The “Istituto Internazionale di Studi Classici di Orvieto” is a fully accredited study abroad program for spring, summer and fall semesters. Its focus is on classical studies, Roman and Etruscan archaeology and art, and archaeological excavation. There will be field trips, museum visits and independent study programs.

The Istituto is sponsored by the Comune of Orvieto (Maria Teresa Urbani, Assessore alla Cultura), and the Fondazione Centro Studi Città di Orvieto (Stefano Cimicchi, President; Stefano Talamoni, Director). Director of the IISCO is Dr. David Soren, Regents Professor, Department of Classics, University of Arizona, Tucson. Professor in residence is Dr. Claudio Bizzarri and the Administrative Coordinator is Dr. Alba Frascarelli.

The curriculum is open to undergraduate and graduate students.

For general questions about the Institute please feel free to e-mail our administrative coordinator Dr. Alba Frascarelli at albafrascarelli@libero.it. We are happy to hear from you and answer inquiries!

Why found an institute in Orvieto? Considered by many travelers to be one of the world's most beautiful towns, Orvieto combines Italian small town friendliness and atmosphere with the beauty of the Umbrian countryside. It is also one of the great centers for Italian art and archaeology. Surrounded by treasures from the Etruscan period, Gothic era, the Renaissance and the 19th century, the student has the entire town as a living classroom. Three major museums flank the Institute, containing some of the finest examples of Orvietan art from the Neolithic Period to the present day.
Orvieto is the ideal location for an international study center. Conceived as a way to present Italian classical art, archaeology and scholarship to a wide student audience, the Istituto is supported by the Comune (municipal government) of Orvieto and the Civic Foundation for the Promotion of Orvieto. The goal of the Istituto is to provide an affordable overseas experience and quality courses for undergraduates with an interest in learning more about the wonders of ancient Italy.