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Politics, Economics & Business
Rome, Italy
About the Program
Gain the practical and theoretical tools you need to thrive in a globalizing world. This interdisciplinary program, offered in collaboration with our partner LUISS University (LUISS), allows you to explore relevant topics in politics, economics, and business while building your global competence and cross-cultural communication skills. Designed for students at all levels of Italian language ability, courses at both the CEA CAPA Rome Center and LUISS complement one another, with Business, Italian language and Social Sciences taught at CEA CAPA and Politics, Philosophy, and Economics courses taught at LUISS. You'll benefit from the unique qualities and distinct learning environments of each institution.
Requirements
Overview
Rome
late Aug 2025 - late Dec 2025
$20,995
12 - 17
Deadlines
4/15/25
5/15/25
Requirements
Eligibility
Some courses may have prerequisites.
All Levels
High School Graduate
2.7
Where You'll Study
Libera Universita Internazionale Degli Studi Sociali
LUISS University (LUISS) was founded in the mid-1970s to provide an innovative, flexible education that allows students to feel a sense of mastery over their futures. Today, LUISS is known for it...
CEA CAPA Rome Center
Located in the historic surroundings of Italy’s capital city, the CEA CAPA Rome Center offers interdisciplinary...
Libera Universita Internazionale Degli Studi Sociali
LUISS University (LUISS) was founded in the mid-1970s to provide an innovative, flexible education that allows students to feel a sense of mastery over their futures. Today, LUISS is known for its highly selective admissions, alignment with market demands and the business world, and the study of information technology and foreign languages.
LUISS is officially accredited by the Italian Ministry of Higher Education (last revision of accreditation decree: Art. 1, Law 243/1991) and offers degrees at all academic levels in business studies, economics, politics, and law. For the past 15 years, LUISS consistently ranks among the top three Social Sciences institutions in Italy. The school attracts top talent in both students and instructors, and is firmly committed to the highest international standards in teaching and research.
Thanks to its affiliation with Confindustria, the Italian Industrialists' Confederation, LUISS has close ties to Italian industrial concerns, most of which operate internationally. For decades, the institution has played a key role in Italy's economic and cultural development, training world leaders sensitive to the values of market culture and the rules of a modern democracy. Alumni have also made important academic contributions in economics, finance, law, and political science.
Located on six campuses across the exclusive Parioli neighborhood, LUISS is a 20-minute bus ride from the CEA CAPA Rome Center. The main campus offers a modern study environment with the latest in technology for more than 8,000 students. Architecture features open, dynamic, transparent spaces that fully express the sense of community and the intensity of life at LUISS.
You’ll attend class with other American, Italian, and international students, giving you the opportunity to engage with diverse cultures in a formative experience of intellectual exchange. International conferences, symposia, workshops, and guest-lectures further enrich your academic experience.
Credit Transfer Information
LUISS University awards credits based on the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) system. CEA CAPA credit hour recommendations are based on the following conversion: 2 ECTS credits equals 1 U.S. semester credit. Credit transfer is ultimately determined by your home university. Please consult with an academic advisor at your home university on credit pre-approval guidelines.
Transcript Information
Students receive a transcript from LUISS University upon successful completion of the program. The transcript reflects ECTS credits.
Accreditation
LUISS University is accredited by the Italian Ministry of Higher Education. Its business school is also accredited by EQUIS (European Quality Improvement System).
Grading
Grade conversions from CEA CAPA partner institutions abroad to a US grading scale are determined in consultation with our School of Record and benchmarked with other peer institutions in the field.
Please note that CEA CAPA can only recommend grade conversions to students’ home institutions—it is ultimately at the discretion of the home institution to convert grades from abroad to students’ academic records.
For further information or details about grade conversion for a particular host institution, please reach out to our Registrar at registrar@ceacapa.com.
Please note that CEA CAPA can only recommend grade conversions to students’ home institutions—it is ultimately at the discretion of the home institution to convert grades from abroad to students’ academic records.
For further information or details about grade conversion for a particular host institution, please reach out to our Registrar at registrar@ceacapa.com.
Classroom and Information
- International faculty will teach your elective classes.
- Assessment is based on participation, exams, and individual and group projects.
- Periodic exams, homework assignments, and final exams will also be administered.
- Attendance in all classes is mandatory and monitored by each professor.
- Teaching styles in Italy may differ from those in the U.S. Be prepared to adapt to classroom structures and coursework expectations for your school.
- Class size ranges from 15 to 50 students.
- You will attend class with fellow CEA CAPA students, other international students, and Italian students.
Amenities
Student Offices
Student Center
Student Lounge
Study Room
Counseling Services
Student Health Services
University Library
Computer Lab
Student ID
Printing Services
Internet Access & Wi-Fi
Fitness Facilities
Student Sports Teams
Cultural Engagement
Dining Facilities
Free Campus Shuttle
Bookstore
CEA CAPA Rome Center
Located in the historic surroundings of Italy’s capital city, the CEA CAPA Rome Center offers interdisciplinary programs spanning business, politics, Italian language, cultural studies, and liberal arts. With the great city of Rome as your classroom, you can choose courses offered in both Italian and English, and enjoy the opportunity to improve your language skills and further your academic pursuits while immersed in a historic cosmopolitan setting. Designed to exploit the natural strengths of Rome's modern pace as well as its historic past, the curriculum at the CEA CAPA Rome Center offers you distinct study tracks, based on the study of Italian language & culture, business, politics, and history.
Whatever program you choose, you’ll engage in activities designed to take the curriculum out of the classroom and into the community, like visits to galleries, museums, city council chambers, local businesses, food markets, and artisan’s workshops, as well as first-hand encounters with artists, architects, local business people, writers, curators, and Italian students. Even outside school hours, we’ll encourage you to apply lessons learned in class to real-life, drawing connections between your studies and the daily life of your host community. This ongoing, active, and reflective structure of study not only helps you gain historical and social understanding, but helps you develop the international cultural fluency you need in an increasingly globalized world.
The CEA CAPA Rome Center also helps you critically reflect upon and articulate your own national, cultural, and social identities. Active class participation provides the opportunity for interaction and collaboration, both critical factors in academic and professional success. CEA CAPA Rome Center faculty are committed to fostering students’ intellectual and cultural growth through simulated debates, multi-media research presentations, and round-table discussions.
Transcript Information
Courses at the CEA CAPA Rome Center are transcripted by the University of New Haven (UNH), CEA CAPA’s School of Record.
Accreditation
Courses taught at the CEA CAPA Rome Center have been designed in conjunction with, and approved by, the University of New Haven (UNH). In addition, faculty appointments have been approved by UNH. After the successful completion of a session at the CEA CAPA Rome Center, you will receive credit for your work from UNH. Located in Connecticut, the University of New Haven is a student-focused, comprehensive university that’s fully accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The agreement between CEA CAPA and UNH follows the highest standards of good practice in education abroad and satisfies the rigorous requirements of the University's institutional accreditor, making credits earned at the CEA CAPA Rome Center easily transferable to US-accredited institutions. Learn more about UNH's service as the School of Record for CEA CAPA
Grading
Professors at the CEA CAPA Rome Center will carefully evaluate your work and progress throughout the academic session. When calculating final grades, instructors consider written and oral exercises, homework assignments, attendance, classroom participation, and exam performance.
The following grading scale is in use for CEA CAPA center-delivered syllabi:
| DESCRIPTOR | ALPHA | NUMERIC | GPA | REQUIREMENT/EXPECTATION |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outstanding (High Distinction) |
A | 93+ | 4.0 | Maximum grade: In addition to description for grade "A-", the participant shows detailed understanding of materials about which he or she can show independent analytical ability. This means the ability to question an issue from different perspectives and evaluate responses in an objective manner. |
| Excellent (Distinction) |
A- | 90 - 92.99 | 3.7 | Participant shows understanding of literature beyond the textbook/class hand-outs/class notes, and the work shows a high level of independent thought, presents informed and insightful discussion, and demonstrates a well-developed capacity for evaluation. |
| Very good (High Credit) |
B+ | 87 - 89.99 | 3.3 | Shows evidence of a capacity to generalize from the taught content, or the material in literature, or from class lectures in an informed manner. Also, the work demonstrates a capacity to integrate personal reflection into the discussion and an appreciation of a range of different perspectives. |
| Good (Credit) |
B | 83 - 86.99 | 3.0 | The work is well-organized and contains coherent or logical argumentation and presentation. |
| Good (Credit) |
B- | 80 - 82.99 | 2.7 | Participant shows understanding of literature beyond the textbook and/or notes, and there is evidence of additional reading. |
| Average (Good Pass) |
C+ | 77 - 79.99 | 2.3 | The work demonstrates a capacity to integrate research into the discussion and a critical appreciation of a range of theoretical perspectives. Also, the work demonstrates a clear understanding of the question and its theoretical implications and demonstrates evidence of additional reading. |
| Adequate (Pass) |
C | 73 - 76.99 | 2.0 | Shows clear understanding and some insight into the material in the textbook and notes, but not beyond. A deficiency in understanding the material may be compensated by evidence of independent thought and effort related to the subject matter. |
| Below Average (Borderline Pass) |
C- | 70 - 72.99 | 1.7 | Shows some understanding of the material in the textbook and notes. A deficiency in any of the above may be compensated by evidence of independent thought related to the subject matter. |
| Inadequate (Borderline Fail) |
D+ | 67 - 69.99 | 1.3 | Fails to show a clear understanding or much insight into the material in the textbook and notes. |
| Poor (Fail) |
D | 60 - 66.99 | 1.0 | Besides the above for D+, participant has not shown interest or engagement in the class work or study. |
| Poor (Fail) |
F | <60 | 0 | Shows little or no understanding of any of the material. |
Classroom and Information
- Classes are taught by international faculty selected by CEA CAPA and approved by the University of New Haven.
-
Faculty are bilingual (English/Italian) and represent diverse backgrounds.
-
Periodic exams, homework assignments, and final exams will be administered.
-
Attendance in all classes is mandatory and monitored by each professor.
-
You’ll attend class with other CEA CAPA students of equivalent language levels, not with native Italian students.
-
Teaching styles in Italy may differ from those in the U.S. Be prepared to adapt to different classroom structures and coursework expectations.
- Language and elective course sizes range from 10 to 20 students. Small class sizes mean more personalized attention from instructors.
Amenities
Student Lounge
Study Area
Counseling Services
CEA CAPA Academic Resources
Travel Books & Resources
Digital Resources from UNH Library
Computers
Printing Services
Internet Access & Wi-Fi
Academic Advising
Language Exchange with Local Students
Cultural Engagement
Dining Facilities
12-17
Credits
Program Structure & Courses
Enroll in 1 CEA CAPA core course, 1-3 CEA CAPA courses, 1 LUISS course, and 0-2 optional PC courses.
CEA CAPA language courses and LUISS courses meet for 60 contact hours/4 credits. CEA CAPA and PC courses meet for 45 contact hours/3 credits. You may earn a total of up to 17 credits (270 contact hours).
CEA CAPA classes meet 1-2 times per week, Monday-Thursday. Active learning components required by your courses may be scheduled for Friday. LUISS classes meet 2 times per week, Monday-Friday.
Prior to departure, you will select your preferred courses. You will be enrolled into courses based on their availability. Registration for LUISS courses takes place during your second week in Rome. It is in your best interest to have multiple alternative courses approved by your home university prior to your departure due to course availabilities. To ensure that you receive credit for the language level you place into, have your home school pre-approve courses at several levels before you leave for Italy. Please consult with your academic advisor at your home university on credit pre-approval guidelines.
CEA CAPA language courses and LUISS courses meet for 60 contact hours/4 credits. CEA CAPA and PC courses meet for 45 contact hours/3 credits. You may earn a total of up to 17 credits (270 contact hours).
CEA CAPA classes meet 1-2 times per week, Monday-Thursday. Active learning components required by your courses may be scheduled for Friday. LUISS classes meet 2 times per week, Monday-Friday.
Prior to departure, you will select your preferred courses. You will be enrolled into courses based on their availability. Registration for LUISS courses takes place during your second week in Rome. It is in your best interest to have multiple alternative courses approved by your home university prior to your departure due to course availabilities. To ensure that you receive credit for the language level you place into, have your home school pre-approve courses at several levels before you leave for Italy. Please consult with your academic advisor at your home university on credit pre-approval guidelines.
All Levels Course Structure
Courses
The host institution has offered the following courses in the past. Please note that course listings will not be finalized until the start of the term.
*Courses with an asterisk indicate that the course has been associated with multiple subject areas.
Please click on the course title to view additional subject areas and detailed course information.
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rome Across the Ages: Art & Architecture in the Eternal City | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Immigration, Race & Identity in Contemporary Italy * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| History of Rome from its Origins to Charlemagne * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced Italian | 300 | It | 60 | 4 |
| Beginning Italian I | 100 | It | 60 | 4 |
| Beginning Italian II | 100 | It | 60 | 4 |
| Intermediate Italian I | 200 | It | 60 | 4 |
| Intermediate Italian II | 200 | It | 60 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Immigration, Race & Identity in Contemporary Italy * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rome Sketchbook | 200 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Business Economics * | 200 | En | 60 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Information Systems | 200 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| History And Culture Of Mediterranean Countries * | 200 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Behavioral Economics And Consumer Decision Making | 100 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Global Trade | 300 | En | 60 | 4 |
| History Of Economic Thought And Policy | 300 | En | 60 | 4 |
| Macroeconomics | 200 | En | 60 | 4 |
| Mediterranean Economics | 200 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Microeconomics | 200 | En | 60 | 4 |
| Money And Banking | 300 | En | 60 | 4 |
| Principles of Economics | 200 | En | 60 | 4 |
| Public Economics | 300 | En | 60 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Markets & Institutions | 300 | En | 60 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparative History of Political Systems * | 300 | En | 60 | 4 |
| Contemporary History | 200 | En | 60 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diffusion Of Islam In Europe | 200 | En | 45 | 3 |
| History of International Relations | 300 | En | 60 | 4 |
| International Organization and Human Rights * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| International Relations | 200 | En | 60 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Law | 200 | En | 60 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics 1 | 200 | En | 60 | 4 |
| Mathematics 2 | 200 | En | 60 | 4 |
| Statistics | 200 | En | 60 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Methods of Social Research | 300 | En | 60 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparative Politics | 300 | En | 60 | 4 |
| Political Science | 200 | En | 60 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sociology | 200 | En | 60 | 4 |
| Sociology of Terrorism and Political Violence | 300 | En | 60 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rome Across the Ages: Art & Architecture in the Eternal City | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Operations Management * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Business Consulting | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Business Ethics & Management in a Global Context | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food & Culture in Italy * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Immigration, Race & Identity in Contemporary Italy * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Finance | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| History of Rome from its Origins to Charlemagne * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Social History of the Italian Mafia * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced Italian | 300 | It | 60 | 4 |
| Beginning Italian I | 100 | It | 60 | 4 |
| Beginning Italian II | 100 | It | 60 | 4 |
| Intermediate Italian I | 200 | It | 60 | 4 |
| Intermediate Italian II | 200 | It | 60 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Operations Management * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Marketing * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Ethics: Humans, Culture & Sustainability * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Positive Psychology | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Western Church in Context | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Immigration, Race & Identity in Contemporary Italy * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rome Sketchbook | 200 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Ethics: Humans, Culture & Sustainability * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early Christianity in the Eternal City * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| The History and Theology of the Papacy * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
Interested in taking your career to the next level?
Where You'll Stay
*Housing options may change and will be confirmed on the housing application form prior to the start of the term. Below are the housing options that have been offered in the past.
Apartment
Available:
Semester
Summer
Summer
All CEA CAPA students studying in Rome have the option of living in apartments while abroad. Generally located in the Prati neighborhood, these apartments cater perfectly to the independent, do-it-yourself type students who want to experience Rome as a local apartment-dweller would. Whip up some homemade pasta carbonara in your own, equipped kitchen, crack open your window, and watch the Italian world unfold before your eyes.
Typical Commute
- CEA CAPA Rome Center: 10-60 minutes walking distance, depending on apartment location
- John Cabot University: 30-50 minutes by bus/metro, 30 minutes walking distance depending on apartment location
- CEA CAPA/Providence College Center for Theology and Religious Studies: 10-60 minutes walking distance, depending on apartment location
- LUISS: 30-40 minutes by bus/metro
Meals Included
- N/A
Roommates
- 2-3 students per room
- 4-8 students per apartment
Unit Amenities
- Shared full kitchen
- Shared-single sex bathroom
- Bed linens included
- Towels included
- Internet access
- Washer only
- Central heating
- Fans provided
Apartment - Italian Roommate
Available:
Semester
Ciao! Choose to live in a CEA CAPA apartment along with an Italian University student as one of your roommates. Your Italian roommate will be a true part of your Roman experience and household giving you the opportunity to engage in the local community with more ease. By choosing to live with an Italian student, you will have a resource to help you make the most out of your time abroad experiencing Rome and Italy through their eyes, too. The Italian roommate will share a bedroom with one or two CEA CAPA students in an apartment shared with other CEA CAPA students.
Apartments are generally located in the Prati neighborhood and are perfect for a student who wants to experience Rome as a local would, taking on the Italian culture and language as part of their daily life. Who better to learn from than your Italian roommate on: how to make an espresso, where to go for the best pizza in Rome, practice Italian, or how to make authentic lasagna? Fantastico!
*Note: One Italian University student will share a bedroom with 1-2 other CEA CAPA students within an apartment shared with other CEA CAPA students. By choosing this option, you may or may not share a bedroom with the Italian University student in your apartment. Please note, there is limited availability of apartments with an Italian Roommate.
Typical Commute
- CEA CAPA Rome Center: 10-60 minutes walking distance, depending on apartment location
- John Cabot University: 30-50 minutes by bus/metro, 30 minutes walking distance depending on apartment location
- CEA CAPA/Providence College Center for Theology and Religious Studies: 10-60 minutes walking distance, depending on apartment location
- LUISS: 30-40 minutes by bus/metro
Meals Included
N/A
Roommates
- One Italian University student per apartment will share a bedroom with 1-2 CEA CAPA students
- 2-3 students per bedroom
- 4-8 students per apartment
Unit Amenities
- Shared full kitchen
- Shared-single sex bathroom
- Bed linens included
- Towels included
- Internet access
- Washer only
- Central heating
- Fans provided
Additional Fees
This housing option carries a supplemental fee which may vary based on housing inclusions (i.e. meals, amenities, etc.) as well as program length. Exact amount will be confirmed on the housing application form.
- Semester: $900 - $1,800
Excursions
Get out and explore! Excursions are offered for most semester, year, and summer programs. Semester students are typically offered between two to three excursions and summer study students are typically offered between one to two excursions. You'll receive a calendar of excursions during orientation; here are a few day and overnight excursions we've offered in the past.
What's Included in your Program
From housing to excursions, our programs include a variety of inclusions to enhance your study abroad experience! Here are examples that may be available in Rome. Inclusions vary by program – please contact our Enrollment and Advising team to find out what options are available for you.
- Personalized Pre-Departure Advising
- Visa & Immigration Advising
- Financial Advising
- Tuition and Registration
- Airport Pick-up
- Onsite Orientation
- City Tour
- Onsite Staff Support
- 24/7 Emergency Assistance
- Travel Medical Insurance
- International Emergency Service Support
- Welcome & Farewell Events
- Centrally Located Housing
- Wellness Activities
- Cultural Engagement
- Language Exchanges
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Excursions
- Student Clubs & Organizations
- Host Institution Services & Amenities
- Career & Re-entry Workshop
- Official Transcript(s)
Sample Calendar
The calendar for this program is coming soon; please check back later.
Sample Budget
This budget contains costs that you can take to your financial aid office. Please note that amounts may fluctuate; we've included a range of costs.
Federal law allows the use of financial aid to cover "reasonable" costs of study abroad including round-trip transportation, tuition and fees for the program, living costs, passport and visa fees, health insurance, and more.
Please note that all costs and charges listed below are subject to change without notice. With the exception of Program Price, all costs are estimates and may vary.