Our History & Classics Program is designed to provide a thorough overview of the archaeological, political, religious, and intellectual history of Italy—from ancient to current day. Choose from a variety of courses exploring the topography, archaeology, history, urban infrastructure, works of arts, mythology, and Latin literature and epigraphy of Rome.
Once you’ve applied for a program, I’ll be your direct point of contact. From housing to course registration and everything in between, I’m here to help you prepare to study abroad. Once you’re accepted to your program, you’ll find even more detailed information about what you need to know before you depart in your Predeparture Guide. Let’s get started!
With thousands of years of well-documented history, including countless writings, amazing archaeological sites, monuments, sculptures, and other artifacts, there is no better city to study History and Classics than Rome. So study the effect of the past on the present in a city that has not only survived, but flourished over most of its 2,500+ year history.
What’s more? History and Classics are a lifelong passion of Gianni Ponti, your Center Director in Rome, who, as an archaeologist specialized in Imperial Roman architecture, Gianni has hands-on experience and a wide network in the field. Having worked on several excavations in Rome, and conducted research for the Department of Antiquities, Gianni served as the Archaeology Advisor to the American Academy in Rome, and more.
The excitement of a big city can be too much sometimes, but Rome has a remarkable regional rail system that makes day trips a simple and fun escape!
Share an apartment with other IES Abroad students and have the option of living with an Italian Student Companion (ISC), a local Italian student who provides opportunities to engage in cultural activities. Apartments are furnished, single-sex, and generally accommodate four to seven students, with two to three IES Abroad students sharing a bedroom. Internet access is available in every apartment. Meals are not included, but apartments offer equipped kitchens.
Our mission is to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences. We offer many unique courses that explore History, Classics, Italian culture, and more—all taught by our world-class professors. Italian-taught course options at our partner universities enhance your academic experience and provide you with new perspectives each day in class. Build your own academic experience by taking an elective course from one of our other programs in Rome.
The Accademia di Costume e Moda (ACM) is one of the most famous Fashion Academies in Rome. It is located in the very heart of Rome, close to the IES Abroad Center. The academy was founded in Rome in 1964 with the sponsorship of the city of Rome.
You take 15-19 credits per semester. Language courses are taught in Italian, and all other courses are taught in English, unless otherwise noted. Academic programming is scheduled five days a week. Create your own academic experience by selecting from the following program components.
In addition to your program’s specified coursework, you can take any of the area studies courses offered through our Rome - Language & Area Studies Program.
To learn more about IES Abroad’s innovative theoretical and pedagogical approaches to teaching language abroad, refer to the IES Abroad MAP for Language & Intercultural Communication.
NOTE: This is a list of planned course offerings. After you are accepted, you will see a list of final course offerings in your MyIESabroad account. Additionally, IES Abroad reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond our control.
| Course name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| SO/AN 350 - Organized Crime in Italy: Mafias, Murders, and Business | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
The Accademia di Costume e Moda is only offered during the Fall semester. Students may select one English-taught course on Fashion Styling and Communication.
IES Abroad students studying the fine arts with at least one semester of college-level Italian language can enroll in one course at Rome University of Fine Arts (RUFA). Students can choose from courses in Painting & Drawing, Printmaking, and Sculpture.
Roma Tre offers advanced Italian-taught courses to students who are proficient in Italian. There is also the possibility of taking English-taught courses in the Political Science department. Students may select Italian-taught courses in Humanities, Religious Studies, and Social Sciences, and English-taught courses in Political Science.
Getting your passport is a crucial step for studying abroad. With processing times taking longer than usual, consider this a gentle reminder to not procrastinate on getting or renewing your passport.
Even though your adventure starts in Rome, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. All trips are included in the program fee unless otherwise noted with ($).
NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.
From a guided tour of Pompeii to stunning views of the Amalfi coast, this trip provides fascinating insights into the lives of the ancient Romans and the beauty of modern day Italy.
Tour the countryside of one of Italy’s most unique regions, with its gorgeous landscapes and rich artistic legacy. You will also visit the sites of the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance.
Did you know that, while in Rome, you can intern as part of your study abroad experience? With a part-time internship, you’ll gain global work experience that will increase your job readiness and give you an advantage after graduation. With an internship, you will:
All of our internships are supervised and earn IES Abroad credit. You participate in a 3-credit seminar to complement the practical experience you gain during the internship for a greater understanding of work life in your host country.
Participating in a community-based learning experience in Rome is an opportunity to give back to the community while gaining a much deeper understanding of the city’s culture and society. These cause-driven placements have you working alongside local people toward a common goal, in which you experience firsthand some of the social issues that affect Rome.
A community-based learning experience consists of time spent with a local organization, accompanied by an academic, for-credit seminar. Through the seminar, you have structured time for reflection and discussion as you explore human development, social business, and the need for closer contact between economics and ethics.
Placement examples include development and Microfinance, education, environment and food policies, human rights, immigration, public health, social inclusion.
We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from studying abroad. This is why we commit millions of dollars to our study abroad scholarships and aid.
The Center is where our highly trained local staff provide on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad.
The IES Abroad Rome Center is situated in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the city. This renovated 1920s-era building sits along one of the longest rivers in Italy called the Tiber. Whether you’re visiting the Pantheon, or walking back from the Vatican, the Center is your study abroad hub.
With 70 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" so that you don’t have to. From international health insurance included in the cost of your program to highly-trained local staff who can connect you to English-speaking healthcare providers, we are working around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.
No one knows the IES Abroad experience better than a student who has lived it! From budget tips to housing experiences, our volunteer Ambassadors are here to share it all.
There and Back Again, Part 4: I attempt to demystify the prestigious, old, and confusing tutorial system at Oxford.
Here I talk about my experience studying abroad in Ireland and taking advantage of the opportunity to travel to various European countries during reading week...
Here, I feature some of the best spots to fuel your caffeine addiction while abroad.
