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Pre-Health Seminar & Shadowing
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. All students will shadow with a local hospital partner and take our 3-credit health shadowing seminar, which has been intentionally designed to help you get the most out of your placement experience.
Program Notes
Choose a multi-site option to take the Pre-Health Seminar in Rome before moving on to a second city in Italy for your shadowing experience!
Apply early as enrollment is limited due to the clinical rotations!
Requirements
Overview
Rome
5/20/27 - 6/19/27
$8,495
3
Deadlines
2/1/27
3/1/27
Requirements
Eligibility
2.5
1 Year of College completed prior to program start
Additional Clinical Placement Documents (As Requested)
Where You'll Study
CEA CAPA Rome Center
The CEA CAPA Rome Center stands in the elegant Prati district and offers you a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the dynamic blend of ancient history and contemporary innova...
CEA CAPA Rome Center
The CEA CAPA Rome Center stands in the elegant Prati district and offers you a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the dynamic blend of ancient history and contemporary innovation. This bustling neighborhood, nestled between Vatican City and the Tiber River, provides you with convenient access to renowned landmarks such as Castel Sant’Angelo and St. Peter’s Basilica. It also features the charm of local cafés, boutique shopping, and beautiful parks like the Villa Borghese Gardens.
The Rome Center lies at the heart of the experience, creating a dedicated space for academic and professional growth. The CEA CAPA onsite team ensures personalized support tailored to your needs. The Rome Center serves as a hub for learning, cultural engagement, and career readiness, and its tailored internships and academic programs provide you with valuable global skills.
The Rome Center’s ideal location enables you to explore the city conveniently, with the Lepanto Metro Station just an eight-minute walk away and the Historical City Center directly across the Tiber River. You will enjoy an exciting and collaborative space, connecting with peers and building meaningful, lifelong friendships. Immersive excursions to either Pompeii or Ostia Antica provide deep insight into Roman culture, helping create lasting memories that extend well beyond your time abroad. The CEA CAPA Rome Center combines academic excellence with extraordinary cultural immersion and career-building opportunities, making it a truly unique destination.
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 dates and location options that work best for you:
- 4-week, pre-health seminar & shadowing experience in Rome
- 4-week, pre-health seminar in Rome & shadowing elsewhere in Italy
If selecting the Rome-only 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 in a hospital in Rome. 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 a Multi-Site option, you will take the same 3-credit academic course described above, beginning with one week of intensive coursework in Rome. Then you will travel with your classmates to a second city in Italy, where you will stay for the remainder of your program to complete your observational time. On Fridays, you will continue your classroom experience in a virtual setting
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 may not be in the city center in Rome and long commutes (which may exceed 90 minutes) should be expected. Shorter commutes should be expected for shadowing taking place outside of Rome. 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 Experience | 300 | En | 30 | 3 |
Interested in taking your career to the next level?
Where You'll Stay
We offer different housing options to match your budget, preferences, and study abroad goals. 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.
Global Housing Standards
Learn more about what's included with CEA CAPA housing.
Learn more about what's included with CEA CAPA housing.
Global Housing Standards
Your housing abroad is more than a place to sleep, it's a place to feel at home.
Health & Safety
Health and safety are a top priority when selecting and reviewing program housing. When evaluating housing, CEA CAPA considers several factors including the surrounding location, commute time to academic or internship settings, as well as the condition of the building exterior and interior, common areas, the individual housing unit, and other living spaces. CEA CAPA works to ensure that program housing meets established minimum health and safety guidelines and aligns with best practices in the field.
Cleaning Services
Regular cleaning of communal areas for programs longer than 4 weeks.
Wi-Fi
Reliable internet access is included in every housing option we offer.
Students Per Bedroom
Typically 1–2 students per bedroom, with a maximum of 3 per room.
Commute Time
Housing is located within 60 minutes of campus by foot or transportation.
Temperature Control
Cooling and heating appliances are provided (AC not always included).
Kitchen Access
A shared space with basic utensils, refrigerator, freezer, and a stove, oven, or microwave.
Laundry
Access to laundry is guaranteed onsite or within walking distance. Drying racks included.
Study Space
A desk in your room or a table in a common area.
Storage Space
Practical, modest storage space for personal belongings.
Linens
Pillows, blankets and sheets.
Global Housing Standards apply to CEA CAPA-sourced housing only, beginning Summer 2026.
Housing provided by partner universities may differ slightly.
Apartment Shared Room
Embrace the local life in Rome from a well-located apartment. It offers easy access to public transportation, shopping, and leisure areas. You will share a bedroom with one or two other students, and you will also share the apartment and kitchen with up to 8 other students, creating an instant community and a lively home base. Limited storage space available.
This housing option is included in the program price.
The Rome Signature: Apartment with Italian Flatmate
Semester Only
Live in a well-located apartment with a local Italian flat mate who will help you make the most of your experience in Rome. The apartment offers convenient access to public transportation. You'll share your bedroom with up to two students. You'll also share the apartment and kitchen with other students, creating a lively home base. Limited storage space available.
This housing option carries a supplemental fee that may vary depending on the included amenities as well as the length of the program. The exact amount will be provided on the housing application form.
Apartment Private Room
Embrace the local life in Rome from a well-located apartment. It offers easy access to public transportation, shopping, and leisure areas. You will enjoy a private bedroom, and you will share the apartment with up to 8 other students, creating an instant community and a lively home base. No meal plan is included, but an equipped kitchen is provided. Limited storage space available.
This housing option carries a supplemental fee that may vary depending on the included amenities as well as the length of the program. The exact amount will be provided on the housing application form.
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.
- Airport Welcome
- Personalized Pre-Departure Advising
- Visa & Immigration Advising
- Financial Advising
- Tuition and Registration
- 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 20
|
Arrival/Program Begins
Official Program Start Date. Students must arrive at the FCO airport on this date in order to be eligible for airport welcome. |
|
May 21
|
Orientation
Mandatory CEA CAPA Orientation will be held. |
|
May 24
|
Classes Begin
The Pre-health seminar begins at the CEA CAPA Rome Center on this day. |
|
May 31
|
Field Sessions Begin
Hospital shadowing starts on this day. |
|
June 17
|
Field Sessions End
Hospital shadowing ends on this day. |
|
June 18
|
Classes End
This is the last day of the pre-health seminar at the CEA CAPA Rome Center. |
|
June 19
|
Program Ends/Move-Out
Official Program End Date. Students must move out of housing no later than this day. |
Sample Budget
The sample budget is unavailable at this time. Please check back later or ask your CEA CAPA Admissions Counselor/Site Specialist for a comparable program's sample budget.