Italian Language & Culture
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. 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!
Program Blogs
Fall in Ferrara
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
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
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
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.
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
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 |