Italy Winter
December 27, 2025 – January 7, 2026
$3,595 + airfare
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Art, Italian Culture, Leadership Studies, Nonprofit Studies, Psychology
Aug. 1: Apply Early & Save $100
Sept. 15: Regular Deadline
The KIIS winter program in Italy begins in the beautiful Tuscan city of Florence and ends in the country’s magnificent capital, Rome. Students spend the first five days in Florence where they are living within walking distance of the most famous museums and sites in Italy’s Renaissance capital. The program will then move to Rome where students visit and explore the Vatican, Colosseum, famous churches, and other memorable monuments.
Note: Studying abroad likely is more physically strenuous than you are used to at home. KIIS study abroad programs typically involve approx. 5-10 miles of walking (approx. 10,000-20,000 steps) or the like in a day, including the possibility of walking, hiking, and climbing stairs in variable weather, over elevations at higher altitudes, and over rocky terrain. See Health & Wellness for more information.
All KIIS course credit is awarded by Western Kentucky University. Prior to your KIIS program, please speak with your home campus academic advisor and/or study abroad office to determine course equivalencies. Grades will be transferred to your home institution in late January after the completion of the program. Course offerings are subject to change according to enrollment. For more information, visit Transcripts & Grades.
Orvieto is a small fortified city approximately an hour and a half outside of Rome that was founded by the ancient Etruscans. Dramatically perched atop a volcanic rock, students spend the day exploring the city's famous basilica, quaint medieval streets lined with shops and cafes, museums, caves, and panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.
Vatican City is considered to be the center of the Roman Catholic Church and home to the Pope. The KIIS group will visit St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museum, all of which are the most popular landmarks of Vatican City. On occasion, the KIIS group has been known to attend a papal audience.
The Palatine Hill, Roman Forum & the Colosseum are some of the most important landmarks of western civilization. You spend an entire day exploring these ancient ruins that were once the center of the world and that have captivated our collective imagination ever since.
Santa Maria del Fiore - The Duomo is the main cathedral of Florence. With its famous cupola (dome) designed and engineered by Brunelleschi, fascade, baptistery and campanile, it is one of the most memorable landmarks in the world. Students typically have the chance to attend a service presented by the Archbishop of Florence, hike to the top of the dome or campanile and explore the many layers of the church's history.
Fresco Painting Workshop at the Palazzo Vecchio introduces students to the basic materials and methods used by painters of the Italian Renaissance to permanently adorn the walls and ceilings of palaces, churches and other important buildings.
The Uffizi and Accademia Galleries showcase some of the most important artworks created during the Italian Renaissance. Home to famous artworks, such as, Michelangelo's David, Botticelli's Birth of Venus and countless others, participants will experience these masterpieces firsthand.
City Orientation Tour of the Historical Center (Centro Storico) helps students to get their bearings and gain a very basic historical overview of the city, in order to locate the main landmarks including the Arno River & Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio & Uffizi Gallery, and Piazza del Duomo.
Program Cost: $3,595 + airfare
To help you budget, keep in mind that you are responsible for the cost of your textbooks & materials, passport fees ($165), one meal per day + personal expenses (approx. $400, or if you are an avid shopper, you may consider bringing additional funds), and any fees from your college/university.
Although KIIS tries to foresee all possible expenses in formulating program fees, please note that dramatic fluctuations in foreign currency valuations and/or airline surcharges may affect the total cost of the program.
“The KIIS program gave me an opportunity like no other. Not only was the process easy, I was able to step out of my comfort zone and truly immerse myself in Italian culture. While abroad, my chemistry course allowed me to learn so much about the beautiful architecture and art in Italy as well as giving me everlasting friendships and memories I will hold close to my heart forever.”
– Walker, Italy Winter
“It was only 11 days, but it was an experience to last a lifetime. Italy has been my dream destination for as long as I can remember, and I finally got to see all the places I thought only existed in movies. The beauty of the country can’t even be properly described in words, and the pictures hardly do it justice. It was the best decision I’ve made yet”
– Megan, Italy Winter
“As I was getting ready to get on the plane to Paris and then Florence, Italy, I was nervous. I was the only person traveling from my home university besides my professor. I was fearful that I would have no friends or that people wouldn’t like me. I was wrong. I have so many new friends because of KIIS. The KIIS program encourages students to get out of their comfort zone and it helps students build relationships with others – all while traveling around Italy. I am beyond thankful for the KIIS program and the experiences that I have been lucky enough to have!”
– Alexandria, Italy Winter
“The KIIS Italy Winter study abroad program was the most incredible adventure and learning experience I have ever had in my lifetime thus far. Not only were the places amazing, but the friendships and bonds I made are unforgettable. I learned so much through observation and communication. The architecture and lively atmosphere were some of my favorite parts of Florence and Rome. I also felt much more in touch with my Catholic faith and artistic background visiting several basilicas and famous art galleries which was very inspiring. When what you see turns into where you go, you have endless discoveries awaiting.”
– Anna, Italy Winter
“Seeing places like the Colosseum and the Trevi in person are just so much better than the photos. Photos simply can’t do extraordinary places justice like they do in person. I think the favorite place we went to was Volterra. I loved the idea of being on a mountain top city – the views were absolutely breathtaking. Everything I saw in Italy was beautiful, and I am so glad that I was able to see it and experience the authentic Italian culture. I would go back anytime!”
– Nick, Italy Winter
“Going into this program I didn’t know anyone else going, which was terrifying, but it turned out to be my best decision. It forced me to get out of my comfort zone and meet people that I ended up having so much in common. While there were so many amazing parts of this program, the people I was with made it the best part of my college experience.”
– Alex, Italy Winter
“My KIIS Winter Italy trip was amazing! I cannot believe how much I got to know this city in the two weeks I was there. My professor knew Italy well and used her knowledge and experiences to guide our stay in a way that could not of happened if I visited Italy on my own. I cannot describe how real and fascinating lectures are when they’re sitting in the pews of a beautiful basilica or over a cappuccino at a cafe a few blocks away from the Colosseum.”
– Caroline, Italy Winter
– Kaylee, Italy Winter
Description
December 27, 2025 – January 7, 2026
$3,595 + airfare
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Art, Italian Culture, Leadership Studies, Nonprofit Studies, Psychology
Aug. 1: Apply Early & Save $100
Sept. 15: Regular Deadline
The KIIS winter program in Italy begins in the beautiful Tuscan city of Florence and ends in the country’s magnificent capital, Rome. Students spend the first five days in Florence where they are living within walking distance of the most famous museums and sites in Italy’s Renaissance capital. The program will then move to Rome where students visit and explore the Vatican, Colosseum, famous churches, and other memorable monuments.
Note: Studying abroad likely is more physically strenuous than you are used to at home. KIIS study abroad programs typically involve approx. 5-10 miles of walking (approx. 10,000-20,000 steps) or the like in a day, including the possibility of walking, hiking, and climbing stairs in variable weather, over elevations at higher altitudes, and over rocky terrain. See Health & Wellness for more information.
All KIIS course credit is awarded by Western Kentucky University. Prior to your KIIS program, please speak with your home campus academic advisor and/or study abroad office to determine course equivalencies. Grades will be transferred to your home institution in late January after the completion of the program. Course offerings are subject to change according to enrollment. For more information, visit Transcripts & Grades.
Orvieto is a small fortified city approximately an hour and a half outside of Rome that was founded by the ancient Etruscans. Dramatically perched atop a volcanic rock, students spend the day exploring the city's famous basilica, quaint medieval streets lined with shops and cafes, museums, caves, and panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.
Vatican City is considered to be the center of the Roman Catholic Church and home to the Pope. The KIIS group will visit St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museum, all of which are the most popular landmarks of Vatican City. On occasion, the KIIS group has been known to attend a papal audience.
The Palatine Hill, Roman Forum & the Colosseum are some of the most important landmarks of western civilization. You spend an entire day exploring these ancient ruins that were once the center of the world and that have captivated our collective imagination ever since.
Santa Maria del Fiore - The Duomo is the main cathedral of Florence. With its famous cupola (dome) designed and engineered by Brunelleschi, fascade, baptistery and campanile, it is one of the most memorable landmarks in the world. Students typically have the chance to attend a service presented by the Archbishop of Florence, hike to the top of the dome or campanile and explore the many layers of the church's history.
Fresco Painting Workshop at the Palazzo Vecchio introduces students to the basic materials and methods used by painters of the Italian Renaissance to permanently adorn the walls and ceilings of palaces, churches and other important buildings.
The Uffizi and Accademia Galleries showcase some of the most important artworks created during the Italian Renaissance. Home to famous artworks, such as, Michelangelo's David, Botticelli's Birth of Venus and countless others, participants will experience these masterpieces firsthand.
City Orientation Tour of the Historical Center (Centro Storico) helps students to get their bearings and gain a very basic historical overview of the city, in order to locate the main landmarks including the Arno River & Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio & Uffizi Gallery, and Piazza del Duomo.
Program Cost: $3,595 + airfare
To help you budget, keep in mind that you are responsible for the cost of your textbooks & materials, passport fees ($165), one meal per day + personal expenses (approx. $400, or if you are an avid shopper, you may consider bringing additional funds), and any fees from your college/university.
Although KIIS tries to foresee all possible expenses in formulating program fees, please note that dramatic fluctuations in foreign currency valuations and/or airline surcharges may affect the total cost of the program.
“The KIIS program gave me an opportunity like no other. Not only was the process easy, I was able to step out of my comfort zone and truly immerse myself in Italian culture. While abroad, my chemistry course allowed me to learn so much about the beautiful architecture and art in Italy as well as giving me everlasting friendships and memories I will hold close to my heart forever.”
– Walker, Italy Winter
“It was only 11 days, but it was an experience to last a lifetime. Italy has been my dream destination for as long as I can remember, and I finally got to see all the places I thought only existed in movies. The beauty of the country can’t even be properly described in words, and the pictures hardly do it justice. It was the best decision I’ve made yet”
– Megan, Italy Winter
“As I was getting ready to get on the plane to Paris and then Florence, Italy, I was nervous. I was the only person traveling from my home university besides my professor. I was fearful that I would have no friends or that people wouldn’t like me. I was wrong. I have so many new friends because of KIIS. The KIIS program encourages students to get out of their comfort zone and it helps students build relationships with others – all while traveling around Italy. I am beyond thankful for the KIIS program and the experiences that I have been lucky enough to have!”
– Alexandria, Italy Winter
“The KIIS Italy Winter study abroad program was the most incredible adventure and learning experience I have ever had in my lifetime thus far. Not only were the places amazing, but the friendships and bonds I made are unforgettable. I learned so much through observation and communication. The architecture and lively atmosphere were some of my favorite parts of Florence and Rome. I also felt much more in touch with my Catholic faith and artistic background visiting several basilicas and famous art galleries which was very inspiring. When what you see turns into where you go, you have endless discoveries awaiting.”
– Anna, Italy Winter
“Seeing places like the Colosseum and the Trevi in person are just so much better than the photos. Photos simply can’t do extraordinary places justice like they do in person. I think the favorite place we went to was Volterra. I loved the idea of being on a mountain top city – the views were absolutely breathtaking. Everything I saw in Italy was beautiful, and I am so glad that I was able to see it and experience the authentic Italian culture. I would go back anytime!”
– Nick, Italy Winter
“Going into this program I didn’t know anyone else going, which was terrifying, but it turned out to be my best decision. It forced me to get out of my comfort zone and meet people that I ended up having so much in common. While there were so many amazing parts of this program, the people I was with made it the best part of my college experience.”
– Alex, Italy Winter
“My KIIS Winter Italy trip was amazing! I cannot believe how much I got to know this city in the two weeks I was there. My professor knew Italy well and used her knowledge and experiences to guide our stay in a way that could not of happened if I visited Italy on my own. I cannot describe how real and fascinating lectures are when they’re sitting in the pews of a beautiful basilica or over a cappuccino at a cafe a few blocks away from the Colosseum.”
– Caroline, Italy Winter
– Kaylee, Italy Winter
Additional information
| Location | |
|---|---|
| Term | |
| Subject | Art & Design, Italian Culture, Leadership Studies, Nonprofit Studies, Psychology |
