IES-Rome

Program Details

Program Location Rome, Italy
Sponsor IES
Program Type Co-sponsored
Course # SA 33018
Duration Semester or
2 Semesters
Upcoming Program Dates
Spring 2025 01/26/25 to 05/08/25
Current Program Dates
Fall 2024 09/01/24 to 12/12/24
Page Links
Click here to apply for this program!
Please Note: Programs may be altered or adapted with little notice

Overview

IES-Rome

It is impossible to avoid the past in Rome. It eagerly waits for you around every corner, hoping to intrigue you with a worn-down step, surprise you with an unexpected fountain, or inspire you with ancient architecture. Come study Rome’s unmatched historic and artistic past while simultaneously learning about its modern role in international politics and business.

This program offers you the unique opportunity to craft your own academic experience as you pick and choose courses from across all of our program offerings in Rome—from Art History and Film to Education and Business. An Italian language course at your proficiency level rounds out your course load in Rome, and gives you the skills you need to navigate this city with ease.

Rome will be your classroom. Can you imagine places like the Vatican, the Pantheon, the Forum, or the Colosseum being part of your education? Our courses are experiential in nature, and we organize more than 150 course-related trips each semester to historic, artistic, and cultural sites that take advantage of the city’s many opportunities.

Craving immersion into the collegiate experience in Italy? Opt to take an English- or Italian-taught course at one of our partner universities, where you can learn alongside local and international students in an Italian university setting. Our three partners are some of the top universities in Rome, offering courses in the Humanities, Fine Arts, and Fashion.

Add international work experience to your résumé with a part-time internship in your field of choice or a community-based learning/social action placement where you can give back to this incredible city that will give so much to you. Either option gives you hands-on experience and comes with a credit-bearing seminar that provides a chance to reflect upon and gain context about your placement.

IES-Rome has several program tracks to pick from, offering slightly different classes and experiences:

Language & Area Studies

Art History 

Film & Media Studies

History & Classics

International Relations

Sociology & Religion

This page is mainly referring to the standard IES Rome Language & Area Studies program. Students wishing to participate in IES' other options in Rome should check the IES web-site for any varying dates, fees, and application deadlines and speak to their study abroad advisor.

For more program information, please visit the program website. This program is sponsored by:IES.

Eligibility

IES-Rome

The program is open to all Purdue undergraduates who have completed two semesters of university study by the start of the program. Successful candidates will demonstrate academic success, maturity and a desire to experience another culture.

GPA Requirement: 2.75 on a 4.0 scale
Language Requirement: none


Purdue Credit

Direct Credit available from the following: [College of Liberal Arts] [Daniels School of Business] [College of Health and Human Sciences]
Specifically from: PSY & HTM (HHS)

Students interested in completing courses while abroad from Purdue colleges or departments that are not listed above should discuss this with their study abroad advisor before applying to the program.


Academic Program

In addition to Italian language courses, IES offers a wide selection of courses in a variety of disciplines for students. Students will take between 15-19 credits per semester, and an Italian language class is required for all students.

Course offerings may include Art History, Anthropology, Art, Classics, Communication, Cultural Studies, Economics, Film Studies, History, International Business, International Relations, Italian, Philosophy, Political Science, Public Policy, Religious Studies, Sociology, Urban Studies or more. Check the IES website for full course listings.

Students take most courses at the IES study center but may also take some courses at local universities, which is a great way to diversify your academic experience and make friends. Course offerings vary from semester to semester; exact course offerings are determined shortly before the start of each semester. For this reason, it is not always possible to register until you arrive on-site. Students should check the IES website for additional admission requirements that may exist in order to attend the various universities.

For more information, click here.


Excursions

Due to COVID-19, excursions are subject to change.

IES programs include a variety of course-related trips or site visits to enhance your experience. In addition, several field trips are organized each semester. Some field trips are included in the program fee, and others you can sign-up for at your own cost. More information on possible excursions can be found on the IES website and may vary from term to term.


Housing

IES Rome locates housing in Italian homes or in apartments, some of which may be with Italian students. Students should not expect to live in the heart of Rome. Most IES housing is approximately 40-45 minutes by public transportation from the heart of Rome. Some students may be placed in housing closer to central Rome, in which case they may have a 30-40 minute commute to the IES Center. The average commuting time to either central Rome or the IES Center is 45 to 90 minutes.

If you choose the homestay option, you receive a daily breakfast and have the option of sharing certain evening meals each week with your host family. Students in homestays have private rooms, and usually only one student is placed per homestay. University cafeterias and inexpensive restaurants in the area can provide your other meals.

If you choose apartment living, you are responsible for all your own meals. Student apartments come with an equipped kitchen.


Estimated Program Costs

Students pursuing program participation accept financial responsibility. Purdue will take measures to mitigate financial risks, although will not be liable for loss.
 
Students should carefully note what costs need to be paid to Purdue University or to a co-sponsor or agency, and what costs need to be paid at the overseas study location.  This will vary by program.

Program Fee includes tuition, on-site orientation, and some field trips. Housing cost is for apartment housing (no meals included). Homestay placements carry an additional fee as some meals are included. Costs listed are based on the Language and Area Studies Program. Other options may carry different fees, consult IES website for specific information.

Costs for this program are estimated and subject to change. The cost figures listed below are for: Spring 2025

Costs per semester to be billed by Purdue and Co-sponsor
Program Fee $16,331.00
Study Abroad Fee $914.10
Housing $4,600.00
Insurance $245.00
Program Discount for Purdue Students - $1,000.00

Approximate additional costs per semester
To be paid by the student.
Round-trip Airfare $1,200.00
Local Transportation $140.00
Visa $56.00
Books and Supplies $250.00
Meals $2,700.00
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses $0.00 - $2,100.00
Travel Documents (passport, photos) $175.00

Financial Aid

Purdue University financial aid may be applied to the costs of studying abroad. Students interested in receiving financial aid should

NOTE:  Recipients of certain tuition remission and scholarship programs should pay careful attention to the regulations for using those benefits for study abroad.  Ask your financial aid advisor about any limitations.

Click here for a list of scholarships and grants available to assist with the costs of studying overseas.


Application Deadlines

For full consideration, students must submit all supporting documents (typically an essay, transcripts, 1-2 recommendations, and copy of passport) before or by the application deadline.  Popular programs fill quickly, often before the deadline. To ensure a place in a program, apply early.

As soon as a student submits an online application, a My Study Abroad account is created. Applicants should consult this page often to check on the status of the application.

Program Application Deadline
Fall Semester Programs Mar 1
Spring Semester Programs Sep 15



Returnees Information

IES-Rome

Vatican Museums

Click below to search for Purdue students who have participated in this program and are willing to be contacted.  If you get no results, you can use the search form to find people who studied in the country you are interested in.


Resources

The websites listed below contain information about this program. The accuracy of information at external sites cannot be guaranteed.


For more information on this program, please contact the Study Abroad Office by phone (765) 494-2383 or email studyabroad@purdue.edu.