Study in Rome with IFSA
Rome
, Italy

IFSA Study in Rome Plus

Program Overview

MORE ACADEMIC OPTIONS TO MATCH YOUR AMBITIONS

Walk by ancient Roman city walls, stop for a quick espresso, and admire spectacular works of art—all on your way to class. Choose from a variety of IFSA classes in English that fulfill common requirements in business and the social sciences, plus take a class of your choice at the elite Libera Università Internazionale degli Studi Sociali (LUISS). You may also develop your intercultural and professional skills with an exciting internship or directed research designed for you in Italy’s capital city.

This program is ideal for students majoring in business, economics, finance, political science, pre-law, social sciences, and more.

More Rome Options: Check out IFSA Study in Rome. It's the same great program, minus the option to take a class at LUISS.

Details at a Glance

Application deadline

Fall: May 1
Spring: Nov. 1

Minimum GPA

2.70

Credit load

15-16

Housing

Apartment/Flat

Instruction language

English, Italian

Prerequisites

None

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Academics

Looking for specific classes? Explore CHART, our exclusive class database—if the Study in Rome Plus program is pre-approved at your institution, you’ll find classes recently taken by other IFSA students.

IFSA’s Study in Rome Plus program provides a compelling curriculum in English focused on business and the social sciences. Crafted for U.S. degree requirements and contemporary hot topics, IFSA classes explore relevant topics in the Roman, Italian, and European contexts by incorporating a variety of case studies and field visits. Plus, you may enroll in a class at Libera Università Internazionale degli Studi Sociali.

LIBERA UNIVERSITÀ INTERNAZIONALE DEGLI STUDI SOCIALI (LUISS)

You will choose one direct-enroll class at Libera Università Internazionale degli Studi Sociali. An elite private institution, LUISS boasts the top-ranked political science program in Italy, as well impressive law and economics programs. For business and finance major, LUISS holds both AMBA and EQUIS accreditation and consistently ranks among the top 100 European business schools. Since law is an undergraduate degree in Italy, select law classes are open to you if you are interested in a legal or political career.

You may opt to enroll in a second class at LUISS for a supplemental fee. You may also request to take classes delivered in Italian if you have at least four semesters of Italian language experience or the equivalent. Some popular options are listed below, but you will have access to any class available to visiting students.

LUISS FEATURED DIRECT-ENROLL CLASSES

  • Behavioral Economics
  • Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies
  • Competition Law and Antitrust Regulation
  • Corporate Finance
  • Databases and Big Data
  • Digital Economy and Innovation
  • Energy Markets and Industrial Organization
  • European Union Law
  • Financial Market Analytics
  • Gambling: Probability and Decision
  • Global Governance Through Interreligious Dialogue
  • History of Political Thought
  • Legal System in the Digital Age
  • Money and Banking
  • Public Economics
  • Sociology of Terrorism

IFSA ELECTIVE CLASSES
Enroll in IFSA elective classes to complete your schedule. One of those classes may include a credit-bearing internship or directed research. Not all courses may be offered in a given semester depending on enrollment. Click on each link below for a detailed course syllabus and suggested U.S. university equivalencies. All courses are worth 3 U.S. semester credits.

In addition to your classes, if you’ve never studied Italian before, you’ll take Essential Italian, a 1 U.S. semester credit hour course in contemporary Italian language and culture taught intensively during the first weeks of the program. By introducing key words and phrases in the classroom—and venturing out into the city to practice them—this class also provides insights into local customs and daily life. Right from the start, you’ll gain essential skills to communicate effectively and navigate in a new culture.

Beginning Italian I
Italian language study at beginning through advanced levels is available upon request and based on previous language experience.

Directed Research
This class offers a unique opportunity for students to delve deeply into host context research projects. Students will be guided through projects that are both feasible in the study abroad context and relevant to their broader intellectual interests. The class is structured through regular individual meetings with a faculty mentor to discuss the formation and execution of a research plan and, depending on the specific project, the possibility to conduct field- or internet-based research. At the end of the semester, students present a formal research paper.

Ethical Decision-Making
This course invites students to examine a number of ethical issues revolving around economic order and business by understanding the context in which business agents operate. From empirical and normative perspectives, students engage with theory from moral philosophy, organizational behavior, economics and management, with cases that illustrate the ethical issues in the business environment.

Forced Migration, Refugees, and Change
More than 60 million people are displaced by war, violence, and environmental destruction today. Using ethnographic approaches, students investigate sociological and political forces behind the current increase of refugees impacting Europe, considering what has been accomplished and what can be done in the future through governments, NGOs, citizens, and researchers to address challenges with forced migration.

Intercultural Communication for the Global Workplace
Designed to improve students’ abilities to communicate effectively with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, this course utilizes intercultural theory, verbal and non-verbal communication, personal beliefs and values, and strategies for building cultural intelligence and adaptability. Examination of Italian work environments, professional practices, and business etiquette underpin the course.

International Internship Seminar
Students are placed in individual internships but collectively take part in the seminar to prepare for the experience, understand expectations, set personal objectives, identify, and strengthen specific skills, critically reflect on their progress, share experiences, and learn from each other throughout their term. Students develop a deeper understanding of themselves, their professional areas, and Italian work culture. In this seminar, which is focused on application of theory to practice, students gain real world work experience while developing intercultural agility — skills and experiences that are critically important to personal, academic and professional success.

International Political Economy
This course explores theoretical issues and illustrative case studies related to international political economy. Students examine ways domestic and international politics affect relations between states by examining the role of government in the production, distribution, and consumption of resources. Students also learn to apply core concepts and theories in international political economy to case materials.

Italian Art, Power, and Influence
Art and culture reflect the society they stem from, and at the same time they can be vehicle for political messages and even play a role in international relations. This course will explore how the “soft power” of art — including literature, cinema, architecture, and visual arts in general — can be leveraged by individuals, groups, or governments as they promote their ideas and values for political gain and influence. Students visit famous monuments, museums, and architectural sites that showcase more than 2,000 years of Italian history through its great artists and leaders.

Politics of Food and Water
Global population growth is dramatically increasing our demands for food and water, contributing to a degradation of natural resources, reduction of biodiversity, and climate change. Students will explore environmental challenges in light of political strategies that promote sustainable food production and water management. This course will feature multiple case studies on Rome, where unique water management strategies — beginning with ancient aqueducts — have traditionally shaped the identity of the city till the present day.

Principles of Negotiation
This course will focus on techniques relevant to a wide range of negotiation contexts: from commerce to political debate, from public relations to social and public campaigns. Through lectures and practical simulations, students will compare theories of negotiation grounded in research from the fields of linguistics, psychology, and rhetoric. They will learn to apply a range of written and oral persuasive skills and devices effectively, and to manage a successful negotiation process in a multicultural environment.

Service Operations Management
This course explores principals of service operations management in the hospitality and tourism industries. Students develop an understanding of service excellence, facility designs and layouts, planning and analyzing service delivery systems, defining and measuring service quality, and service recovery. Additionally, students gain perspectives for managing demand and supply and making continual improvements a competitive strategy.

Sociology of Consumerism
We commonly hear that modern societies place disproportionate significance on money and material possessions – that we live in a consumer society. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, this course examines the ubiquitous presence of consumerism influences on individual behaviors, social welfare, culture, environmental quality, economic performance, and public policy. Students learn to critically engage with consumer culture within the Italian context.

Statistics for Social Sciences
This course demonstrates the value of being critical of the conclusions one hears reported, with a primary focus on techniques of measuring and counting for the purposes of analyzing data. Students apply statistical methods to answer questions social scientists ask about the world, and learn to use computerized tools of analysis such as SAS, SPSS and Excel descriptive statistics features.

Strategic Communication in Business
This course challenges students to explore leadership styles by leveraging strengths to communicate clearly in a variety of settings and to a range of audiences. Students practice effective written and oral internal communication strategies proven to improve moral, inspire innovation, and increase productivity. Similarly, students study strategic communications theories to produce integrated external communications across platforms.

Sustainable Tourism
In the past few decades, the global tourism industry has been increasingly criticized for its disruptive impact on local communities and the environment, while a growing trend of sustainable tourism has begun promoting more responsible, eco-friendly approaches that can help preserve nature, customs, and lifestyles. This course introduces skills and techniques that can be leveraged to expand sustainable tourism, by understanding market needs and designing innovative communication that seeks to make tourist destinations better places to live in, and to visit.

Urban Event and Project Management
This course explores in-depth planning and project management processes as part of event planning in urban settings. Students develop an understanding of methodologies, best practices, and applications of project management in the field of hospitality and the production of special events. Core PMBOK and EMBOK standards are also analyzed and applied directly to the practice of event management.

CLASSES TAUGHT IN ITALIAN
Classes taught in Italian may be available for students who have at least four semesters of Italian language background or the equivalent.

Directed Research
Engage in individualized field research with faculty experts on a contemporary issue of interest. Regular meetings with faculty will assist in the formation and execution of research plans, and they will guide you on how to thoughtfully and critically integrate academic research with experiential learning. You will sharpen your written and oral communication skills through the development of articulate and comprehensive research that is respectful to the sensitivities of the local culture. For more detailed information and examples of previous student placements, contact your IFSA Enrollment Counselor.

Internships
In Rome, IFSA students may choose to participate in a part-time, credit-bearing internship at sites that may include Italian family businesses, corporations, non-profit organizations and government agencies. Students undergo an individually tailored placement process and collectively take part in a methodology seminar that culminates in a final paper and presentation. Throughout the semester, students acquire real world work experience while developing intercultural skills and experiences which are critically important to personal, academic and professional success. Internship placements may include galleries and museums, business incubators, development agencies, religiously affiliated non-profits, marketing firms, and human rights advocacy groups.

Internships Placement Highlights
The following list showcases the variety of recent internship opportunities. While some of these internship opportunities may be available for upcoming terms, internship placements do vary from term to term. We will work with you individually to identify a placement that meets your unique personal, academic, and professional goals.​​​​​​​

Placements are conducted in English, unless otherwise noted. If you have at least four semesters of Italian language experience, ask your IFSA Admissions Counselor about opportunities to conduct your placement in Italian.

Organization: This historic Italian association focuses on the protection of the environment and landscape. The local chapter, based in the Garbatella neighborhood, organizes initiatives to raise awareness on environmental issues and urban sustainability, including exhibits, “Clean the world days,” and park maintenance.
Subject Areas: Environmental Science/Studies, Film Production, Marketing
Potential Projects: You would help create and edit short videos and other materials about the association’s activities, with a special focus on urban gardens and beekeeping.
Language: Italian

Organization: This Rome-based, independent, English-language, online magazine covers everything Italy-related, offering news and opinion about politics, economy, culture, and sports.
Subject Areas: Communications, Journalism, Marketing
Potential Projects: You will help with content creation for the magazine and promotion.
Language: English, Italian

Organization: This English-language event and lifestyle magazine is targeted to tourists and expats visiting or living in Rome. It includes a daily listing of the latest and most diverse cultural and lifestyle events in and around Rome.
Subject Areas: Communications, Journalism, Marketing
Potential Projects: You will help with content creation for the magazine and promotion. You can also be involved in the creation of a new Florence branch of the magazine.
Language: English, Italian

Organization: This is an historic Rome-based association, one of the first in Italy, that offers support to the LGBTQ+ community and organizes cultural events and initiatives, including the big annual Pride event.
Subject Areas: Communications, Cultural Studies, Gender Studies, Politics
Potential Projects: You will help with the organization of cultural events and contribute to the social media presence of the association.
Language: English, Italian

Organization: This is a small private museum in the very heart of the historic center, focused on interactive reproductions of inventions and machines designed by Leonardo da Vinci.
Subject Areas: Communications, Museum Studies, Art History, Marketing
Potential Projects: Interns will help with front desk operations, English-led tours, as well as with promotional initiatives and social media campaigns.
Language: English, Italian

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Eligibility

  • You must be at least 18 years of age. Students under 18 may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.
  • You must be currently attending or recently graduated from a U.S. or Canadian community college, technical college, two-year college, four-year college, or four-year university.
  • You must have completed at least one (1) semester of study at your home institution before the beginning of the term.

Recommendation Letter
Not required.

Visa Requirement
Not required for U.S. or Canadian students unless participating in the internship or directed research options. A visa may be required if you are a citizen of another country.

TRANSCRIPT
Upon completion of your program, IFSA will send an official Butler University transcript to your home university with your coursework converted to the U.S. semester credit hour system. You will also have access to an unofficial transcript in your IFSA Student Portal. The transcript reflects courses taken, credits attempted, and grades earned during your term abroad. This service is included in your study abroad program at no additional cost. See our Transcripts page for more information.

Excursions

Activities and excursions are designed to pull you into the communities you visit and encourage cultural connections of every kind. There’s no extra fee to participate in these optional outings—everything is included in your program fee.

Below are examples from previous terms; outings may be different for your program. We’ll make every effort to run them all, but sometimes things we can’t our control, such as local regulations and health protocols, get in the way. As result, we cannot guarantee activities and excursions.

Activities

  • Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatino Hill Tour: Offered during orientation, this activity allows you to visit some of the most iconic monuments in world history and to explore the very heart of the eternal city.
  • Eataly and Mercato di Testaccio Visit: Eataly is a premium food market for Italian products and restaurant hall associated with the Slow Food Movement. After the visit, you will continue to the Testaccio neighborhood market and experience the Roman street food tradition.
  • Centro Astalli Refugee Center: In the last decades Italy has experienced large-scale immigration from neighboring North Africa and Eastern Europe. You will learn first-hand the challenges of this process in a dialogue with the Refugee Center representatives and guests.
  • Clean Up the Word with Legambiente: Raise awareness on environmental issues and sustainability by volunteering with Legambiente, a historical Italian association focused on protecting the environment and landscape. You will participate in a day of activities in the community garden of the Garbatella neighborhood.
  • Dinners with Italian Families: During the semester, you will be placed with an Italian family that will periodically invite you to spend an evening together, practice your respective languages, and enjoy a delicious homemade dinner.
  • “Take a seat at the table!” Series: A series of guest lecture with local expert on a variety of topics, from EU immigration policy to the Italian cultural diplomacy. After the lecture, all participants are invited for lunch in a nearby bistro.
  • Language Aperitivo: Open to speakers of all proficiency levels, this periodical activity brings IFSA and local Italian university students together to practice Italian, compare cultural practices, and forge friendships in the informal setting of a coffee bar.
  • Riserva della Cascina Winery Visit: Riserva della Cascina is a family-run, organic winery in the outskirts of Rome, immersed in the archaeological park of the old Roman way “via Appia.” Explanation of sustainable practices will be followed by a tasting.
Excursions
  • Bay of Naples Trip: This three-day excursion begins with an exploration of the archaeological remains of the ancient town of Pompeii, buried in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. Next you will visit the small town of Sorrento, with its narrow alleys, and explore the island of Capri and its impressive natural scenario. Finally, you will enjoy a guided tour of the historical center of Naples.
  • Umbria and Tuscany Trip: During this weekend excursion, you will visit Orvieto, an astonishingly preserved medieval town, with an impressive cathedral and a mysterious underground area. Afterward, the group will head to Florence, where you will participate in a cooking class and learn how to prepare handmade pasta. The last day is dedicated to Pisa, including a visit to the world-famous leaning tower.
  • Castelli Romani Trip: Enjoy a day visit to the hilly area known for its papal palace-turned-museum, lush nature preserves and lakes, and wine and olive oil production.

Housing and Meals

Housing

Apartment/Flat

Meals

Self-Catering

Details

You will live in centrally located, fully furnished flats in Rome. You will have shared bedrooms and bathrooms. Apartments include a common dining area and kitchen with a microwave, refrigerator, oven and stovetop. As there is no meal plan, you will purchase your meals or cook for yourself. A single-bedroom option is available for a supplemental fee.

Dates and Fees

Term

Term begins

Term ends

Program costs

Application deadline

Fall 2023

September 6, 2023

December 22, 2023

$18,775

Passed

Spring 2024

Late Jan. 2024

Late May 2024

$18,775 (estimated)

Nov. 1

Fall 2024

Early Sept. 2024

Mid-Dec. 2024

$18,775 (estimated)

May 1

Term

Fall 2023

Term begins

September 6, 2023

Term ends

December 22, 2023

Program costs

$18,775

Application deadline

Passed

Term

Spring 2024

Term begins

Late Jan. 2024

Term ends

Late May 2024

Program costs

$18,775 (estimated)

Application deadline

Nov. 1

Term

Fall 2024

Term begins

Early Sept. 2024

Term ends

Mid-Dec. 2024

Program costs

$18,775 (estimated)

Application deadline

May 1

Get Started

Brittany Brooks

Brittany Brooks

Admissions Counselor

Eleni Katsarelas

Eleni Katsarelas

Prearrival Counselor

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