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Fall, Spring, Academic Year, Summer
Rome, Italy
Transfer
• Minimum 2.75 GPA
• Good academic and disciplinary standing
• Sophomore, junior, or senior standing at the time the program begins
• Approval by UI and IES
• 18 years of age
• Check the 'Eligibility' section under the Application tab for more details.
• September 16 for Spring
• February 24 for Fall and Academic Year
• February 14 for Summer
Check the 'Costs' section under the Application tab.
When you study abroad in Rome, you'll be enveloped in the Roman past—the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, St. Peter’s Basilica—while enjoying all of the modern-day cultural jewels that the Eternal City has to offer.
The IES programs in Rome are offered during the Fall, Spring, Academic Year, or Summer sessions.
Students receive transfer credit for the courses taken on this program.
IES Rome has several tracks that UI students can pick from when they select a semester or academic year program. These tracks focus on: Language & Area Studies, History & Classics, Film & Media Studies, Art History, International Relations, Sociology & Religion, and Early Childhood Education.
While in Rome, students will take 15-19 s.h. per semester. Students enroll in four area studies courses, as well as an Italian language course.
Additional credit bearing options include taking classes at a local university, social action placement & seminar, and internship placement & seminar.
Review the IES Rome site (any track) for the list of current courses: Semester Course Offerings
UI sponsors the IES Rome Summer Language & Culture program. Students will enroll in a required Italian language course and one English-taught area studies course, for a total of 6 s.h. Over the summer area studies courses offered have included: Art History, Sociology, and Urban Studies.
Review the IES Rome summer page for the list of current courses: Summer Course Offerings
Unless UI Study Abroad has an approval on file for the courses you take abroad to be applied toward a specific major, minor, certificate, or general education requirement, you will receive general elective credit for your course. The course approval process will be discussed when you meet with your study abroad advisor.
Even though your adventure starts in Rome, the field trips organized by IES take you beyond the city to discover the cultures and traditions of Italy. Students share a portion of the cost with IES Abroad.
You can learn more about the excursions available through the Fall, Spring, and Academic Year program on the IES Rome- Fall, Spring, and Academic Year program website.
You can learn more about the excursions available through Summer program on the IES Rome- Summer program website.
Program dates vary from year to year, but typically follow the University of Iowa’s academic calendar.
You can find the specific dates for the upcoming Fall, Spring, and Academic Year programs on the IES Rome- Fall, Spring, and Academic Year program website.
You can find the specific dates for the upcoming Summer programs on the IES Rome- Summer program website.
Study Abroad
1111 University Capitol Centre
Iowa City, IA 52242
Phone: 319-335-0353
Email: study-abroad@uiowa.edu
The IES Abroad Rome Center staff provides academic and student support services to UI students.
The IES Abroad Rome Center is situated in the heart of Rome along the Tiber River across from the Castel Sant’ Angelo. The Center is a newly renovated 1920s-era building within walking distance of the Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, and the Vatican.
Students will take IES Abroad courses in the Center’s multi-media classrooms. Students can meet with staff and faculty in their offices. In addition, students will have access to a reading room, library, computer lab, music practice rooms, digital photo facility, video editing lab, and printing facilities.
Rome, the eternal city, is literally eternal. It has endured for over 2,700 years and maintains an ambiance like no other. Embedded in centuries of history and culture, it is Italy's capital and largest city (2.6 million people), offering far too much to see in one visit. In this city, a phenomenal concentration of history, legend, and monuments coexists with an equally phenomenal concentration of people busily going about their everyday life.
Aside from the unending, tangible history in Italy, the nation has beyond remarkable landscapes which bring any visit to an entirely new level. You can go skiing in the Alps, visit Roman ruins and Greek temples, or explore the Grand Canal in Venice.
As one of the world's most-loved destinations, Italy is also the land of la dolce vita, meaning "the sweet life." After an adventure, tourists can unwind, relax, and be pampered by staying at one Italy’s high-end spas or simply enjoying Italy's sophisticated dining pleasures, such as family-owned restaurants where you can experience real Italian cooking.
The US Department of State provides safety and security information for every country of the world to help you assess for yourself the risks of travel. Each country information page contains a Travel Advisory, Alerts, and other important details specific to that country that could affect you.
Pay close attention to the entry and exit requirements, local laws and customs, health conditions, and other details to help decide whether traveling to any given country is right for you. Non-US citizen travelers may also wish to seek guidance from the embassy of their country of citizenship. The UI International Travel Policy for Students addresses restrictions on student travel to high-risk locations and engagement in high-risk activities abroad.
Housing is included in the program fee, however some housing options carry an additional cost. Please check the Cost Section of IES Rome for accurate housing costs.
Students will select from the housing options below. More details can be found on the Housing section of the IES Rome semester website and the Summer website .
If you do not have a passport, it is important that you apply for one as soon as possible to ensure you receive it before the program begins. US citizens can find more information about how to apply for a passport on the US Department of State’s website.
Important notice for students without a valid passport or whose passport will expire within the next 12 months:US citizens can find more information about how to renew a passport on the US Department of State’s website.
Students with a valid passport should check the expiration date. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months AFTER the anticipated return to the US from studying abroad. If your passport is not valid for at least 6 months after your anticipated date of return to the US, you must renew your passport before applying for the visa you will need to enter your host country.
Expedited processing service is available for US passports (although this still takes several weeks and is at an additional cost). UI Study Abroad encourages students to ask the passport agency at the time of application whether expedited service is recommended.
Students who are not US citizens should contact their consulate for more information if they need to get a new passport or renew their passport.
Students will work with their program provider to make travel arrangements to their program site. The cost of travel is not included in the course fee. UI Study Abroad will not arrange a group flight to your study abroad destination.
Do not purchase plane tickets until you have received instructions on how to do so from your program provider.
Within your host city and around Italy, students will utilize public transportation such as buses and trains. Italians are also very used to walking, so be sure to bring comfortable shoes!
This program is open to University of Iowa students who fulfill the following requirements:
Program eligibility requirements may change per IES Abroad policies. Before applying, it is important that you review the eligibility requirements listed on the IES Abroad website for your program to ensure you meet all listed requirements.
The cost sheets outline the total estimated costs associated with participating in this program and can be used for financial aid purposes. They include fees charged on students’ U-Bill as well as out-of-pocket expenses. Actual out-of-pocket expenses will vary from individual to individual. Quoted estimates are conservatively high, yet realistic.
Costs for future sessions are usually similar to the current session, however students can expect a modest increase in overall costs each session. Final cost sheets for future sessions are typically available early in the semester before the session begins.
The following cost sheet applies to the Summer 2024 session.
Cost Sheet IES Rome Summer 2024The following cost sheet applies to the Fall 2024 session.
Cost Sheet IES Rome Fall 2024The following cost sheet applies to the Spring 2025 session.
Cost Sheet IES Rome Spring 2025The cost sheets are based on the fees described below:
Cost sheets do not include the following optional costs:
Optional fees vary by session, and will be available shortly before the upcoming session.
Costs for personal travel are not included in the cost estimates provided on the cost sheet. If you plan to travel outside of your host city or country during or after your study abroad program, you will need to budget for additional funds to cover the cost of your personal travel.
For more information about receiving financial aid while studying abroad, please review the following:UI Financial Aid Information
You can find more information about options for funding your study abroad experience including scholarships on Undergraduate Scholarships for Study Abroad.
In addition, take a look at IES Abroad’s Scholarship website for information about scholarships offered directly through your program provider.
If you are accepted to your IES program, you will be asked to commit to participating in your program by submitting the University of Iowa Confirmation of Participation form and the IES Abroad Intent to Enroll document.
After you have formally confirmed your plans to participate, you will work with both UI Study Abroad and with IES Abroad. Follow instructions from both. Later in the semester, your UI Study Abroad advisor will contact you regarding orientation sessions, registration, and other required UI procedures and documentation.
Applications for the Fall semester and Academic Year are due on February 24.
Applications for the Summer are due on February 14.
Applications for the Spring session are due on September 16.
In addition to submitting their Confirmation of Participation form, students should review the following:
Iowa Regents CISI Health Insurance Information
Students are also encouraged to complete the Health Preparation Guide for International Travel form with their medical practitioner. This document is intended to help you plan for your medical needs abroad. Please DO NOT turn this form in to UI Study Abroad.U.S. passport holders should follow the Visa batch process instructions provided by IES. Make sure to submit all required documents by the submission deadline. Otherwise you will have to apply for your student visa independently.
The closest Consulate available to UI students is the Chicago consulate.
U.S. Citizens will need a student visa if they are going abroad for a semester, or academic year. Typically, they will not need a visa for the summer sessions.
Non-US Citizens- should refer to the Italian Consulate Website for more information on Italian visa requirements.
UI Study Abroad will hold advising appointments and/or information sessions to provide details on the visa application process. UI Study Abroad staff can provide some assistance on the Italian visa application process, but ultimately the individual traveler (the student) is the person who is responsible for providing correct information on the visa application and securing the visa and all other required documentation prior to travel.
Prior to starting the visa application process check in with IES for more information; they have a preferred timeline that students need to follow.
In order to prepare for your time abroad, you are required by the University of Iowa to complete two orientations. These may be in addition to orientations provided by your on-site provider. See below for more information.
You are required to complete the International Programs ICON course "Education Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation" prior to departure. This orientation is mandatory for all students going abroad under the auspices of the University of Iowa. It covers many practical matters about living overseas, such as health and safety, communication, money, goals, and much more. You will be enrolled in this course by International Programs and an email will be sent to you once enrolled. If you have any questions, you can email safety-abroad@uiowa.edu
This orientation will be facilitated by your study abroad advisor and will cover content specific to your program and host country. It could be conducted in a group setting or one-on-one depending on your type of planned activity abroad. Your study abroad advisor will send you more information about this mandatory in-person session.
IES will provide you with a variety of pre-departure resources to prepare you for your study abroad experience. These will include a packing list, cultural information, housing instructions, etc. Ensure that you thoroughly review any information provided to you by IES and refer back to it if you have any questions.
These materials may be periodically updated to reflect new program information prior to departure. Be sure to check your IES Account often.