Rome via Brooklyn

We’ve confirmed with our partners in Rome that accommodation is available this year. Based on current expression of interest from students, we anticipated no trouble with enrollments. So I will say as the instructor I am now counting on it and planning my life accordingly. At the end of the day, the unexpected can happen, especially with international travel, BUT I personally see no foreseeable reason the program will not be able to run.

This study abroad course counts toward the World Cultures and Global Issues part of your Pathways requirements. For some students it may also be used to fulfill their College Option requirements. Almost all student also have some number of required elective credits as part of their 120 credits needed for their BA and this would be a good way to fulfill them. A number of majors and honors programs require experiential learning (internships, study abroad), you might talk to your major advisor about this.

If you’ve already taken CLAS 1110 or are a Classics, History, or Art major, please reach out to Prof. Yarrow to discuss how the experience might apply to your own personal needs.

The program fee is $2200.

This covers housing, ground transport, all entry fees, travel insurance, and three special meals.

You will also pay tuition for three credits. You will need to budget for airfare, airport transfers, food, required textbooks, and spending money. The BC study abroad office can help you develop a budget. Scholarships and financial aid may be available.

You will be in Italy for 21 full days. In Summer 2026 the program begins June 15. In past years it has started closer to June 1. You will have two free three-day weekends. We will have 12 week days with course commitments, typically these meetings will be 4 hours long, but some times shorter, some times longer. The instructional time is the same as any other 3 credit course, only over a shorter period of time.

The instructor is Liv Mariah Yarrow, professor and chair, Brooklyn College Classics. She’s a passionate instructor and active scholar with deep knowledge and experience of the city Rome.

While every year is different, individuals have their own experiences, and every group of students develops their own relationships, you can use the 2025 student blog posts to see how those students experienced the trip. Don’t know where to start reading?

You’ll have a shared fully furnished apartment in a residential, yet centrally located neighborhood, in 2026 these will be in Trastevere just south of the Vatican (in 2025 we stayed in Prati just to the north). This neighborhood is very popular for its great restaurant scene and winding medieval streets, picturesque piazzas, and historic architecture. Almost all major landmarks are in easy walking distance, or you may choose to use any variety of public transportation for which you will have a free pass for the whole of the trip.

No apartment will have less than three students or more than six. Apartments with more than four students have a second bathroom. No bedroom within any apartment will have more than three beds. Bedding is provided. Each apartment have a living space, fully stocked kitchen facilities, and a washing machine. Your instructor and fellow students will have similar apartments nearby.

This is up to you! Day one we have a tour of the local markets and you’ll be encouraged to cook for yourself traditional Italian foods. There are also nearby supermarkets and neighborhood restaurants. Most instructional days you’re encouraged to pack yourself a picnic lunch. In additional, we will have three special meals together as part of our cultural experiences.

If you keep Kosher, Halal, or are vegan, or have severe allergies, or have just about any other dietary requirements, we will work hard to ensure your cooking facilities are shared only with other students similarly observant and/or committed to respecting your needs in the apartment kitchen.

We will use a travel agent to help arrange a group flight at best prices for those who want to travel together. If you wish to arrive earlier and/or stay latter by booking your own flights, this is also possible.

Yes! You will have two weekends (both three nights!) during which you can arrange on your own to travel anywhere in Italy you like. You must stay in Italy for the full duration of the course. If you wish to travel beyond Italy, you can consider staying in Europe additional days after the instructional period is over and flying back to the US on your own at a later date.

Submit your program application / information through the Brooklyn College WebCentral portal. Once logged in, click on Academics, and then International Education. If you are from a different CUNY campus, create an account on BC WebCentral to proceed. You can always ask for guidance and support via email at studyabroad@brooklyn.cuny.edu or in-person to the IPSA office (Boylan 1212).

Applications are accepted from mid January to mid March.

(1) a personal statement about how this experience will connect to your education and life experience thus far and how you hope it will connect your future life goals, both personal and professional (2) a letter of recommendation from a professor (other than Prof. Yarrow!) (3) a copy of your transcript (unofficial is fine!) (4) a copy of your valid passport (5) a 300-dollar deposit (if you are not accepted the deposit is refundable)

The host institution and sponsoring institution are the same for this program: Brooklyn College.

Prof. Yarrow and the BC Study Abroad Office can help advise you on this process.

You need to have one in hand at the time you submit your application to have it considered. If you’re reading this NOW, apply immediately and pay the fee to expedite deliver. You can schedule an appointment as a first time applicant at your local post office.

For Summer 2026, the trip may run with as few as 12 students, or as many as 16. If more qualified students apply than we can accommodate, we will select students based on how likely they are to make the most of the academic experience and how much this experience may benefit their degree and career goals. A strong application is critical!

You can still apply, but priority is given to CUNY students. There may be additional costs, especially if you are not a NY State resident. If interested, please get in touch.

Undergraduate students are given first priority. If interested, please get in touch.

You will have CUNY mandated travel insurance and 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, you’ll have contact information for your instructor.

In addition, we’ve made arrangements with a long-established student travel program based both in NYC and Rome for 24-hour support to provide as necessary liaison support with hospitals, police, other government officials and anyone else from whom you, your instructor, or your fellow classmates may need assistance.

This website has lots of information! Poke around! After that reach out to Prof. Yarrow with any questions by email. You can also stop by the Study Abroad Office (Boylan 1212) and time M-Th, 11 am to 4 pm.

My advice.

My advice.

A work in progress. Tell me what you would like me to add!