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Pre-Health Seminar & Shadowing
Rome, Italy
About the Program
The Pre-Health Seminar & Shadowing program is designed for students pursuing healthcare careers and who are looking for the opportunity to get observational clinical experience while earning academic credit abroad. Hospital shadowing will help to prepare you for a career in medicine and make you stand out in the medical school application process. Our 60-hour observational placements are powered by Atlantis, a leading provider of health experiential learning that is now part of the CEA CAPA family. All students will also take part in our 3-credit health shadowing seminar, which has been specially designed to help you get the most out of your placement experience.
Program Notes
Pre-Health Seminar & Shadowing is a highly competitive program due to the scarcity of hospital shadowing placements. Students applying for this program will be waitlisted for admission, and will know their acceptance decision no later than the Withdrawal date listed below. We encourage you to apply early!
Requirements
Overview
Rome
5/10/25 - 6/7/25
$7,995
3
Deadlines
2/1/25
3/1/25
Requirements
Eligibility
2.5
1 Year of College completed prior to program start
Where You'll Study
CEA CAPA Rome Center
Located in the historic surroundings of Italy’s capital city, the CEA CAPA Rome Center offers interdisciplinary...
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.
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Faculty are bilingual (English/Italian) and represent diverse backgrounds.
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Periodic exams, homework assignments, and final exams will be administered.
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Attendance in all classes is mandatory and monitored by each professor.
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You’ll attend class with other CEA CAPA students of equivalent language levels, not with native Italian students.
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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
3
Credits
Program Structure & Courses
Choose the session and course options that work best for you:
- 4-week, pre-health seminar & shadowing experience
- 8-week, pre-health seminar & shadowing experience with 1 or 2-elective courses
If selecting the 4-week option, you will take a 3-credit academic course designed specifically to complement a 60-hour hospital shadowing experience. You will begin with one week of intensive coursework, gaining critical knowledge to build the foundation for your hospital placement. Following your week in the classroom, you will start your observational time. For three weeks, you will have 5 hours of shadowing per day, Monday through Thursday: a total of 60 shadowing hours. On Fridays, you will return to the classroom to continue coursework that underpins what you’ve learned during the placement hours.
If selecting the 8-week option, you will add an additional 4-week study session that either directly precedes or immediately follows the shadowing seminar and placement program just described. In the study session portion of the 8-week program, you will choose 1 or 2 electives to round out your academic experience.
Due to the seriousness of health and medicine, it is important to understand that professionalism and maturity will be expected at all times. Please note that these placements are strictly observational: you will not be practicing medicine abroad. All participants must arrive punctually at placement hours and wear appropriate attire. Placements will not be in the city center and long commutes (which may exceed 90 minutes) should be expected. Those enrolled in the program will be required to complete pre-departure advising in order to adequately understand all expectations and prepare for their shadowing experience abroad.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perspectives in International Healthcare: Clinical Observation | 300 | En | 30 | 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
Below is a tentative itinerary for your program. Please note, dates and events below may change without prior notification. Contact CEA CAPA before purchasing airline tickets.
You will receive a finalized itinerary once you arrive onsite.
Note: Additional cultural activities/excursions or required course-related activities may be incorporated into your final itinerary. You are advised not to make personal travel arrangements until you have the final dates.
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
|
May 10
|
Arrival/Program Begins
Official Program Start Date. Students must arrive at the FCO airport on this date in order to be eligible for airport pickup. Students will then be transferred to their assigned housing. |
|
May 12
|
Orientation
Mandatory CEA CAPA Orientation will be held. |
|
May 12
|
Classes Begin
Shadowing seminar begins at the CEA CAPA Rome Center on this day. |
|
May 19
|
Field Sessions Begin
Hospital shadowing starts on this day. |
|
June 05
|
Field Sessions End
Hospital shadowing ends on this day. |
|
June 06
|
Classes End
This is the last day of the shadowing seminar at the CEA CAPA Rome Center. |
|
June 07
|
Program Ends/Move-Out
Official Program End Date. Students must move out of housing no later than this day. |
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.