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UW Classics in Italy

A round, stone building with many arches, and lines of rock separate each layer of the building. It is a ruin, with only a single wall still standing.
A line of ten students doing the "finger W" pose in front of multiple stone ruins with many archways.

For Summer 2027, we will be offering the UW Classics in Greece program!

Italy, Multiple

Italy has made a profound contribution to Western civilization, producing some of the world's best known thinkers, writers, politicians, saints, and artists.  Impressive traces of their lives and works can still be seen today, in Italy's great architecture and enchanting countryside.  Learn more about one of Europe's oldest cities - Rome - by joining the UW Classics in Italy program!  

Don’t miss this exciting chance to take a walk through history with other Madison students!



Learning Objectives

We have overall Goals and Expectations for Study Abroad Participants, covering the personal, academic and professional aspects of study abroad. Additionally on this program, you can:

  • Navigate new educational systems, as well as new learning and teaching styles
  • Observe Italian perspectives on academic disciplines and daily life
  • Deepen cross-cultural understanding through site visits and educational tours

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to providing quality study abroad and domestic study away programs for every UW-Madison student. We work strategically to identify, address, and remove barriers that may prevent participation and to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for students. Our staff actively engages with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and prioritizes the continuous development of our knowledge and cultural competence. We also recognize the importance of increasing access to study abroad for historically underrepresented student populations. We are committed to diversity and inclusion so that every student can engage with and understand their identity through a new lens and continue to develop and make progress on their personal, professional, and academic goals.

Sustainability

We recognize that the future of study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programming requires a Commitment to Sustainability. We are devoted to examining, developing, and improving sustainability in all our endeavors, aligning with campus priorities and following through with UW-Madison's climate action and Resilience Commitment. Join our efforts and learn more about how to study abroad sustainably.

Request Information

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Eligibility

  • 2.0 cumulative GPA
  • Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior
  • Open to UW-Madison degree-seeking students only
  • Good academic and disciplinary standing
  • At the time of application and the semester prior to participation, UW-Madison students must be currently enrolled. Transfer Students to UW-Madison need to be currently enrolled at their home institution

Advising Location

Program Structure

UW Signature

Subjects

Humanities, Social Science

Classroom Language

English

Housing

Hotels

Program Duration

Summer:  mid-May to late May

Application Deadline(s)

Summer 2026 1/2/2026 Cost Details

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

APPLY NOW

 

All undergraduate majors and levels are encouraged to apply to the program.  As a participant, you'll earn a total of 3 UW credits for Classics 373.

This hands-on program allows you to examine ancient Italy while discussing the impact of modern culture.  You'll visit many well-known, historical attractions in Rome:  the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, the Vatican, St. Peter's Basilica, and much more!  As you hunt for the best gelato, you'll walk the same streets as the ancient Romans. You'll explore their triumphal arches and gaze up at the beautiful dome of the Pantheon, then walk through the bustling flower market of the Campo dei' Fiori.

Hop a private bus with your Program Leader, private guide, and other program participants and explore areas outside of Rome.  You’ll explore Pompeii and Herculaneum in almost their original splendor, preserved by ash of the volcano's eruption two thousand years ago. You'll be able to go inside the villas of the mega-rich with their vivid wall paintings and tranquil gardens, walk around the public baths and even see an ancient brothel! You'll then have the chance to hike to the top of Mt. Vesuvius and look into its smoldering crater.

Course Equivalents

Use the links below to see a list of courses that past students have taken on this program and the UW equivalents. Note: This list only includes pre-approved courses for your program and may not be an exhaustive list of courses, departments or equivalents. Courses may not be available the semester you are abroad. You will receive instructions on the course equivalent process after acceptance. View Course Equivalents