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 weaving together art, language, and travel is at the heart of the Academy’s language-immersion study abroad programs. These enriching experiences have taken students to Tuscany (2019), Southern Italy—including Campania, Basilicata, and Puglia (2022), Veneto (2023), Tuscany and Veneto (June 2024), and Southern Italy for Christmas (December 2024). The journey continued in June 2025 with a new itinerary through Central Italy—Emilia Romagna and Liguria—and Southern France. To date, more than 35 students have had the opportunity to deeply engage with the vibrant culture and daily life of Italy through these transformative programs.

Explore Italy with Our Study Abroad Program!

May 25 – June 3, 2026 (SOLD OUT)

After the great success of the Italy–France Study Abroad program in 2025, we are thrilled to announce the Da Vinci Journey 2026!

Embark on an unforgettable 10-day Study Abroad experience following the life and legacy of Leonardo da Vinci through some of the most culturally rich cities in Italy and France. From Florence to Vinci, Milan, and Turin, the program offers a deep dive into Leonardo’s world where language, art, and innovation intersect.

The journey culminates in Amboise, a charming town in the Loire Valley just a short distance from Paris, where Leonardo spent his final years. Here, students will explore the serene surroundings of his last residence and gain insight into the cross-cultural exchanges that shaped his later life.

Along the way, the program includes an excursion to Lake Como and two vineyard experiences, one in the Tuscan countryside and the other in the in the Loire Valley in France, providing space for cultural immersion and meaningful reflection.

Let your curiosity guide you as we cross borders, languages, and centuries in the spirit of one of history’s greatest minds.

To receive the full brochure and itinerary, 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

Please, contact Rosa to get more information related to our next trips.

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