History Study Abroad Programs in Rome, Italy

Had an incredible time. Didn't know what to expect since this program was new to me, but I absolutely loved it and would totally recommend it to anyone looking to study abroad. Met amazing people and made friendships even though I knew no one going into this. Would 100% go through this program again.

This is my second trip with this program I did the Japan last year and Italy this year also intend to go again next year and I loved the different classes there were I took cuisines and art history we made many different kinds of Italian food and went to different places almost every day there were also many different day trips on the weekends that were amazing to go on and ending in Rome and seeing the colosseum and learning about it was a great way to end the trip and the staff was really amazing and accommodating with the need of the students

I learned so much on this trip through the art history course and photography course. I wasn’t that interested in many of the art made in periods such as renaissance, but I learned so much about them and got quite good at identifying them. I similarly wasn’t that knowledgeable about Christianity and especially Catholicism (at least more than the average American) but I learned so much about it as well and really came to respect the ideas related to it. Finally I also knew literally nothing about photography but through this I learned a lot about different styles and the essentials of photography to the point that I think I’ll be taking better pictures for the rest of my life. This is all without saying the fun and incredible sights and art I got to see, yes we went to churches and art museums to learn about it but we also went to appreciate it and through that I got to see some beautiful art that might be some of my highlight pictures from the trip. Also the day trips to other prominent cities are so much fun and so different Florence is a great base to operate out of and through that base different cities especially Venice and Siena contrast very well, Venice being very tight and of course featuring water, and Siena being very hilly.

World class program is great because it’s more than just a summer program it is an absolute immersion into Ancient Rome; the renaissance in Florence, and amazing medieval art were extravagant and eye popping. Going into the different museums and churches was, like dunking yourself into a beautiful shining spring in Ancient Rome taking you back in time to the minds of Roman’s and what they were thinking while walking into grandiose church. The different day trips were amazing in total there were four day trips one to Lucca where we rode bikes around the city walls, and explored the city, one to cinque terre where we hiked across a mountain with a view of the Mediterranean and ended on the beach. One to siena where we explored the city on the mountain and saw the amazing views. My favorite day trip was the one to Venice where we saw Murano the glass making city and we took boats around to different locations. The pros of the program was the amount of stuff that we had easy access to because of the great connections and the staff. Another pro is the community all the people were easy to connect with and make good friends without any problems. The amount of free time to explore and shop in Florence was great you were able to get what ever lunch you wanted or go to what ever shop in all of old Florence. The cons weren’t many. The program was genuinely so amazing. The only one I can think of is the heat in Italy, but it wasn’t the programs fault it is Italy’s faults for not having good american a/c. The only other con I can think of is not being able to go longer.

My study abroad experience was truly unforgettable, largely because of the amazing and easy-going staff who made every day enjoyable. Their friendly nature and sense of humor created a welcoming atmosphere that helped me feel at home even when I was far away. I often found myself laughing with them, which made the whole experience not just educational but genuinely fun. Their support and kindness made a big difference, turning challenges into opportunities to grow. One of the most meaningful parts of my time abroad was the relationships I built. I connected with people from all over the world, and these friendships became an important part of my journey. Sharing experiences, learning about different cultures, and supporting each other made these bonds truly special. These relationships taught me the value of understanding and empathy, and I know they will continue to be important in my life long after the program ends. Beyond the social side, I learned so much academically and personally. The new environment pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and adapt in ways I hadn’t before. I gained knowledge in my field of study, but I also learned life skills like independence and problem-solving. This experience has not only enriched my education but also helped me grow into a more confident and open-minded person.

Studying abroad in Italy is an absolute dream come true, offering an incredible mix of world-class education, deep historical immersion, and unforgettable weekend travels. It is the perfect destination if you want to balance your academic goals with a vibrant, slow-paced lifestyle full of incredible food, art, and culture.

I had honestly the most fun ever here with my friends! I thoroughly enjoyed my classes, learning about the culture, exploring Italy and Europe! It was life changing and I would highly recommend to everyone!

I had a really great time with my experience in Rome! I love my roommates and we’ve become really great friends. I’ve also had a great time exploring Rome and immersing myself in the culture while also being able to do weekend travel.

Class selection was good, particularly Art & Archaeology which I would consider a must. There's no city as good as Rome for learning about history given the plethora of ancient Roman sites and museums. Also, there was ample time for exploring Italy on my own.

I felt like I lived in Rome for so long and got immersed to fast, it felt like I had lived here forever. This got me missing home, but that’s not a bad thing. I got enough non-academic days that it allowed me to explore other part of Italy and Europe too.

This program was amazing and exceeded my expectations. The staff were so friendly and welcoming. The weekend trips and activities were so well-planned and fun. Housing was some of the best I’ve seen compared to other programs my friends were apart of.

Its was such an amazing experience in one of the most beautiful places on earth. The people I met, things I learned, and food I tried was all truly unforgettable. Id go back in a heartbeat and suggest this experience to anyone considering it.

My study abroad experience at the American University of Rome through CIS Abroad was one of the best experiences of my entire life! The school, program, and all the people I met were incredible. I met some of the best people I have ever known, thanks to studying abroad, and got to experience a life that I would have otherwise never known. Rome is such a beautiful city, and I am so glad I was able to explore it every day. From the food to the art to the architecture to the culture, my slice of life was heaven for the four months I lived there. There was never a dull moment in the city, whether I was going to Vatican City for their first-ever concert or just running around and learning about the hidden historical sites all around the city. I truly felt like a local and was so sad that I had to head home after a semester, but I cannot wait for the day that I can return to this wonderful city again! When applying to the program, I was super nervous and hesitant to go through with my plans. Now, I cannot imagine my life without it! I would rather be sad missing it than be sad and dreaming about the "what-if" possibilities. I highly recommend and encourage the same to anyone considering the possibility, and pick Rome! It truly is the best city!

I truly recommend SAI's amazingly seamless study abroad program. SAI prepares you for your adventure before departing and provides support through every step of the way (if you need it). I really admired the SAI on-site staff - they led with authenticity, were very helpful, and always made sure we knew their offices were available to us for anything and everything. SAI also provides program enhancements like cultural experiences (cooking classes, day trips, etc.) for FREE which is just incredible and provides amazing opportunities for foundational friendships to form! The Global Leadership Certificate is another enhancement that makes this program unique - it allows you to (if you choose) complete a number of community service hours and reflect often on how your experience abroad is helping you grow as a global citizen. I chose to complete the Global Leadership Certificate and am so grateful I did - I met wonderful locals during community service and gained a unique perspective by reflecting on my time abroad. Rome/Trastevere in itself is an amazing place to study - it is rich with culture, many locals, and a bustling yet home-y feel. By studying there and befriending SAI friends, locals, and JCU students, I grew immensely and became more spontaneous, appreciative, present, and joyful. If I could say one thing that really captures this experience, it would be this: SAI has great resources and runs a seamless program, but what really makes it memorable is the heart put into every part of the experience. That's what leaves me still thinking about it and so grateful for every moment.

The course itself was a wonderful mix of cultural immersion and learning about the history, art, historical figures who lived in Florence centuries ago. My one and only complaint can be summed up as, if you go on this trip, don’t expect everyone to be as into as you. I was deeply passionate about the history of Italy, and made a friend or two on the trip who was equally as passionate, but as a consumer of this tour, be aware that some are here to passively take in the sights, rather than eagerly devouring everything they can see.

When I decided to study abroad in Rome with CIS Abroad, I had no idea just how much it would change me. I signed up on my own, far from family, but from the moment I arrived, I knew I was stepping into something extraordinary. What I found was not just a semester abroad, but the most amazing experience ever. I attended The American University of Rome, where I took courses for my film degree. The school that CIS provided for us was very high quality, but a lot of the learning during study abroad also came from being in the city of Rome. Every cobblestone street carried history, every piazza became a stage of daily life, and every plate of pasta was a lesson in Italian culture. CIS Abroad made this journey feel both adventurous and safe. Their staff was encouraging, supportive, and always there when we needed guidance. The group trips, cultural activities, and check-ins reminded me that even though I signed up for this study abroad alone, I was never truly on my own. The most educational and important lessons in my life have come from moving abroad, and having done so several times in the past, my theory has proven to be true time and time again. Moving to Rome taught me Italian cultural norms, Italian political standpoints, religion, history, and I learned so much from the people there. I made friends in unexpected places, and my friends at CIS Abroad have become family. What I carry most from this experience is growth. I discovered courage I didn’t know I had, independence I never thought I could embrace, and a confidence that will follow me everywhere. Rome taught me not to be afraid of new beginnings, but to celebrate them. To anyone considering studying abroad: do it. Say yes, even if you’re nervous. The world has so much to teach you, and you’ll come back with stories, friendships, and memories that will stay with you forever.

I had a great time in Rome this summer. I spent time from May to June taking archaeology and art, both on-site classes. The professors were friendly and informative, and classes were enjoyable. After I flew into Rome, the university res life personnel met me at baggage claim. I was taken to my apartment where I stayed with six other girls. My only disappointment with my housing was that it had no AC, so I was always hot as well as the other girls. The neighborhood was Trastevere which was very safe and had grocery stores very close to my apartment. The university was around a 15-20 minute walk but you can take a bus there if you don't like big hills. Public transport is easy to use and Google Maps updates schedules. Overall, the experience was fun and I really am grateful. I recommend CISAbroad as they were easy to ask questions to and were helpful for preparing for Rome.

I spent the best 4 months of my life studying abroad in Rome, Italy. It truly felt like I was living in a fairytale. I met the most incredible people and made the most special memories. It truly is hard to put into words how much the experience has changed my life. That city will always hold a special place in my heart.

I went to Rome in the Spring of 2024 and it was an unreal experience. My professors were super helpful and I learned so much in my classrooms as they were smaller. I also travelled to 11 countries on the weekends. From skiing in the alps, to the desert in Morocco. It was amazing to see all the nature and architecture that the world has to offer. The Italian people were super friendly and the food was the best I ever had. I highly reccommend this experience to everyone!

i love it so much it was so beautiful and i love the experience it is something like no other i love it so much it was so beautiful and i love the experience it is something like no other i love it so much it was so beautiful and i love the experience it is something like no other i love it so much it was so beautiful and i love the experience it is something like no other