You will participate in two courses during your time in Rome: Immersive Beginning Italian and Making of an Eternal City.

Immersive Beginning Italian 

Why learn Italian only in the classroom when you're in Italy? The city of Rome will be our classroom as this course spills outside for a unique and immersive learning experience. You will learn organically by hearing, reading and speaking in a fun and low-pressure environment. Ordering cappuccino and gelato will be part of the coursework. Authentic communicative activities and dynamic language exercises abound as you are encouraged to make use of elementary Italian.

Making of an Eternal City 

Rome, the Eternal City, has been constantly inhabited from the 8th century BC to the present, thus making it one of the richest and most stratified living human settlements. This class explores Rome’s rich history and its impact on the development of modern culture and society. To this end, you will visit archeological sites, museums and churches all around the city. We will explore these sites while analyzing the socio-historical context that produced them, and evaluating their importance in the formation of Rome’s distinctive identity.

During the first week, you will visit the heart of Rome’s ancient history, the Colosseum, the Palatine and the Forum. You will also learn the lay of the city, through a walking tour of Rome’s fountains and obelisks (of which there are many!) and through the aid of maps and images available in the textbook. During the second week, you will visit St. Peter’s Basilica. You will also learn about the ‘layers’ of Rome at the church of San Clemente, a place used as a religious (pagan and Christian) site for almost two thousand years. The second week will also include a visit to Rome’s most beautiful museum, the Villa Borghese and a tour of its amazing art collection.  

Overall, the course provides an introduction to Rome’s history, its topography but also its landscape of power. Indeed, this class invites you to reflect on how institutions and individuals express power through buildings today and how local history and topography has an impact in their communities’ lived experiences.

• You will reside in Rome’s city center in shared rooms and shared bathrooms. 
• The On-Site Director, On-Site Coordinator and Student Life Managers reside in the residence hall with students, providing an atmosphere that supports your success by emphasizing community building and individual responsibility.
• During the week, you will have most meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) on campus. A few meals will take place at local eateries. 
• You will engage in community building and cultural events and activities, such as a cooking class.

Site visits are an opportunity for you to immerse yourself in Italian language and culture. Please Note: this is a sample of planned activities and is subject to change.

• Colosseum: Do you know the expression “bread and circuses”? The Colosseum is the circus! We’ll visit this breathtaking amphitheater and explore its rich history.
• Forum of Augustus light show: Walk where the Romans walked every day to run errands and keep up on current events: the heart of ancient Rome as designed by its first emperor. Enjoy a vivid light show that gives viewers a sense of what the buildings looked like in antiquity. 
• San Clemente: Explore the “layers” of Rome in the Basilica of S. Clemente, an 11th-century church—among the most beautiful in Rome.
• Saint Peter's Basilica: One of the finest churches of Rome, this Renaissance complex dominates the city’s skyline with its large dome and double colonnade that encompasses the large piazza.
• Palatine Hill: Visit the ruins of the palace of Augustus, the first emperor, and admire the beautiful wall paintings, learning about the different styles and painting techniques.
• Tivoli: Day trip to one of the most beautiful towns outside Rome, which features the Renaissance Palazzo d’Este, beautiful gardens and the Roman ruins of Hadrian’s Villa.
• Rome’s Fountains: Walk through Rome and visit some of its most iconic fountains, exploring and understanding the (still working!) Roman aqueduct system.
• Palazzo Massimo: Discover one of the hidden gems of Rome! This off-the-beaten-path museum displays a remarkable collection of Roman art and frescoes.
• Villa Borghese: one of the best museums in Rome, filled with masterpieces of Carvaggio, Bernini and more.