Reading Latin & Discovering Ancient History in Italy

Calder Classics invites high school students who have had at least one to two years of intensive high school Latin instruction, or the equivalent, to join us in Rome and the Bay of Naples this summer. Over the course of a two-week program, the Classics come alive through the study of Latin, exploration of archaeological and modern sites, and immersion in daily Italian life. 

We spend the first week together in a beautiful apartment, within walking distance of the Circus Maximus, the Forum, the Palatine, and the Colosseum. During the second week, we travel to Sorrento where we reside in a location perfectly suited to visit the many ancient sites in the Bay of Naples. Throughout the program, language, art, and scholarship merge fluently in an atmosphere of intellectual freedom and interdisciplinary exchange.

Our days consist of learning and reviewing Latin grammar and vocabulary with the goal of reading the great authors of Latin literature, exploring the historical and cultural treasures of Rome and southern Italy, and visiting archaeological ruins as well as modern building complexes. The evenings feature Italy’s many leisure and culinary offerings.

Learn to Read Latin

Students in this program make the transition to reading unadapted Latin texts. Applicants should have a solid background in the fundamentals of Latin grammar and vocabulary and their teacher reference should indicate that they are ready to read unadapted texts.

In an interactive "salon" style experience, students in this program learn how to approach various Roman authors, including Martial, Catullus, Ovid, and Caesar. Given that participants join us from a variety of schools, we begin every day with a review of Latin grammar and then we move to translating and analyzing a piece of literature. Students begin to observe in action the forms, rules, and details of the language that they have been learning through textbook Latin. Crossing the threshold into reading literature challenges and inspires students at the same time, and opens up for them the possibilities for further engagement with Latin authors.

Dive into Italy’s Art, Culture and History

Where better to study Roman literature than the beloved lands where the Romans lived and wrote?! Walking in the footsteps of Vergil, Ovid, and other authors and historical figures in the city of Rome and in the beautifully preserved towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum we learn about ancient Roman culture, art, and architecture. Together we see firsthand the famous sites in Rome where so many important historical events transpired, such as the Forum Romanum, the Palatine and Capitoline Hills, Circus Maximus, and Colosseum, as well as the Domus Aurea of Nero, and the incredible Pantheon. In our travels through the Bay of Naples we explore the ancient cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Visits to the beautifully preserved local ancient villas and the incredible National Archaeological Museum in Naples allow us to investigate these sites, and the Romans’ rich material culture, more closely.

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Staff

Accommodations: Rome (July 27-August 1)

The first week we reside in a private apartment in the San Saba neighborhood in Central Rome, known for its quiet, tree-lined streets and its proximity to the ancient sites. On one side is the elegant residential area with its villas, antique churches, and gardens. On the other is the folkloric Testaccio quarter, noted for its many trattorias. Conveniently located near Porta San Paolo and the Piramide metro stop, the apartment is close to restaurants, food emporiums, and many of the ancient sites we will visit, such as the Circus Maximus, the Roman Forum, the Palatine and Aventine Hills, and the Colosseum. The apartment has a large balcony where students can read Latin or relax during their free time. Rooms are shared but all beds are singles. The accommodations feature air conditioning, Wi-Fi, a full modern kitchen, and washer/dryer.

Accommodations: Sorrento (August 1-8)

Session 2: We stay in a marine-style hotel located in the port of Sorrento from which we can enjoy a panoramic view of Mt. Vesuvius. This very comfortable residence provides us our classroom and the starting point for visits to major points of historical and cultural interest in the Bay of Naples area. The rooms have satellite TV, wifi, air conditioning, and bathrooms with showers. Rooms are shared but all beds are singles.

Dates & Fees

JULY 27-AUGUST 8, 2023

The $6,250 tuition includes accommodations, transportation within Italy, museum entries, instruction, and course materials. Breakfast and either lunch or dinner are also included. Depending on our daily schedules, students will be on their own for either a midday lunch break or an evening dinner break. Students are responsible for the cost of their own activities outside of the group. Airfare is not included.

Application Deadline

Students are accepted on a rolling admissions basis while space is available. Please submit your application by the deadline of February 15 to receive priority consideration for this program. Applications received before this date will be considered as they are received and acceptances will be granted based on careful consideration by our staff. Applications received after this date will be carefully considered as they are received as long as spots are still available.

Your application will be processed and you will receive a reply regarding your acceptance status within one to two weeks of your submission date and provided that we have received your teacher reference.

 Transportation

Calder Classics will not be responsible for chaperoning students on flights to or from Rome. However, students may choose to travel on the same flight as our staff on both legs of the journey between New York City and Rome. Calder Classics will arrange transportation between the airport and the residence ONLY for those students who choose to travel on a flight with our staff, or who coordinate with our flight at arrival or departure. The details of the flight will be specified in advance. Students traveling on their own must make their own connections to the residence. 

Testimonials

“Calder Classics was everything that I expected it to be and more. We read from famous Roman leaders, historians and poets such as Livy, Caesar, and Cicero. I learned a lot by reading and analyzing these texts, and thanks to Sarah, I was able to improve my grammar dramatically. The other half of our days were spent with Dr. Crispin Corrado who led us around Rome. We visited many ancient sites, including Pompeii, the Circus Maximus, the Caracalla Baths, the Forum, and much more. Crispin’s expertise and maternal nature was integral to all of the knowledge I gained on this trip. In addition, I made many close friends - we already have organized a reunion in Rome in 10 years!!! Overall, this trip opened my eyes to how much I love Latin, and even more importantly learning! “ Nathaniel, student

“Thank you so much for organizing an amazing trip to Italy! Our son returned on Monday and told us that he really loved everything about it. He enjoyed everything he saw and thought that Crispin was awesome. The trip definitely solidified his interest in Classics!”  Caroline, parent

"Calder Classics gave me a unique opportunity to see the amazing ruins of ancient Rome guided by real experts and combined with excellent Latin instruction.  Seeing the Roman Forum, Temple of Victory, triumphal arches, and more made ancient Rome come alive for me and the other students.  I highly recommend this program." Thomas, student

"Calder Classics was one of the best times of my life so far! … I feel like it was an experience that has taught me how to put both Latin and history into a visual context, live in a foreign country, and even how to be a better Latin student. I look back on these memories with fondness and I think that anyone with the opportunity to do a Calder Classics program should take it up in a heartbeat." Charlie, student

“Spring Break in Rome was a fantastic way to further my knowledge of Latin while also learning about Roman culture and history. The Latin sessions with Sarah were both enjoyable and informative. The translations that we covered were varied, interesting, and focused on grammatical concepts that were really helpful to review. After discussing the Latin texts, it was amazing to visit corresponding historical sites with Crispin! Anne, student

"Many thanks for an amazing and enjoyable educational summer program in Rome. My son learned so much about language, history and culture. He had a wonderful time!" Shelly, parent

"The Calder Classics Rome Program was the highlight of my summer vacation. I deepened my understanding of fundamental Latin concepts as well as more complex aspects of the language, gained an abundance of knowledge about Ancient Roman culture, and formed friendships and made memories that I will cherish forever. I cannot thank the Calder Classics Rome Program enough for my truly singular and incredibly memorable experience." Frances, student

"When we were looking for a summer Latin study program for our son we were lucky to find Calder Classic's Rome program. It offers lots of individual attention, small class size, excellent teachers, and history lessons to go along with sightseeing in Rome. What a great first visit to Rome. The staff, from our first inquiry into the program to arrival back in the United States, was always very helpful. Thanks Calder Classics!" -Ginny, parent

"I had a truly amazing experience in Rome, Italy. Calder Classics improved not only my Latin but also my knowledge and curiosity of the classics. I'll never forget the two weeks in Rome." -Julia, student

Photos from Previous Trips

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