while focusing on new vocabulary, structures, and functions. You will explore the benefits of travel, learn how to adapt to other cultures, express future plans, and share the impact of your own experience. By the end of the week, you will participate in a panel discussion on the impact of study abroad and complete a project documenting your journey.

Highlights*

  • Visit to Rome Botanical Garden
  • Visit to the National Gallery of Modern Art
  • Final project presentations 
  • Farewell dinner
      

*Based on prior year itinerary and subject to change.

Monday–Friday  

Each day offers a balance between interactive instruction and cultural activities with time on your own, too. Morning classes and afternoon activities may swap places.  

  • Breakfast at your homestay  
  • Engaging Italian classes with expert language instructors, all native-speakers   
  • Lunch in the community with your fellow Global Navigators  
  • Out and about for authentic conversations in the community and a cultural activity   
  • Dinner and evening discussions at your homestay  

Weekends   

  • Overnight or day excursions to top sites  
  • Quality time with friends and your host family 

Housing

Carefully-screened Homestay

Activities

Sample Activities

High school students looking out on interior of colosseum in Rome

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.  

Testimonials

What Students Are Saying

  • “I really enjoyed my time in Italy. I feel that meeting new people and spending every second of your time with the new friends you make is a really great!” 

    Nathen O., CIEE Global Navigator Alum

  • “I loved to be with my host family, especially during dinner because I got to talk Italian with them and learn about their lives and culture. I loved my host family's restaurant too. Their food was the greatest!” 

    Fatima J., CIEE Global Navigator Alum

  • "My most memorable experiences were being able to hang out with local teenagers and get to know what their life is like in Rome.” 

    Katherine S., CIEE Global Navigator Alum

  • “I didn’t just learn a language. I learned more about myself and what I can accomplish as an individual! Even more, I had the opportunity to experience Italian culture for a whole month.” 

    Shannon K., CIEE Global Navigator Alum

Vista
From CIEE

Forum, Vatican, and Colosseum, oh my!

By Gabrielle Bruestle at CIEE

Rome: The City of Layers – Week Two Reflections It’s hard to believe our intrepid scholars have already wrapped up their second week in Rome. From wide-eyed novices to expert... keep reading

High School Students Posing in front of a fountain in Italy
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2 Essential Ways to Prepare for Your Teen’s High School Summer Abroad

By High School Summer Abroad at CIEE

Once your teen is accepted on their CIEE high school summer abroad program and you have confirmed their participation, anticipation will fill your home. There are two very important tasks... keep reading

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How To Write a Great Scholarship Application Essay

By HS Summer Abroad Program Leaders at CIEE

Earning a CIEE Global Navigator Scholarship is a prestigious honor that can help you stand out for years to come, especially on college applications! Plus, these scholarships give hundreds of... keep reading

Eligibility

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

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

Ready to change your life?

Enroll Today Contact Us

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

(No international data plan or SIM card included)

All Cultural Activities and Excursions

Comprehensive Medical and Travel Protection

24/7 Emergency On-site Support

Staff

Our Staff

Dr. Giulia Bottero

Dr. Giulia Bottero

Academic Director

Giulia Bottero is the Academic Director and an Italian language instructor for CIEE Rome.

hssa-global-navigator-program-leaders.jpg

Program Leaders

Program Leaders guide and support our High School Summer Abroad participants through every step of their program.

Get Started Steps

Get Started

Here’s what you need to do to take the next steps:

1

Start an Application

You're on step closer to an amazing study abroad experience!

Enroll Today

2

Connect with your Teachers or Parents

Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.

3

Contact Us

Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about enrolling.

Contact Us

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