Spring 2027 Study Abroad Program
Food Systems & Sustainability
This 16-credit, 13-week program takes place in Rome and includes Italian language, one core course, and two electives. Organized group excursions to the Southern coast and the Abruzzo mountains are included.
Academics
You’ll take two core courses for up to two electives for a maximum of 13 credits toward your degree.
CORE COURSES
- ITA ITALIAN LANGUAGE (4 credits)
- OCL 301 SUSTAINABLE ROME (3 credits)
ELECTIVES
- FSL 201 ITALIAN FOOD AND CULTURE (3 credits)
- HRL 201 CONTEMPORARY ITALY (3 credits)
- TMD 301 COMMUNICATING CULTURE (3 credits)
- INT 101 ACADEMIC INTERNSHIP – 80h. (3 credits)
Program Overview
Program Dates:
Thursday 7 January – Friday 30 April 2027
Study Center:
Piazza dell’Orologio 7, 00186, Rome, Italy
Instructional Language:
All courses are in English (+ Italian Language course)
Credits:
4 courses (13 credits)
Internship:
Optional, included in the fee
Housing:
Shared Apartments
Organized Trips:
Includes overnight trips to the Southern coast and the Abruzzo mountains
Application Deadline:
October 15, 2026
Program Cost:
See below
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Borromini Institute’s Rome-based team has decades of experience managing academic programs in Italy in partnership with some of the best international institutions. As the local branch of the University of Illinois and Hobart and William Smith Colleges, and in collaboration with our school of record Portland State University, we are able to offer for-credit university courses in an engaging international context. We collaborate with top local experts to develop and teach specialty courses in cutting edge disciplines.
Before applying – Pre-approval of credit
Before applying, students should consult with their home institution about credit recognition and transfer procedures and requirements for study abroad. BI will assist students in this process by working with the home institution to facilitate credit recognition. Syllabi are available upon request. Ultimately home institutions will determine credit. No program fee refunds will be made for any reason regarding the Credit Transfer procedures at the student’s home institution.
After the program ends – Record of Study
After successful completion of their courses or academic internship at BI, students will receive a Record of Study from BI. The Record of Study includes a course list and letter grades. It takes approximately two weeks to process. The Record of Study will then be sent to the address indicated by the student.
Are transcripts available?
Yes, transcripts are available from Portland State University, the School of Record for the Borromini Institute. Transcripts are available for an additional fee of $600.
How long does it take to receive grades?
Students will receive the Borromini Institute’s Record of Study by email approximately two weeks after the end of the program. Students who have requested a transcript and have already paid the credit transfer fee will receive the transcript directly from Portland State University after the end of the program. Students planning to use credits earned on a study abroad program to graduate from their home institution should consult with the appropriate staff at the home institution BEFORE attendance.
What if I still owe money to the program ?
BI reserves the right to withhold the record of study in the case of unpaid balances due or any type of outstanding debts.
For students attending an academic internship program
Participants will receive BI’s Record of Study by email approximately two weeks after the completion of the internship. This will contain a letter grade. Students who have requested a transcript and have already paid the credit transfer fee will receive the transcript directly from Portland State University after the end of the program. Students planning to use credits earned on a study abroad program to graduate from their home institution should consult with the appropriate staff at the home institution BEFORE attendance.
Students are asked to keep detailed records of their study and to make them available to home institutions. Students often receive 2 to 12 credits from their home institution depending on the length of the internship.
We are here for you
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.
Pre-Departure Communications and Arrival Procedure
For instance, before you even arrive in Rome you will receive communications and support from the Borromini Institute’s Program Coordinator team relating to: Pre-departure advising including visa assistance (enrollment letter) and orientation.
Consistent communications relating to the academics, program excursions, policies, and expectations for your semester abroad.
Customized internship placements and engagement opportunities (if requested).
Re-entry support
Then as soon as you’ve arrived in Rome’s Fiumicino Airport, you will be received by the Borromini Institute team and provided with the following logistical aid upon arrival and throughout orientation:
Airport reception: complimentary group pickup to/from the Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci airport, and transfer to housing
City or neighborhood familiarization tour & ice breaking activities during orientation week
City transportation card
Welcome and farewell group meals
Sim card with Italian number (if requested)
Internship related transportation expenses within Italy (Academic Internship only)
Academic Support
Students receive support from the Borromini Institute Learning Facilitator. The Learning Facilitator is available to provide practical support as well as assist students should any misunderstandings emerge in relation to their academic courses. For instance, any needs related to learning accommodations, drop/add period, or attendance policy should be taken up directly with the Borromini Institute Learning Facilitator. Additionally, the Learning Facilitator can also provide support to students in their new life studying abroad as well as assist in cross-cultural education and mediation.
Wellness and Safety
The safety, health and wellness of our students is a priority at the Borromini Institute. We are an experienced organization that understands the challenges that university students from the US and other countries may face when studying abroad. We offer a range of support and services to our course or program participants that are usually included in the comprehensive program fee.
Insurance
BI requires all its program participants to programs to enroll in a comprehensive international travel and health insurance policy suitable for international education or cultural exchange such as Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI).
Safety and Security Orientation upon Arrival
At the beginning of each program, the Borromini Institute organizes an orientation session where students learn about the normal security precautions to exercise, communication protocols and support, services and resources they will have available during their program such as hospitals, physicians, counselors and pharmacies. This session includes an on-site safety and security orientation organized by the U.S. embassy in Rome where students receive U.S. embassy contact information and are encouraged to contact the embassy at any time. Students also learn about the type of support that they can receive from the U.S. embassy while studying in Italy and the protocol for who to contact based on which type of potential emergency.
Students are also encouraged to sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) that the U.S Department of State provides. STEP is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If they do so, they will get alerts regarding U.S. citizens (Safety and Security Conditions) and can get contacted by the U.S. embassy during an emergency.
Wellness and Safety Advisor
The wellness and safety advisor is a skilled member of our staff who is knowledgeable about Italy, Italian culture and has experience in emergency and crisis response. In the case of an emergency, the advisor is ready to implement an emergency response plan such as accompanying the student to the doctor, hospital, police station, coordinating between medical professionals in Italy and other countries and providing consistent support throughout the incident. The wellness and safety advisor is on call for emergencies 24/7.
Safety Monitoring
Borromini Institute staff monitors official warnings and alerts regarding U.S. citizens provided by the U.S. embassy, the U.S. State Department and AACUPI to address any additional measures that should be taken in the event of an emergency. Our staff also monitors news provided by the Italian government such as strikes or weather alerts. The Borromini Institute implements a group evacuation and emergency plan (in case of pandemic, terrorist attacks, earthquakes) specific to each program in the event of an emergency.
The Borromini Institute we believe that actively engaging with a variety of people, perspectives, experiences, and ideas in an inclusive environment fundamentally strengthens an academic institution’s meaningful education. Living, working, and studying in an environment where people from a wide variety of backgrounds are able to learn from one another, share ideas and experiences, and work collaboratively has an immensely positive impact on overall education.
Our faculty, staff, and student body are committed not only in words but also in actions to challenge traditional educational practices and knowledge. By allowing different world views to flourish, new perspectives and answers to age-old questions emerge, curriculums shift, and innovative scholarly pursuits are able to more effectively develop.
To get a better sense of the Borromini Institute’s dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion, feel free to consult the course offerings and program opportunities available through our Human Rights Lab Cluster.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The Borromini Institute is an equal opportunity employer. Borromini Institute policy prohibits discrimination with respect to employment, and any of the terms, conditions, or privileges thereof, on the basis of an individual’s actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical or common condition), age, disability, marital status, familial status, partnership status, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
The Borromini Institute administers all employment decisions and other personnel actions or programs in a nondiscriminatory manner based on employee work performance, skill, and conduct, among other factors.
The Borromini Institute offers a merit-based scholarship. We can cooperate with your home institutions to facilitate the use of grants or scholarships from your university on our programs. If you receive financial aid, you may be able to defer payment until you receive the amount from your university. Deferment may depend on the amount of aid to be received. Please let us know if we can be helpful in this area.
Additional grants and scholarships
Numerous organizations provide support for students engaging with the topics of food and sustainability. Among them:
US-Japan Council’s Watanabe Study Abroad Scholarship
Global Goals Scholarship Program 2018
GoAbroad’s #StudyAbroadGoals campaign
Diversity Abroad
Fund for Education Abroad
The James Beard Foundation
Leverhulme Trust Study Abroad Studentships 2019
The Institute of Food Technologists
Good360 sustainability scholarship
National Environmental Health Association scholarship
Culinary Historians of New York Scholar’s grant
The Gilman Scholarship
Go Overseas Study Abroad Scholarship
Who can apply
We welcome applications from university students (both undergraduate and graduate) and independent scholars or professionals from all fields of study.
Eligibility requirements for students enrolled at an academic institution
To be eligible for the Borromini Institute, you are required to have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and maintain a good academic and social standing at your home university. It is recommended that you consult with your advisor to discuss studying abroad and the recognition of credits earned. If you have any inquiries, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
For our academic internships, applications are open to Juniors, Seniors, and Graduate students. However, if you are a Freshman or Sophomore and would like to request an exception to apply, please contact us for further guidance.
Advising
Our staff is here to help you find courses & internship placements that best match your academic and personal goals.
Application process
We usually require all applicants to fill out an application form that includes the submission of a letter specifying academic and personal goals. There is no application fee.
Applicants interested in an academic internship will also need to submit a resume (CV) and 1-2 reference forms.
If you are a student enrolled at an academic institution you will be required to submit a form that is related to your standing at your university and transfer of credits (if applicable). We will provide the form.
You will be required to submit a wellness and housing form for our onsite programs.
Interviews
We will conduct a brief online interview with applicants interested in onsite academic internships to understand needs and expectations.
Deadlines
Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis. The recommended deadline for applying is specific to each program; check the program page.
We encourage students to apply by the suggested deadline, as there are substantial advantages in doing so. These include receiving an admissions decision early on, allowing for ample time to plan travel and potentially save on airline tickets, as well as ensuring sufficient time for visa processing.
Commitment
Once you are admitted into our programs, you will be asked to commit by paying a non-refundable deposit. You will also be asked to complete and submit additional documentation such as: a waiver; privacy related forms; code of conduct related forms; a proof of insurance.
What happens after I commit?
We will start working with you to plan your travel (including visa planning, if necessary); provide you with placement options for academic internships; finalize your payment and share our pre-departure Orientation.
Contact us if you do not fulfill the requirements listed above or need an extended application deadline.
Visa requirements vary based on your nationality and the specific details of your study program, such as its duration and location. It is the responsibility of our course or program participants to acquire their own passport and study visa. We strongly recommend checking the latest information on immigration regulations from the appropriate authorities’ website. If a visa is required, you will need to apply for it at the nearest Consulate or Embassy in your country of residence. Once you have been admitted and confirmed your participation in one of our programs, the Borromini Institute will assist you in this process by providing a Letter of Enrollment.
Are you planning to study in Italy?
Under European regulations, U.S. nationals are not required to obtain a visa when entering the Schengen Member States for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, it is important to note that there may be country-specific amendments to these regulations in certain circumstances.
If a student intends to stay in Italy or another Schengen country for more than 90 days, or if they are not a U.S. national, they will need to apply for an entry visa at an Italian consulate in the United States or their country of residence. It is advisable to consider potential delays in visa processing times, which may impact travel planning.
Learn if you should plan to request for a visa and read this information for foreigners intending to come to Italy.
See current restrictions in place regarding travel to Italy.
What should you plan for regarding your passport?
When it comes to your passport, if you are a non-EU national planning to visit or travel within the EU, it is important to have a passport that remains valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure date from the EU country you are visiting. Additionally, the passport should have been issued within the past 10 years. Learn more
What do you need to do once you get to Italy?
Upon arrival in Italy, students usually need to apply for a “Permesso di Soggiorno” (Residency Permit), while shorter stays usually require a “Dichiarazione di Presenza” (Declaration of Presence) instead of the permesso di soggiorno.
In January 2021, the Association of American Colleges and University programs in Italy (AACUPI) announced new Italian regulations regarding the declaration of presence for students enrolled in AACUPI Programs. According to article 38-bis of the Consolidated Act on Immigration, non-EU students who will be staying in Italy for no more than 150 days and attending study courses at an AACUPI Program authorized under the Barile Law are not obligated to apply for a stay permit. Instead, they can simply submit a declaration of presence, accompanied by a (new) declaration of guarantee signed by the legal representative of the program or their delegate.
The Borromini Institute will provide guidance and assistance regarding the necessary paperwork for these procedures. Feel free to reach out to us for more information and support.
Are you planning to participate in one of our Academic Internships once in Italy?
Italy and the European Union have specific regulations and guidelines regarding internship categories and sponsorship. The Borromini Institute will offer guidance and support in compiling the necessary internship-related documentation, including internship assessment questionnaires and attendance registers. It is crucial for students to complete all application paperwork before their arrival in Italy.
Are you a U.S. citizen and planning to visit or travel through European countries during or after your study or intern abroad program?
Learn what you should plan for.
The Borromini Institute and local staff will guide you through the process of completing all the necessary paperwork.
Program Outreach Coordinator,
Yesenia Achlim
After applying for the program, Yesenia serves as the main point of contact, assisting with housing, course registration, and other preparations. Once accepted, she continues to support students with enrollment paperwork and pre-departure arrangements. In Rome, the Student Service Assistant takes over as primary contact, accompanying students on trips and class outings.
Life Abroad in Rome
application process
How to Apply
Applying is simple.
- Fill out our short application form with no commitment
- If accepted, we will help you provide other basic information and documents
- Enroll and begin your Rome experience
Program Cost
| Instructional Fees | $10,000 |
| Other Local Fees | $2,265 |
| Housing Costs | $5,400 |
| TOTAL FEES -$1,000 (Financial Aid Award) | $16,665 |
What’s Included?
Explore all Programs
Not sure if this is the right program for you? Explore our other semester, summer, and short programs.