• Step into the history of justice in Rome — Visit the Roman Forum, Colosseum, and Capitoline Hill while discovering how Roman law helped shape modern legal and criminal justice systems.
• Go behind the scenes of Italy’s justice system — Learn from professionals in law enforcement, courts, prosecution, corrections, victim services, universities, and community organizations.
• Explore the world of Italian organized crime — Examine the history and impact of the Sicilian Mafia, Camorra, and ’Ndrangheta, including anti-mafia laws, investigations, prosecutions, and community responses.
• Discover the Camorra in Naples — Learn how communities and organizations confront organized crime, including innovative efforts to transform confiscated mafia properties into spaces that serve the public.
• Experience justice in diverse Italian communities — Explore Rome and Naples while considering how culture, geography, tourism, transportation, and community shape public safety and criminal justice.

This 15-day programprovides the unique opportunity to study criminal justice in Italy where history, culture, and contemporary issues come together! 

Students will examine the history and impact of Italy’s major organized crime groups, including the Sicilian Mafia, Camorra, and ’Ndrangheta, and learn how law enforcement, courts, community organizations, and citizens respond to organized crime.

In Rome, students will explore the origins of law through iconic sites such as the Roman Forum, Colosseum, and Capitoline Hill, then connect this history to Italy’s modern criminal justice system through visits and conversations with justice professionals.

In Naples, they'll take a closer look at the Camorra and innovative community efforts, including the transformation of confiscated properties for public benefit.

Throughout the program, students will compare Italian and U.S. approaches to crime, justice, policing, and public safety while experiencing Italy firsthand.

Participants will divide their time between Rome and Naples, traveling between the two cities by train. The program also includes day trips from Naples to the island of Capri and the ancient archaeological site of Pompeii. The final night of the program will be spent in Rome, where participants will depart from the next day.

Three hours of upper-level undergraduate credit will be granted upon successful completion of the program. All participants will enroll in CRIM 395: Special Topics in Criminal Justice.
 

Additionally, participants can fulfill the Global Culture Goal of the KU Core through co-completion of UNIV 342, an online and asynchronous course taught via Canvas during their term abroad. Eligible participants will receive instructions for requesting access to the course in Canvas prior to departure. 

Students will be housed in multi-occupancy hotel rooms in Rome and Naples.

2027 Program Itinerary (tentative)

• Tuesday, June 15: Depart for Rome
• Wednesday, June 16: Arrive in Rome and transfer to hotel; program orientation, walking tour, and group dinner
• Thursday, June 17: Explore law, power, and punishment in ancient Rome via visits to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill
• Friday, June 18:  Learn about Italy’s modern justice system through visits with justice professionals, Palazzo di Giustizia and Court of Cassation
• Saturday, June 19: Independent cultural exploration in Rome 
• Sunday, June 20: Visit the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, and St. Peter’s Square
• Monday, June 21: National Anti-Mafia Briefing and visit to Capitoline Hill & Museums 
• Tuesday, June 22: Train to Naples, check-in to hotel and walking tour of Naples
• Wednesday, June 23: Anti-Camorra Community Visit and visit to Rione Sanità + Catacombs of San Gennaro
• Thursday, June 24: Naples Justice Professional Visit and National Archaeological Museum of Naples (MANN)
• Friday, June 25: Day-trip to Pompei
• Saturday, June 26: Day-trip to Capri for independent cultural exploration 
• Sunday, June 27: Independent cultural exploration of Naples 
• Monday, June 28: Final Community/Justice visit, return train to Rome, check-in to hotel near airport, and farewell dinner
• Tuesday, June 29: Program ends

Please note: Participants should expect substantial walking and regular use of public transportation throughout the program. Program locations contain historic areas with uneven pavement, cobblestones, stairs, crowded pedestrian areas, and older buildings or historic sites where accessibility may be more limited than in modern U.S. facilities. Students with mobility concerns are encouraged to discuss anticipated accommodation needs with KU Study Abroad before committing to the program so that available support and accessibility considerations can be reviewed.

All students have unique things to consider when studying abroad. A Traveler Profile is a set of personal factors, characteristics or life experiences that could impact daily life abroad. Your individual Traveler Profile may include things such as your age, foreign language proficiency, gender, medical history, medication use, mental health, mobility, piercings and tattoos, travel experience, and more. 

SAGE is dedicated to creating international engagement opportunities that meet the needs of all our students and providing resources to support you through the process of studying abroad. Before selecting a program, consider how your Traveler Profile may impact your experience abroad in unique ways and talk with your Program Coordinator about any program-specific concerns. Students with documented disabilities should discuss any accommodation needs with their Program Coordinator early in the planning process. 

Check our Traveler Profile pages linked below for information specific to you and other students who may be on your program. 

• Adult Learners and Non-Traditional Students
• First Generation Students
• Physical and Mental Health Histories
• Religious, Spiritual, and Non-Religious Students
• Sexual and Gender Diversity
• Students of Color Abroad
• Students with Children
• Students with Financial Need
• Veterans, Active Duty, and ROTC
• Visible and Invisible Disabilities 

Open to undergraduate and graduate students from any accredited U.S. college or university. Minimum 2.5 GPA required (exceptions considered after submission of a petition).

Program Cost for Mafia & Organized Crime: Justice in Italy will be available later this fall.