CIEE College Study Abroad in Rome, Italy

I had a wonderful time traveling with CIEE to Italy. The program and everything expected from us was extremely well planned out and I had an amazing time!

The classes typically included an outside activity, and after you would have class for around 3-2 Hours. After class you would either go around and speak to natives, and ask them about their day or use the skills you learned in class. This would be a grade for the class, which were all facilitated through Canvas. I know multiple people who received a college credit for the class, which is usually an extra fee, but totally worth it.

My time in Rome was amazing, especially thanks to my host family. They were extremely accommodating and I got really lucky with having them. I stayed in a quad or in a house with 4 other students, which was really fun because we all grew really close. We were all luckily from Texas, so I assume that helped as well. I would recommend that if you're nervous about your child being alone to definitely choose on the portal for the application for them to have a roommate!

The support from CIEE Program leaders was amazing, they were constantly with us, and made sure that they had our location and made sure we were safe. Every class had a different program leader, and all of them no matter if you were their kid or not, made sure you were being accommodated for 100%. I distinctly remember one of our program leaders helping one of the students who was having issues with their homestay, and he ensured that she was moved out the next day.

The people I met on my program were the best people ever! I had a great time cruising through Rome with them, and I am really happy that I was able to meet them and experience that with them.

Every weekend consisted of a trip that we would take, and the ones for Rome were a small town called Perugia and Orivieto. We went to a chocolate factory and received a TON of free chocolate. Another great trip we went to was to Sperlonga, a beach town that was absolutely wonderful. The other weekends were either spent with your host family or going out.

This experience is totally worth it! I received so much help but I also received so much aid to be able to attend. I would totally recommend applying to every scholarship they provide and also make a GoFundMe for flights!

As an architecture student, it was a dream come true to visit Rome. I loved the view of the iconic Colosseum and the incredible history behind it especially. The city’s architecture is breathtaking; the craftsmanship and the stories are reflected in every stone. Walking the streets of Rome is like walking through a living museum. Buildings, streets, plazas and monuments are soaked with centuries of history. These structures are something else in person . You can not help but appreciate the scale, detail, and artistry that just can not be appreciated in any other way. My experience in Rome has given me a new appreciation for historic design, renewed my passion for architecture and inspired me further as I pursue a career in the field.

I also enjoyed participating in the culture and daily life of Rome outside of the architecture. And for me, one of the best parts of the trip was eating real Italian food, from fresh pasta and pizza to gelato as I wandered around the city. Meals in Italian culture were not simply about food, but about relaxing, connecting and appreciating the importance of family and community. Having spent my days on neighborhood streets, local cafés and piazzas, I was able to experience the city’s vibrancy and traditions firsthand. I loved diving into the culture and it made me appreciate Rome even more and the experience that much more memorable.

I had such a great experience studying abroad in Rome with CIEE. The program was really accommodating, which made everything so much easier, especially being in a new country. Anytime I had a question or needed help, there was always someone there to support me.

I also really enjoyed my classes. The professors were engaging and made the material interesting, and I liked how a lot of what we learned connected to being in Rome. It made the experience feel more real and not just like a typical classroom.

Overall, I had such a positive experience. Living in Rome was amazing, and I felt like I grew a lot personally while I was there. I would definitely recommend this program to anyone thinking about studying abroad, it was such a fun and memorable experience.

The academic challenge was moderate. Classes weren’t overly difficult, but they still required consistent attendance and effort. Some courses felt more engaging than others, especially those that incorporated the city into the learning experience. Overall, it wasn’t academically overwhelming, which made it easier to balance school with travel. The program staff were helpful and generally accessible. They provided guidance when needed and were supportive in adjusting to life abroad. There were a few moments where communication could have been clearer, but overall I felt like I had support when it mattered. The social scene was one of the best parts. Being in Rome made it easy to meet people, go out, and travel on weekends. There were plenty of opportunities to explore Italy and other parts of Europe, and I met a lot of great people through the program. Housing was decent but not perfect. Living standards were acceptable, but there were occasional issues (I lived in a dorm), space and food became a big problem. The location was a big plus, though, and being in Rome made up for some of the downsides. I generally felt safe both at the school and around the city. Like any major city, you have to stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded or tourist-heavy areas, but I didn’t have any major safety concerns. Overall, I had a really positive experience. The chance to live in Rome, meet new people, and travel made it incredibly worthwhile. This experience as a whole was memorable and something I would 100% recommend.

Going into the program I was a little nervous since I was going alone. When I arrived in Rome I was immeadiatly greeted by the friendly staff at CIEE in Rome. They situated me in a Homestay with a wonderful family and a another student as a roomate. I had such a great time immersing myself in the culture, learning a new language, and even debunking stereotypes of other cultures (like not being allowed to have a cappuccino past 11 in Italy). Staying in my homestay was truly amazing, trying all their homecooked meals and staying with a family made me not as homesick. The events organized by CIEE were my favorite and the classes here were all so interesting due to the friendly and fun professors. I went on many trips around Italy and had lots of free time to be able to do so. Most of the professors understood that we are abroad students and they wanted us to focus on exploring their culture here then doing busy work all the time. I met so many friends that I hope we can stay connected and all meet together soon. Studying abroad with CIEE was one of the best choices I have ever made and I reccomend everyone once in there life to do it. You not only learn about the culture and language but even becoming more mature and knowing how to be on your own.

I really enjoyed the history I was able to experience here especially during the jubilee and new election of the pope. Being able to experience so many different cultures and traveling allowed me to see more than I ever expected and rome was a great hub for this. The public transportation has so many options and is generally very good. There are so many places to visit within Italy itself so being able to do some day trips through CIEE was a really great way to see places I never would have on my own.

Studying abroad with CIEE Rome was one of the best experiences of my life. I had so much fun exploring the city and going on excursions to some truly incredible places. The professors and staff were so kind and helpful they made everything feel so much easier and more enjoyable.

What really stood out to me was how much I got to immerse myself in Italian culture, whether it was through the classes, trips, or just everyday life in Rome. It wasn’t just about studying; it was about experiencing something completely new. I’ll never forget it, and I’d highly recommend it to anyone thinking about studying abroad!

Thank you first for this amazing time in Rome!!

Studying abroad in Rome has been an unforgettable experience that has profoundly shaped my perspective on the world. I am deeply grateful to the program for creating opportunities to immerse myself in Italy’s rich history, art, and culture while also pushing me to grow academically and personally. From exploring the timeless streets of Rome to connecting with inspiring professors and classmates, every moment has been transformative. Thank you for making this journey possible and for fostering an environment where learning extends far beyond the classroom.