Get ready for the experience of a lifetime
Student Experience
When you study at the Borromini Institute you commit to an unforgettable experience. It’s hard work but leaves you feeling gratified and transformed, with new skills to apply on the job and stories to tell after work.
Moving abroad–even if just temporarily–is a big transition and the Borromini Institute prides itself on providing our students with multiple levels of support along every step of their stay. Our student services staff work to ease many of the logistical challenges that could arise when coming to Rome.
My time in Rome this past summer was eye opening, inspiring and enriching. Every day I learned something new about food, sustainability, media and culture. I learned a lot about myself and the different ways that I take on challenges in the classroom and out in the streets of a busy city. I would recommend this study abroad trip to anyone, no matter what your major is you will find something extremely fascinating about this experience that I would do all over again if I could.
Looking for a hands-on learning experience in Italy?
Our Programs May Be for You
You can enroll in our semester, summer or short programs focused on sustainability at any point in your studies and regardless of your discipline but all connected by the thread of climate.
You will live in Rome, engage in local and international communities, learn by doing in your daily life and organized travel included in all of our programs.
A Day in the Life of a Borromini Institute Student in Rome
Imagine waking up in the morning and walking to class through the narrow alleyways of Trastevere, stopping on the way to have breakfast with a croissant and a cappuccino. Then, spend the morning in the classroom our baroque building in Piazza dell’Orologio studying, or out practising your Italian, or roaming through the Roman Forum and learning about its rich history from our professors.
After a regenerating bowl of spaghetti, you could intern a few hours in the afternoon helping professionals who dedicated their lives to sustainable food systems, urban regeneration or community work. After that, get ready for a night out with friends or just chill watching statues and columns turn pink, as the sun sets on the Eternal City.
All of this on a normal day!
The next day, you could be in Tuscany or in Sicily learning about migrations or food systems, all while enjoying the beauty of nature and archeology. Our programs are filled with trips, field work, events and opportunities to engage with the culture, meet great experts in their fields and learn from them.
Many programs have hidden costs: not us!
Program fees usually include:
- All instructional and support fees, which include course readings
- Co-curricular experiential activities and practicums, such as tastings, cooking sessions, meetings with specialists and experts, and service learning opportunities
- Overnight field studies outside of Rome (accommodations, most meals, and transportation)
- Fees for the onsite academic internship.
- Italian language courses
- Housing
- Student Services
How to Join Borromini Institute Programs
BROWSE
Look through our offerings to decide what works best for you.
- Our Semester and Summer Programs give you 10-13 academic credits towards your major
- Your University may already be an affiliate, making it even easier
- We offer credits through our school of record
APPLY
Application is easy and requires no commitment.
- Fill out our simple application with no commitment; you pay no fees unless accepted and you choose to come
- We evalutate applications on first-come basis so why wait?
- Once accepted, you still have time to decide if the program is right for you.
ENROLL
Should you be accepted and decide to enroll, get ready to begin the experience of a lifetime.
- We begin providing students exciting pre-departure resources long before you fly
- Once in Rome, we have everything organized (but you have plenty of free time)
- The program is just the beginning of your life as an alumnus!
Find us here
Meet the Borromini Institute Team
Tom Rankin
Borromini Institute DirectorTom Rankin completed his Master’s degree in Architecture at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design. Prior to that, he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Princeton University and a “Laurea” in Architecture from “Sapienza” University of Rome. Since 1991, he has been residing in Rome, where he is actively involved in design research, practice, and teaching. His focus lies in studying the historical and emerging aspects of the city and landscape as a foundation for sustainable urbanism and architecture.
Tom holds teaching positions at various institutions, including Università di Roma “La Sapienza” (School of Engineering), the California Polytechnic Rome Program in Architecture, and the Iowa State Rome Program.
Pier Alberto Merli
Founder and CEOPier Alberto Merli received his degree in Philosophy from Florence University and his Ph.D. in Economics and Social Sciences at Florence University. He is Resident Director for HWS and U of I in Rome. He is also a wine expert and sommelier.
Lindsay Maldari
Program CoordinatorLindsay Maldari came to Rome to earn her Master’s in Art History with John Cabot University. Rome continues to inspire Lindsay’s life and work on 20th century public monuments, and it is with great pleasure that she now shares her love of the city as a Program Coordinator at the Borromini Institute.
Lindsay works in our offices in Rome on program development and administration.
Lulu’ Yuan
Visual ConsultantLulu Yuan has a Master’s degree in fashion design and marketing in Italy and China and has been working as a fashion designer for more than 15 years. She is a teacher of art anatomy, an illustrator and a photographer. And, of course, a food lover. She can often be found capturing images and video of our activities for our social media.
Erica Cacopardo
Studio ServicesErica Cacopardo has a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a Master’s degree in Development Sciences and International Cooperation and has worked in Italy, Peru and Brazil. In her free time, Erica loves to travel, read, and go to the cinema and museums.
William Fincham
InternWiliam Fincham is a student of University of Edinburgh in Scotland. He is majoring in Linguistics and Italian. Coming from a mixed Italian and Scottish background, it has been fun for him helping other young people get acclimated. He is thrilled to have been able to do his part in helping other people experience and see what his mother country is all about.
Kevin Sautron
Social Media InternKevin Sautron studies Global Humanities at Sapienza University. Originally from Madagascar, he has lived for years in Venezia and Rome pursuing creative projects and his passion for sustainability.
