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trevi fountain in rome italy
Rome, Italy

Connecting Italian Art, History & Culture

Summer '25 Applications Open

Arts & Culture

Dates

-

3 weeks

Costs

$6,750

Application Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Dates

-

3 weeks

Costs

$6,750

Application Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Overview

Live and create in one of the world’s most captivating centers of fine art. 

Let the ancient streets of Rome take center stage in your artistic journey. Alongside fellow artists and experts, immerse yourself in art and interpret works from a fresh perspective. Lessons come alive through inspiring classes at Rome’s world-class museums and archaeological sites. During hands-on workshops, roll up your sleeves and experiment with what you learn. 

Apply millennia-old techniques to express yourself—tracing the footsteps of masters like Raphael and Michelangelo! Try your hand at mosaic art and fresco painting but also contemporary mediums like photography, filmmaking, and more. In the end, your own portfolio of diverse artwork will show your growth as an artist.

Delve into Italy’s rich cultural patrimony with the Colosseum and other iconic Roman landmarks just a stone's throw away. Wander through labyrinthine streets, window-shop at legendary fashion houses, and meet local teens. On excursions, escape to Tivoli, an ancient hill-top town, and discover Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance. Throughout this Roman adventure, you’ll behold an extraordinary collection of artworks and marvel at centuries of history that’s sure to inspire you for years to come.

The Take-Aways

Real-World Experience

Create a diverse array of visual art and discover Rome through the lens of an art historian! Gain skills in both ancient and modern techniques. Come home with a portfolio showcasing your creativity.

Credentials for Your Future

Topics for your college essays, experience to inform your future career, a portfolio to document your increasing artistic literacy and to showcase your work in varied media and techniques.

Life Skills and New Friendships

Return with greater self-confidence, independence, and adaptability. Enjoy a broader worldview and diverse friendships from across the U.S. 

45

Hours Of Expert Instruction

3

Weeks Pursuing Your Passion

1

Life-changing Experience

Destination
  • View of Rome, Italy from the water at sunset
  • Pizza in Rome
  • Rome students at Trevi Fountain

The Destination

Welcome to Rome, the Eternal City, a living history of Western civilization. 

Nestled in the heart of Italy along the Tiber River, Rome stands as a celebration of human creativity. Its history spans 3,000 years, making it one of the oldest and best-preserved cities in the world. But there's more to Rome than its famous landmarks like the Colosseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Vatican. The true beauty is in how these architectural wonders blend seamlessly with modern life. 

Bustling streets are lined with quaint cafés and trendy boutiques. Traditional family-owned restaurants, trattorias, serve delicious pasta dishes, and gelaterias have unique, mouthwatering flavors. When in need of a break from the urban hustle, you can cool off at vast parks like Villa Borghese, surrounded by both breathtaking art and natural beauty, or Rome’s world-class museums, which house astonishing masterpieces—from ancient times to the Renaissance, Baroque, and contemporary periods! 

Every corner of Rome offers a diverse array of experiences bound to spark exciting ideas for a young artist like you. 

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

Daily Life

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 the hotel   
  • Hands-on classes with expert instructors and artists 
  • Lunch with your fellow Global Navigators   
  • Out and about for a cultural activity or workshop   
  • Dinner at restaurants/hotel

Weekend 

  • Overnight or day excursions to top sites  
  • Quality time with friends 

Check out the blog posts to discover more about daily life and excursions on program. 

Housing

Hotel, shared rooms with other Global Navigators

24/7 Support

1 Program Leader for every 12 students and support from local staff

Weekly Learning Goals

Settle into your new community and begin exploring Rome’s multilayered history on site visits. Take basic Italian classes. Train in ancient art production techniques and start your portfolio.

Connect important historical leaders of Rome to the celebrated works of art and artists they supported. Go behind-the-scenes to understand various aspects of museums and their role in art education.

Participate in drawing, photography, and movie-making workshops and add works to your portfolio. Present a project reflecting on Rome and its artistic influence on society and culture.

Activities

Sample Activities

Group shot

Just imagine all the fun you’ll have!

  • Show off your artistry painting with water-based pigments on damp plaster in a hands-on Fresco Workshop, a true test of an artist’s skill! 
  • Explore the Colosseum, the largest amphitheater ever built, displaying the power and might of the Roman Empire. 
  • Choose your favorite artwork in Florence, home to Michelangelo's David and works from other Italian masters like Donatello, Bramante, and Botticelli. Learn about the rivalry between Rome and Florence during the Renaissance. 
  • Step inside the Sistine Chapel and admire one of the most fascinating works of art ever, both for its size and the quality of its frescoes and paintings. 
  • Spend the day surrounded by movie magic and heart-pounding rides at Italy’s largest theme park, Cinecittà World, dedicated exclusively to the world of films. 

 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

  • “As we learned about the techniques of art in class and the history of Rome, we were able to experience both firsthand. There are not enough words to describe how amazing and transforming this experience was.” 

    Annie L., CIEE Global Navigator Alum

  • “I had an amazing experience and couldn’t ask for anything better. In Rome, I met other students with similar interests and the same mindset despite coming from very different backgrounds! And the skills and lessons I’ve learned here are really things you can’t find anywhere else.”  

    Paige W., CIEE Global Navigator Alum

  • “The entire experience was very memorable, though if I had to choose my favorite, I’d say our trip to Florence. I also loved getting to know others on the program and the bonds we formed.” 

    Angelia F., CIEE Global Navigator Alum

  • “I had the most amazing summer experience of my life, and I would definitely recommend because I want other people to experience what I experienced in Rome!” 

    Leule L., CIEE Global Navigator Alum

From CIEE

Lost in Florence: Finding Art in Every Corner

By Samuele Bassi at CIEE

When Sam writes an article, you know the students are waking up early! Let's set aside thoughts of the Colosseum and the ancient Romans for a moment because we’re about... keep reading

Tivoli
From CIEE

Once Upon a time … in Tivoli!

By Janet Dills at CIEE

Nestled in the Italian region of Lazio, the charming town of Tivoli is a testament to Italy's rich historical tapestry and natural beauty. Just a short drive from Rome, Tivoli has been a favored retreat since ancient times, offering a perfect blend of natural splendor and architectural marvels. Among its many attractions, Villa d’Este stands out as a jewel of Renaissance architecture and landscape design.

Students visiting the Colosseum
From CIEE

Rome-ing with CIEE: Colossal Adventures at the Colosseum and Forum!

By Samuele Bassi at CIEE

The alarm rang a bit earlier today, signaling the start of an exciting day for the students and their Program Leaders as they embarked on their first bus ride in... 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.  
  • 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

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 3 weeks Start Date End Date Costs $6,750
Program Summer Session II 2025 3 weeks Start Date End Date Costs $6,750

Ready to change your life?

Enroll Today or 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.

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