St. Stephen’s welcomes boarders each year from independent and international schools across the United States, Europe, Central and South America, Russia, and Asia. Our Year Abroad program offers students from around the world the exceptional opportunity to live and learn in the heart of Rome—one of the most historically and culturally rich cities on the planet.

Students may join us in their sophomore, junior, or senior year for a semester or full year, immersing themselves in an academic experience shaped by global perspectives and Roman heritage. Whether studying classical Greek and Roman civilizations, exploring Art History steps away from the ancient sites they are learning about, or engaging in hands-on creative courses such as photography, painting, coding, robotics, and more, students expand their intellectual and cultural horizons in ways unique to St. Stephen’s.

Beyond the classroom, boarders experience Rome as an extension of their learning. They participate in school trips, cultural excursions, and service opportunities that deepen their understanding of the world and help them grow as independent, curious, and globally minded young adults.

When evaluating candidates for the Year Abroad program, we look for students ready to thrive in a challenging academic environment while fully embracing the cultural, travel, and community experiences that make studying in Rome so transformative.

St. Stephen’s has welcomed students from partner schools such as Choate Rosemary Hall in Connecticut, Buckingham Browne & Nichols in Massachusetts, and most recently, boarders from Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire. Each year abroad student contributes to—and is shaped by—our vibrant, international community.

A year abroad in Rome offers students more than an academic adventure; it offers perspective, independence, and memories that last a lifetime.