rome
Rome, Italy

Creative Writing in the Land of Gods & Heroes

Summer '25 Applications Open

Arts & Culture

Dates

-

3 weeks

Costs

$6,750

Application Deadline

Request Information

Dates

-

3 weeks

Costs

$6,750

Application Deadline

Request Information

Overview
Conjure up new stories and characters inspired by the myths of Ancient Rome. 

With more than 3,000 years of history, Rome is steeped in legend. Through expert-led classes, dive into the basics of storytelling amid the backdrop of Roman mythology. Analyze stories that have endured for millennia. Develop the tools and techniques to breathe life into your tales! 

Meet storytellers and visual artists. Investigate artistic and literary works rooted in myths and the responses to those myths over time. Engage in virtual reality experiences to see the city’s palaces, temples, and monuments just as the ancient Romans saw them. In the end, collaborate with other Global Navigators to create a drama script and perform it live or in a short film.

Explore Rome’s cobbled streets and alleys—from the Colosseum to the Trevi Fountain and Vatican—and meet local teens, too. On excursions, travel to the Campania region, stopping by Pompeii and other archeological sites to learn about the first Greek colonies (and myths) of southern Italy. During your adventure, you’ll make connections between classical heroes, gods, and our contemporary world, experiencing an epic narrative of your own.

The Take-Aways

Real-world Experience

Discover Rome through mythology and storytelling. Experiment with different techniques to improve your creative process. Come home with the skills to craft original stories.

Credentials For Your Future

Topics for your college essays, experience to inform your future career, a creative project to showcase your storytelling skills and increasing artistic literacy.

Life Skills And New Friendships

Return with greater self-confidence, independence, and improved communication skills. Enjoy a broader worldview and diverse friendships from across the U.S.

45

Hours of expert instruction

3

Weeks Pursuing Your Passion

1

Life-changing Experience

Destination
  • rome
  • rome
  • rome

The Destination

Welcome to Rome, the Eternal City, with its colorful depictions of gods, heroes, and stories from its past. 

Walking the streets of Rome is like stepping into a mythological tale. According to legend, the bustling capital of Italy was founded by twins, Romulus and Remus, born in the 8th century B.C. to a human mother and the god of war, Mars. For the Ancient Romans, their rich myths weren't mere narratives; they were considered truth! 

As you discover the different districts of Rome, you can stroll along the Tiber River, the very spot where Romulus and Remus were abandoned in a basket. Visit Palantine Hill, where the sacred cave of the she-wolf that saved them is located. Marvel at the bronze statue of Lupa Capitolina, depicting the she-wolf nursing the twins, in the Palazzo dei Conservatori. At every turn, you'll encounter vivid images of exciting stories encompassing themes of war, family, and morality.  

In addition to showing off its past, Rome also offers plenty of modernity—window-shop at legendary fashion houses, savor tasty local flavors at restaurants and gelaterias, and spend time in vast city parks, perfect for nurturing your imagination. 

Cultural Awareness

ºÚÁÏÍø911wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local ºÚÁÏÍø911staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Rome. 

Itinerary

Daily Life

²Ñ´Ç²Ô»å²¹²â–F°ù¾±»å²¹²â&²Ô²ú²õ±è; 

Each day offers a balance between interactive instruction and cultural activities with time on your own, too. Morning classes and afternoon activities may swap places.  

  • Breakfast at restaurants or the hostel/hotel
  • Hands-on classes with expert instructors and artists 
  • Lunch with your fellow Global Navigators   
  • Out and about for a cultural activity or workshop   
  • Dinner at restaurants or the hostel/hotel

Weekends   

  • Overnight or day excursions to top sites  
  • Quality time with friends

Check out the blog posts to discover more about daily life and excursions on program.

Housing

Hostel/hotel, shared rooms with other Global Navigators

24/7 Support

1 Program Leader for every 12 students and support from local staff

Activities

Sample Activities

rome

Just imagine all the fun you’ll have!

  • Go myth-hunting with your friends all around Rome using passages from ancient Roman authors and excerpts from the Percy Jackson books. 
  • Immerse yourself in the Circus Maximus and experience the ancient chariot racing stadium where races were held before as many as 250,000 spectators. 
  • Try yummy flavors at Fassi, Rome's oldest and most famous gelateria dating back to 1880. Find out how traditional Italian gelato is made! 
  • Travel back in time and spend the day as an Ancient Roman at Roma World, the newest theme park in Rome’s countryside. 
  • Explore the Campania region and some of the first Greek colonies of southern Italy. Discover the connection between Roman and Greek myths.

Please note activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.

Testimonials
From CIEE

The Final Days

By Melissa Cabaniss at CIEE

From interactive museums, shopping sprees, and the final project students have been busy soaking in their last moments in Rome.

From CIEE

Florentine Dreams

By T.J. Slancauskas at CIEE

Overnight Trip to Florence

From CIEE

Learning Beyond the Four Walls

By Melissa Cabaniss at CIEE

This blog post explores the meaning of study abroad and gives examples of student work so far in the program!

Eligibility

Eligibility

For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

Application Fee

$25 

Program scholarships and tuition include iNext Travel Insurance, but do not cover the cost of flights. Find additional details about what’s included with your tuition.    

More questions? Find answers, get application support, sign up for virtual presentations or contact us!

 

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Costs

Program Summer Session I 2025 3 weeks Start Date End Date Costs $6,750
Program Summer Session II 2025 3 weeks Start Date End Date Costs $6,750

Ready to change your life?

What’s Included

Interactive Classes

Housing

3 Meals/Day

(Dietary Needs Accommodated)

All Ground Transportation

(Once In-country)

Optional Flight Chaperone

(Flight Cost Not Included)

Pre-departure Advice and Orientation

Access to WIFI

(No international data plan or SIM card included)

All Cultural Activities and Excursions

Comprehensive Medical and Travel Protection

24/7 Emergency On-site Support

Staff

Our Staff

Dr. Giulia Bottero

Academic Director

Giulia Bottero is the Academic Director and an Italian language instructor for ºÚÁÏÍø911Rome.

Request Info