Creative Writing in the Land of Gods & Heroes
Why Choose This Program?
Explore
Have fun discovering Rome through mythology.
Network
Meet new friends and mythology experts. Build your own community.
Get Inspired
Write using different storytelling techniques and improve your creative process. Craft a writing portfolio.
The Destination
Welcome to Rome, the Eternal City, with its colorful depictions of gods, heroes, and stories from its past.
Walking the streets of Rome is like stepping into a mythological tale. According to legend, the bustling capital of Italy was founded by twins, Romulus and Remus, born in the 8th century B.C. to a human mother and the god of war, Mars. For the Ancient Romans, their rich myths weren't mere narratives; they were considered truth!
As you discover the different districts of Rome, you can stroll along the Tiber River, the very spot where Romulus and Remus were abandoned in a basket. Visit Palantine Hill, where the sacred cave of the she-wolf that saved them is located. Marvel at the bronze statue of Lupa Capitolina, depicting the she-wolf nursing the twins, in the Palazzo dei Conservatori. At every turn, you'll encounter vivid images of exciting stories encompassing themes of war, family, and morality.
In addition to showing off its past, Rome also offers plenty of modernity—window-shop at legendary fashion houses, savor tasty local flavors at restaurants and gelaterias, and spend time in vast city parks, perfect for nurturing your imagination.
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.
Sample Itinerary
Top Rated Activities
Character Creation Workshop at Villa Borghese
Through the lush gardens of one of Rome's most stunning parks, you arrive at the grand halls of Villa Borghese, a 17th-century estate that today is home to an exceptional collection of classical sculptures, paintings, and antiquities. Your guide introduces masterpieces by Bernini—sculptures like Apollo and Daphne and Pluto and Persephone—each telling powerful mythological stories that spark your imagination.
In groups of three, you and your friends are challenged to develop characters inspired by these sculptures, focusing on one of the five senses to bring them to life. Imagine Apollo's emotions in sound or Daphne's transformation in touch. With laughter and creativity, you swap ideas and experiment with sensory language, turning observation into story. The gallery's beauty heightens each word, deepening your connection to art and writing alike.
This experience gives you a new perspective on storytelling. Writing amid masterpieces and sharing feedback with fellow young writers is both inspiring and fun—an experience that strengthens your skills and fuels dreams of a future in creative writing.
Gnocchi-Making Class
Aprons on and chef hats in place, you dive into the art of gnocchi-making. In the bustling Roman kitchen, flour dust dances in the air as you knead fresh dough, feeling it transform under your hands. You laugh with friends as you get the hang of rolling and shaping gnocchi. The rich aromas of basil, tomatoes, and garlic fill the room, sparking thoughts of all the travel writing that captures Italy’s flavors so vividly you can almost taste them.
Gathered around the table, you savor your creations and discuss how food descriptions can make a story come alive. From novels on Italian cuisine to travel essays that celebrate each dish, words have the power to transport readers, evoking aromas and textures that make mouths water. The experience reminds you how sensory language brings depth to writing—turning a simple meal into an unforgettable memory.
Leaving the kitchen, you feel inspired to explore food writing, perhaps weaving the flavors of Italy into your own stories. This Roman culinary adventure has shown you that words, like food, can nourish and connect.
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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
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?
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
Our Staff
Dr. Giulia Bottero
Academic Director
Giulia Bottero is the Academic Director and an Italian language instructor for CIEE Rome.
Program Leaders guide and support our High School Summer Abroad participants through every step of their program.
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