FAQs

For Current Students

How do I prepare?

My advice.

What should I pack?

My advice.

Where to shop?

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

For Prospective Students

How can this fulfill my degree requirements?

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. 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.

How much does this cost?

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.

When is the trip and how long is it?

You will be in Italy for 21 full days in June. See the course calendar for exact dates. 15 days you will have class commitments.

Who will be teaching me?

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.

Where will I stay?

You’ll have a shared fully furnished apartment in a residential, yet centrally located neighborhood, Prati. 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.

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.

What will I eat?

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 observant and/or committed to respecting your needs in the apartment kitchen.

How do I get there?

We will use a travel agent to help arrange a group flight at best prices for those who want to travel together.

Can I travel to places other than Rome on this trip?

Yes! As a group we have an overnight excursion to the Bay of Naples and you will have two weekends (two nights and three nights respectively) 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.

How do I apply?

There is a new temporary study abroad pdf application for students to use while the typical online system is down.  You can submit the form and their supplemental documents to us via email at studyabroad@brooklyn.cuny.edu or in-person to the IPSA office (Boylan 1212).

When do I apply?

Applications are accepted from mid January to mid March.

What does the application require?

(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 (3) a copy of your transcript (unofficial is fine!) (4) a copy of your valid passport

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.

What if I don’t have passport?

You need to have one before mid February to have your application 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.

How many students are you accepting?

For Summer 2025, the trip may run with as few as 12 student, but is capped at 16. If the program is successful, we’ll consider raising the cap in future years. If more that 16 students apply, 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.

What if I’m not a CUNY student?

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.

What if I’m a graduate student?

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

What if there is an emergency?

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.

How can I learn more about this opportunity?

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.

All Roads …

Rome is in our vocabulary.

As the saying goes: “when in Rome…”

The city has left its mark not just on our language, but on our architecture, our favorite foods, our government and so much much more.

When I started college, I didn’t even have a passport, then I won a scholarship to study abroad. I was terrified, but I did it anyway. It led me to my career and my most enduring friendships.

Let’s see where your roads lead.