Theology & Religious Studies
Spring 2024 Semester Plus Internship Rome

About the Program

Through a unique partnership between Providence College (PC) and CEA, you’ll explore Rome’s rich religious history in a cultural and religious crossroads for today's Roman Catholic Church. Professors utilize Rome as an extension of the classroom, teaching at sites like the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Catacombs of San Callisto. On-site activities and team assignments help you learn through experience, while an Italian language course contribute to your ability to communicate. You may choose to enroll in the internship seminar and complete an internship placement. In the fall semester, you may also add an optional elective course through our partner, LUISS University (LUISS).

Program Structure

You'll enroll in 1 PC core course, 1 CEA language course, 0-2 PC theology/religious studies courses, and 1-3 CEA elective courses. If you select the internship option, you will enroll in a two-part internship seminar course that includes an academic seminar and an internship placement. Fall students may choose an "extended" semester option that includes 1 elective course at LUISS University.

PC core courses, PC theology/religious studies courses, and CEA elective courses meet for 45 contact hours/3 credits. CEA language courses and LUISS elective courses meet for 60 contact hours/4 credits. Fall students may earn up to 16 credits (up to 240 contact hours); students in the "extended LUISS" option may earn up to 17 credits (up to 255 contact hours). Spring students may earn up to a total of 13-17 credits (255 contact hours).

CEA classes meet 1-4 times per week, Monday-Thursday. LUISS classes meet twice a week, Monday-Friday. Active learning components required by your courses may be scheduled for Friday. The internship seminar meets weekly. Your internship placement hours may take place Monday-Friday; the exact time of day and days of the week will be determined after you arrive.

Prior to departure, you'll select your preferred courses and indicate your estimated Italian language level. You will be enrolled into courses based on their availability. After you arrive in Rome, you'll take a language placement exam to determine final placement. It is in your best interest to have multiple alternative courses approved by your home university prior to your departure due to course availabilities. Please consult with your academic advisor at your home university on credit pre-approval guidelines.

If you selected the internship option, you will enroll in the internship course. The course has been designed to help you make the most of your internship and launch your transition to professional with the refined and strengthened career skills employers are craving. The course features one hour of face-to-face coaching sessions per week during your internship and includes additional self-directed course content, activities and assignments equivalent to about 30-40 hours total.

The internship course is a variable credit course, providing you the flexibility to earn between 3-6 semester credits for your internship.  The 3 credit internship option includes the required online hybrid course and a minimum of 120 hours at your internship placement. For each additional 40 hours that you work at your internship placement, you may choose to earn 1 additional credit for a per credit fee.  Earning additional credits are not required.  The credits align to internship hours as follows:

• 3 credits: minimum 120 placement hours + internship course
• 4 credits: minimum 160 placement hours + internship course
• 5 credits: minimum 200 placement hours + internship course
• 6 credits: minimum 240 placement hours + internship course

You will identify the credit option that works best for you during the placement process. We strongly recommended that you apply as soon as possible. Internship positions are selective; students who demonstrate both professionalism and commitment throughout the process are most successful in securing placements.

Career Coaching & Placement Process
Once you’ve submitted your application, your career development adventure will begin! The placement process is more than just securing an internship placement.  You will engage in a career exploration and coaching journey with your internship coach to help you to identify your ideal professional pathway.  During this time, you will receive 7-10 hours of professional career coaching via video, email and workshops. 

You will also engage in additional interviews with our in-country internship coordinator and your potential host site supervisor.  The host site retains the final decision regarding placements, so it’s important that your interviews reflect your maturity, adaptability, curiosity, and commitment to both your career interests and the host organization.

Timeline Guarantee
Upon successfully completing your in-country internship coordinator interview, CEA guarantees you a placement that will support the personal, professional, and cross-cultural learning objectives you have identified in your career coaching process. All placements will be secured two weeks prior to arrival. 

If you have confirmed an internship placement through independent contacts, we can also support you in securing important logistics such as visas, housing, and credit. Contact an admissions counselor for more details.

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.

Pompeii, Sorrento, and Capri

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This two-day excursion begins with an exploration of the archaeological remains of the ancient town of Pompeii. Preserved by the ash and lava spewed out by Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D., Pompeii offers a snapshot of ancient Roman life. From the frescoes of the House of Vettii (an example of wealthy merchants’ homes) and the central Forum square, to the Baths and the Sacrarium of the Lares, you’ll marvel at Pompeii’s former glamour, now merely dust.

Next we’ll visit the small town of Sorrento, with its narrow alleys and beaches. Known as the pearl of the Gulf of Naples, this scenic village offers views of the islands of Capri, Ischia, and Procida.

Capri has many nicknames: the Enchanted Island, the Blue Island, the Sleeping Beauty, and the Island of Love. Spend the day exploring the island’s many beautiful sites. Known as a popular holiday destination for the rich and famous, the Isle of Capri caters to visitors with its blend of simplicity, natural beauty, and busy glitz.

The allure of the island views, rocky seashores, and scenic charm will enliven you to investigate their surroundings. Our time on Capri begins with a motorboat trip to the Blue Grotto, a magical place with crystal blue water. The rest of the day, you’ll explore the island’s two towns, Capri and Anacapri, each speckled with designer boutiques, small shops, and hidden wonders.

The Gardens of Ninfa

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The Gardens of Ninfa take their name from nymphaeum, or place of the nymphs, and are considered to be among the most beautiful in the world. Built atop upon the ruins of an ancient settlement, the gardens are a unique example of an integrated eco-system that combines natural, cultural, and historical elements. The secret of Ninfa’s lush beauty lies in its exceptional microclimate, which allows the growth of local and exotic vegetation species. We’ll visit the gardens when they are in full bloom and finish the day with a tour of a local wine estate, where we’ll uncover the secrets of enology and gastronomy.

Ostia Antica

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Ostia Antica, founded by the Romans in the 4th century BC, functioned as Rome’s main port for over 600 years. Romans, foreigners, sailors, and slaves populated the port, making this town an important focal point of defense and trade. This mélange of cultures created an interesting contrast to the rich and upper-class residents of Pompeii. During our visit to Ostia Antica you’ll visit the historical inhabitants’ homes, shops, restaurants and bakery and witness the diversity evident in the shrines, temples, and sanctuaries scattered throughout the area.

Tivoli

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Ancient Tibur, just 30 minutes outside of Rome, boasts clean, crisp air in the scenic countryside. Roman aristocrats once frolicked to Tivoli, cementing its reputation as a holiday resort. We’ll visit the famous Villa Adriana, constructed by the Emperor Hadrian who spent his entire life shaping it into one of the largest, most extravagant villas in the Roman Empire. We’ll also tour Villa D’Este; once a Benedictine convent, Cardinal Ippolito d’Este refurbished it into a luxurious villa with splendid gardens and over 40 elaborate fountains, including water-works that activate the musical pipes of an organ.