Ivy Summer in Rome offers five weeks of business courses and culture

October 5, 2026 - 03:52

For five weeks during the summer, Iowa State business students trade lecture halls in Ames for classrooms in Rome as part of the Ivy Summer in Rome program. Designed for Ivy College of Business students, the program offers four classes that students can choose from. All classes are required for business majors, minors and certificates, which means participants can make real progress toward their degrees while living abroad.

The structure keeps students on track academically without confining them to a single building. Mornings typically center on coursework, while afternoons and weekends open up time to explore the city. Students visit historic sites, sample local food and gain a firsthand feel for how business operates in a different culture.

Beyond the classroom, the experience builds independence and adaptability. Navigating a new city, communicating across language barriers and working alongside classmates in an unfamiliar setting push students out of their comfort zones. Those skills matter when they return to Iowa and eventually enter the job market.

The program also creates a tight community. Students who travel together often form friendships that last well past the summer. For many, the trip becomes a defining part of their college years, blending academic credit with personal growth.