Overview
Take your spring break further—study abroad in Rome with AIFS Abroad on an immersive comparative education program in the heart of the Eternal City!
Taught at the AIFS Abroad Global Education Center (GEC) in Rome, you’ll be just steps from iconic landmarks like the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain. It’s an inspiring backdrop for exploring how cultural traditions, politics, and economic structures shape education in Italy, the EU, and beyond. Over five enriching days, students engage with local educators and institutions through site visits to Italian schools, universities, and NGOs, as well as guest lectures from local practitioners and classroom seminars. The on-site experience is complemented by pre-arrival readings and a post-program comparative essay, together forming a complete and academically rigorous short-term program.
Earn two credits in comparative education while gaining a global perspective that extends well beyond the classroom with this spring break study abroad program in Rome.
What’s Included
The AIFS Abroad inclusive program fee includes all of the great features below in addition to many pre-departure, on-site and upon-return services to help students make the most of their time abroad.
Review Our Policies-
Tuition
2 semester credits
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Courses
Explore current issues and practices in Italian and European Education systems
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Housing
in program-arranged, centrally-located hotel
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Meals
Breakfast provided in accommodation. Three meal vouchers for lunch or dinner help subsidize the cost of meals overseas and let you experience the delights of Italian cuisine like a local
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Welcome Event
To help you get to know your classmates better, familiarize you with the local area and advise you about your stay
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On-Site Support
A team of professionals to support with any questions or advice you may need and facilitate your study abroad experience throughout the program
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Health & Safety
24/7 emergency support and comprehensive insurance -
Personal/Professional Development
Access to the renowned Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment and alumni network -
Green Initiative
Additional Options & Opportunities
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AIFS Abroad Travel Package
Round-trip flights from 25 U.S. gateways
Round trip transfers between the airport and campus overseas
A DAY IN THE LIFE ROME
Say ‘buongiorno!’ to Jenna, a college student from the Ohio University! Jenna took over the AIFS Abroad Instagram story to answer questions about what it’s like to study abroad in Rome, Italy this summer and highlight what a typical day in her life looks like there.
Living Abroad
Housing
Hotel
Students will stay in shared rooms in centrally located hotels, with daily breakfast provided.
Meals
Students receive three meal vouchers to be used for lunch or dinner in selected restaurants, trattorias and pizzerias located near the AIFS Abroad Center. This unique program inclusion helps subsidize the cost of living abroad and exposes students to Italian food culture and cuisine.
Itinerary
This itinerary shows a sample of the program structure, with Day 1 as a travel day and Day 2 serving as the official start of the program. The finalized program itinerary with specific dates is visible in your student application portal. Reach out to the AIFS Abroad progarm advisor with any questions.
This program has required pre-readings done before arrival in Rome, and a final course essay completed after students depart from Rome.
| Day 1 - Friday | Travel from the U.S. to Rome (Friday evening or Saturday morning) |
| Day 2 - Saturday | Arrive Rome. Transfer to program hotel from FCO airport. Remainder of day to relax. |
| Day 3 - Sunday | Morning orientation with AIFS Abroad staff. Afternoon guided walking tour and dinner at local restaurant. |
| Day 4 - Monday | Course begins. Morning Lecture: Overview of Italy's Education System. Afternoon Workshop: Mapping My Education System. |
| Day 5 - Tuesday | Morning: Visit to a local primary school. Afternoon: Guest lecture on social mobility, migration and regional inequality. |
| Day 6 - Wednesday | Morning: Visit to a liceo classico (classical high school). Afternoon: Seminar on Italy’s classical curriculum. Evening: Street Food Tour. |
| Day 7 - Thursday | Morning: Visit to an istituto tecnico (vocational/technical school). Afternoon: Workshop on Equity; Student-led discussion comparing U.S. with Italian/E.U. schools. |
| Day 8 - Friday | Morning: Seminar on Bologna Process, Erasmus and EU Education Policy. Afternoon: University visit and discussion with Erasmus exchange students; guided reflection and wrap-up. Evening: Farewell meal. |
| Day 9 - Saturday | Guided visit to the Vatican Museum or Colosseum. |
| Day 10 - Sunday | Program ends. Return flight to the US from Rome FCO Airport. |
City Facts
History
Founded in 735 BC, Rome is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe. The entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and home to the Vatican, an independent country within the city. With its unparalleled wealth of history, archeology, art, religion and religious culture and delicious food, Rome has more to offer than any other city in the world. The Colosseum, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, its gardens, parks and art, the world-famous film industry make Rome a city that fascinates with its unique beauty and mesmerizing atmosphere.
Population
Rome, with its population of over 4,000,000, is the capital of Italy and the fourth most populous city in the European Union. The charming eclectic culture of modern Rome is a result of diverse cultures and people who have made this city their home for years. Rome is a modern city that thrives in its cosmopolitan culture but still has a deep reverence to its past.
Site Staff
AIFS Abroad in Rome Director, Spring Break Program
Rosanna Graziani
M.A. in Modern Languages from the University of Florence
Ciao! I grew up in a beautiful medieval town in central Italy, immersed in nature.
I earned my degree in Florence, where I joined AIFS in 1995 as a teacher of Italian L2.
When I moved to Rome in 2001, I immediately felt spellbound to the beauty, the wealth of art and history, the colors, the energy, and the climate of this extraordinary city.
I am passionate about international education and travelling; as a study abroad student myself, and through the many countries I visited, I learned how empowering and transformational learning about different people and cultures can be.
I am committed to providing a study abroad program of intensive engagement with Rome and Italy and I will support and advise you throughout your stay to ensure that you make the most of your Italian experience.
AIFS students have access to a local Program Director who provides advice and support throughout the program.
Cultural Activities
Activities in Rome include a welcome dinner and farewell meal, a walking tour of Rome’s historic center, a food tour and a visit to the Vatican or the Colosseum.
Cultural Resources
One of the best things you can do before departure is enter into the journey knowing that your time abroad will be unique to this experience. The resources, community, and support available to you when abroad will likely be different as well. In order to help you prepare for your experience, we have compiled the General Cultural Resources and Site Specific Cultural Resources for you to review. Your program staff will also provide you with more details during pre-departure and orientation.
Learn moreImportant Dates & Deadlines
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Dates & Deadlines
Details
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Early Application Deadline*
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Application DeadlineNovember 1, 2026
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Deposit DeadlineNovember 10, 2026
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Scholarship Deadline
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Visa Deadline****
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Balance of Fees Payment DeadlineNovember 15, 2026
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Optional Departure Flight from US***March 12, 2027
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Program BeginsMarch 13, 2027
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Program EndsMarch 21, 2027
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Optional Return Flight to US***March 21, 2027
- *** Included for students on AIFS Abroad travel package.
- **** AIFS Abroad offers visa processing services to applicants who enroll into the program by this date. All other applicants who enroll after this date will be responsible for securing their own visa with guidance from AIFS Abroad.
Optional Travel Package
Participants can select an optional transportation package for all AIFS Abroad programs that includes a round-trip flight from 25 U.S gateways and airport transfers to and from campus. Participants who choose to book their own flights will be responsible for connecting with the group at the program location and will need to make their own ground transportation arrangements from the airport.
Below are fees by departure city based on average historical costs and subject to change. If you select this option on your application, the total travel package price will be confirmed approximately one month prior to departure. Your program fee is guaranteed, and the optional travel package is an additional fee. Please note that once we have finalized the pricing for your flights the cost may change, and you will be responsible for making the additional payment if you want to participate in the travel package. Your program advisor will be in touch should there be any changes in the price of your flights.
Departure City
Fee
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Atlanta$1,760
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Boston$1,660
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Buffalo$1,620
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Charlotte$1,800
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Chicago$1,780
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Cincinnati$1,760
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Columbus$1,620
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Dallas$1,840
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Denver$1,840
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Des Moines$1,800
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Detroit$1,760
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Houston$1,880
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Los Angeles$1,880
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Miami$1,700
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Minneapolis$1,780
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New York$1,780
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Newark$1,580
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Orlando$1,700
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Philadelphia$1,700
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Phoenix$1,860
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Pittsburgh$1,660
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Raleigh/Durham$1,760
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San Francisco$1,800
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Seattle$1,900
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St. Louis$1,820
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Washington/Dulles$1,800
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Ready to Study Abroad in Rome?
For more dates or questions, contact your program consultant:
(203) 399-5163 or email: aifsabroad@aifs.com
