Rosa Di Grottole is the Director of the Italian Dream Academy program, having joined our team in 2017 as an Italian and Art History instructor. Over the years, she has coordinated our courses and has played a pivotal role in the growth and success of the Academy. Rosa leads our Italian courses, coordinates the curriculum, manages our Book Club, and designs immersive cultural experiences for our students.

With two M.A. degrees cum laude, one in Art History from the University of Florence and one in Italian Studies from Ca’ Foscari University in Venice, along with her years of experience, Rosa has built a solid academic foundation and is deeply passionate about both the language and the culture. In addition to her work at IDA, she currently serves as the Assistant Director of the Italian Language Program and a full-time Lecturer of Italian at Ohio State University.

Her passion for integrating art, language, and travel lies at the heart of the Academy’s immersive study abroad programs. Designed to bring language learning to life, these transformative experiences have taken students beyond the classroom and into the cultural fabric of Italy and France.

Since 2019, students have explored some of Italy’s most captivating regions and cities, beginning with Tuscany, followed by Southern Italy—including Campania, Basilicata, and Puglia—in 2022; Venice, Padova, Vicenza and Verona in 2023; Tuscany and Veneto in June 2024; and a festive Southern Italy Christmas program in December 2024. In June 2025, the Academy expanded its reach with a new itinerary through Central Italy—Emilia-Romagna and Liguria—and Southern France (Nice). The journey continued in 2026 with an unforgettable 10-day study abroad experience tracing the life and legacy of Leonardo da Vinci across some of the most culturally significant destinations in Italy and France, from Florence and Vinci to Milan, Paris and Amboise (Loire Valley).

To date, more than 45 students have participated in these life-changing programs, gaining not only language proficiency but also a deeper understanding of the history, traditions, art, and everyday life that make Italy such an enduring source of inspiration.

Explore Italy with Our Study Abroad Program!

Building on the success of our previous study abroad programs in Tuscany, Veneto, Southern Italy, Central Italy, and Southern France, the Academy’s international learning experiences continue to inspire students through a unique blend of language, culture, art, and travel. Most recently, the 2026 Italy–France Study Abroad program, which followed the life and legacy of Leonardo da Vinci, offered participants an unforgettable journey through some of the most culturally significant destinations in Europe.

We are delighted to announce that new study abroad opportunities for 2027 are currently being planned. As in previous years, these programs will provide immersive experiences that bring language learning to life while fostering meaningful connections with local communities, history, and traditions.

Detailed itineraries will be available soon and will be shared by Rosa as soon as they are finalized. If you would like to be among the first to receive information, we encourage you to reach out and inquire about joining the waiting list.

Let your curiosity lead the way as we explore new destinations, embrace new cultures, and continue the Academy’s tradition of transformative educational travel.

To receive the full brochure and itinerary, please contact Rosa at rosa@italiandreamacademy.com.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Rosa’s passion for Italian Language and Art History, and her extensive experience as a teacher are evident in every step of your journey, as she shares her deep insights and expertise with you.

She has lived and breathed the culture, history, and language of these Italian gems for years. Her local insight will take you beyond the surface. While you’ll certainly visit iconic sites, be ready to venture off the beaten path with an itinerary that showcases Italy’s genuine cultural tapestry.

Dinners with locals and Italian conversations will enrich your journey in one the most beautiful countries in the world!

Intermediate Level of Italian and a lot of walking will be an integral part of the trip, 5 – 7 students

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