Roman Forum in Italy
Rome, Italy

Italian Language & Culture

Arts & Culture Language

Dates

-

12 weeks

Costs

$15,000

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

-

12 weeks

Costs

$15,000

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

-

32 weeks

Costs

$27,000

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Program Overview

Few experiences rival the opportunity to study abroad in Rome. Nowhere else can students 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.

CIEE Gap Year Abroad programs are focused on supporting participants in acquiring knowledge and developing skills to live in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world. In addition to developing your language skills and gaining a better understanding of the local culture, you will take part in our Global Competence Course. This online course will allow you to connect and collaborate in real-time with our entire cohort of Gap participants worldwide, through interactive workshops and discussions. Reflect on your own cultural biases, share insights about your experience and learn about topics ranging from cultural identity and leadership styles to how to work and live sustainably or develop communication skills.

With the Vatican Museums in your neighborhood and 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
  • High school students posing in the ocean studying abroad in Rome
  • trevi fountain rome clear day sunny
  • High school students looking out on interior of colosseum in Rome

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. On this program you’ll visit major landmarks, including the Colosseum, the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, Saint Peter’s Basilica, Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel Ceiling, and charming piazzas. 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!

Daily Life

Daily Life

A successful Gap experience achieves the right balance between structured language instruction, practice in the community and cultural activities to be fully immersed in the local culture.

Here's how a typical week goes on a CIEE Gap Language & Culture program:

  • 15-20 hours of interactive language learning at a language school
  • 1 to 2 hours of the CIEE Global Competence Course  
  • 2 cultural activities
  • Free time to explore and have fun!


Weekends are for group excursions (1 overnight trip and 2 daytrips per semester) or personal travel and exploration.

*If COVID-19 homestay requirements cannot be met participants will be placed in a CIEE-vetted dormitory or apartment. Confirmation will be communicated to participants in advance.

Carefully Screened Homestay*

Local Support

Local CIEE Center staff available 24/7

Program Blogs

From CIEE

Fall in Ferrara

By High School Summer Abroad at CIEE

Where should I go to college? What should I major in? What do I do with my life? If you're not ready to answer these questions, a GAP year may... keep reading

Popping over to Naples

By Kira F.

Q: How could anyone feel the need to take a weekend getaway when they live in Paris? A: The getaway is in Italy. Yesterday morning I woke up in Naples... keep reading

The Team

By Hannah H.

Ciao Ciao! I have been in Ferrara for almost two months now and the world continues to open up to me. But, in order to keep these doors of opportunity... keep reading

Activities

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 one of Roman most famous ""gelateria"" and then taste plenty!

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.

High schoolers posing in Tivoli, Italy

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!

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

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.

For more information, refer to our detailed GAP eligibility criteria.

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. Full inclusions are found online.

Apply for an academic year and enjoy an authentic holiday experience! If you stay in your host country between the fall and spring semesters, CIEE will cover your housing costs. We will either extend your homestay or provide you with an alternate lodging option until your spring semester classes and activities resume.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Costs

Program Spring 2024 12 weeks Start Date End Date Costs $15,000
Program Fall 2023 12 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Costs $15,000
Program Academic Year 2023 32 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Costs $27,000

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