Summer Programs in Florence & Rome for High School Students

Abbey Road Programs, Florence & Rome:
Join us in Italy this summer for a once-in-a-lifetime study abroad adventure! Founded by Stanford alumni in 2000, Abbey Road Programs provide quality academic summer courses that facilitate cross-cultural understanding, personal growth and academic enrichment. This year, we are offering a 4-week Residential Cultural Immersion Program in Florence & Rome for high school students in grades 9-12.

Residential Italian Cultural Immersion Program for Students in Grades 9-12:
- 4 weeks Italian Cultural Studies in Florence (3.5 weeks) and Rome (4 days)
Our comprehensive and intensive Italian cultural immersion program course a three and a half week residential living experience in Florence with a four day travel excursion to Rome for a truly unforgettable summer abroad.

Course Majors include:
- Italian Language
- Drawing
- Oil Painting
- Fashion Design
- Art History & Architecture
- Digital Photography

Electives include:
- Italian Conversation
- Italian Cinema
- Tuscan Cuisine
- Digital Photography
- Drawing
- Oil Painting
- Fashion Design
- Art History & Architecture
- OSA Soccer Academy

Italian Cultural Studies in Studio Art, Art History, Language, Cuisine, Fashion and Photography
Four weeks in Europe passes by very quickly, especially during the summer. With that in mind the daily schedule in Florence and in Rome is designed to take every opportunity to educate and inspire.

Every student on the program chooses two classes as their academic focus in Florence: a major and an elective. Major classes meet every morning while electives meet on a tri-weekly basis during the afternoons. This frees up two afternoons per week for you to try your hand at gelato- making, ultimate Frisbee, leather binding, museum touring or, to cool off with a dip in the local pool. We will always give you at least two-to-three options to choose from just to make sure there is something for everyone.
Day Trips
In addition to showing you all of the most celebrated and “lesser known” cultural sites in Florence, the program allows you to explore cities outside Florence and even Tuscany each week. From hiking along the cliffs on the Italian Riviera to following in the footsteps (and postures) of millions as you “lean” in front of the tower in Pisa, you and your new friends will be able to explore some of the legendary sites that make Italy one of the most visited countries in all of Europe.

Rome
This final portion of the Florence-Rome program includes four days of cultural discovery in Italy’s capital. Saying “Arrivederci” to Florence will be difficult, but greeting Rome with an enthusiastic “Ciao Roma!” will no doubt ease your pain.

Hosting such influential sites as the Coliseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon, this excursion allows you to study first hand some of the most important cultural landmarks of Western Civilization. From throwing coins over your shoulder into the Trevi Fountain to sketching on the Spanish Steps, you will have the opportunity to experience every aspect of this city’s dynamic history.

Optional Travel Extension – Venice
Join us for a sunset gondola ride through the famous canals of Venice! With its looming fortresses, breathtaking architecture, and history of naval dominance, Venice is the perfect location to examine the intersections of art, history and present-day Italian culture. During this optional five-day travel extension at the Florence-Rome program’s end, you will enjoy a varied daily itinerary that balances cultural tours and leisure activities.

From an afternoon chat with friends over espresso con panna in one of the city’s many cafés to taking in a street performance in Piazza San Marco, get ready to learn the story of how Venice influenced centuries of European history.