Semester in Rome - American University of Rome

Vivi all'italiana! Live like an Italian!

Study and live in the timeless, exciting city of Rome, where ancient ruins rub shoulders with modern buildings, mopeds, and macchiatos. Your Semester in Rome takes place at the American University of Rome, located in the historic Trastevere district and near the Vatican and a collection of international embassies. You'll feel at home at this US-style campus on a hill that offers the same atmosphere and amenities you can't imagine living without. It's the perfect setting for you to take roots while exploring the city and its unique blend of ancient and modern that only Rome can offer.

What to Expect

Language(s):

English, Italian

Average Courseload:

4-5 classes (12-16 U.S. credits)

GPA Requirement:

2.75

Visa Requirement:

YES - Pre-departure

Highlights:

Museums, monuments, and concerts galore

Student excursions, activities, and social opportunities

US-style campus on Rome's highest hill

Beautiful apartments in traditional neighborhoods

Vast caches of impressive art, sculpture, and treasures

One of the best aspects of the program was my site director, who is one of the most wonderful people I've ever met. The difference between my experience and my fellow students' experiences in other programs was very noticeable.

Kate Donnelly

It was so cool how CIS Abroad organized excursions around Rome and Italy to show you the beauty of your new home at no extra cost. The American University of Rome was great for my interests, which include International Relations and Business.

Tommy Ranucci

CIS Abroad planned a trip for our group to Orvieto for a weekend. It was one of my favorite things I have done so far. We got to make pasta dough and fully immerse ourselves in Italian family home culture.

Summer Megnia

This was the experience of a lifetime being able to spend a semester in Rome. I’ve had the opportunity to be exposed to many new things, travel to new places, and make lifelong friends!

Corrine Drew

Program Details

Semester in Rome - American University of Rome

American University of Rome

Here's your chance to experience Rome on a genuine and profound level. Seated on the green, quiet Janiculum hill overlooking one of the oldest cities of civilization, the American University of Rome (AUR) offers students a unique and insightful educational opportunity. AUR is proud of its challenging and authentic curriculum, as well as its vibrant international community. You'll meet people from all over the globe. The student body includes Americans, local Italian students, and other international students from over 40 countries.

Simply visiting Rome as a tourist isn't enough to understand this complex city. As a student living at AUR, you'll gain deeper insight and appreciation into the life of Rome. Exciting student activities and AUR's expert staff will help you feel right at home. You'll have the experience of a lifetime!

Founded in 1969, the AUR is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, an accrediting organization recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. The university has been offering study abroad programs for over 40 years.

Accreditation(s): Regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, an accrediting organization recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation

Course Information

Browse Courses

Course listings are for exploratory purposes, final course availability is determined during the enrollment process.

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Life in Rome

Rome (Roma in Italian) is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and the reasons are clear. The city’s unparalleled glimpse into the past is a sight to behold! Rome offers countless historical, cultural, artistic, and even modern attractions to keep you busy while you live abroad. Italy’s capital is home to around 2.7 million people. The mild, Mediterranean climate makes it a great place to live year round.

Rome is a hub of European politics, art, and fashion. Your head will turn in every direction as you explore this city, including the Capitoline museum, Galleria Borghese, the Vatican, and the Coliseum. Snap some photos on the Spanish steps, throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain, and catch a glimpse of the Pope near St. Peter’s Basilica. And did we mention food? You can eat your way through this city! Italy and Rome are known for its delicious cuisine. Cap dinner off with an espresso and you're living like a true Italian. While in Rome, you can hop over to one of the smallest countries in the world, Vatican City. It houses the breathtaking Sistine Chapel and endless amounts of beautiful artwork.

While all roads may lead to Rome, there are plenty of roads that lead out as well! As a major transportation hub, Rome is a great jumping off point for the rest of Europe.

Live the Local Life

Food Festivals - Local "Sagra"

The sagra is an Italian festival, organized in some towns, or regions, and is always linked to a local tradition or food celebrated in the course of the event. There are several "sagra" around Rome including truffle festival; seafood pasta festival; suppli festival; wine & grapes festival.

Rock in Roma Music Festival (June-August)

Rock in Roma Festival is the largest festival in Rome with over forty bands performing over three months at the enormous, Ippodromo delle Capannelle.

Soccer Games

Get a glimpse of the Italian soccer culture at one of Rome's games! It's a great way to also meet locals and also other study abroad students. Don't forget to wear the local team jerseys!

Local Restaurants

Don't feel like cooking or simply want to try some local specialties? Venture out to the local tiny restaurants for amazing experiences! Don't forget to ask on-site staff for recommendations!

Farmer's Market

Check out and get your daily shopping done at the local market. Get to know the farmers, practice your Italian and stay healthy by eating seasonal products!

Student Apartments in Rome

Overview

You’ll live with other American University of Rome program participants in beautiful student apartments. The apartments are located in traditional, well-established neighborhoods (ex. Monteverde, Giancolense, Trastevere, and Colli Portuense). Compared to other parts of Rome, these neighborhoods have more green spaces, better access to public transport, and are conveniently located to the historic center of Rome. All apartments are either within walking distance or conveniently located to public transit routes relative to the university. This housing is ideal for students looking for a “full immersion” cultural experience.

All apartments are same-sex, non-smoking environments, and house 6 students on average in shared rooms with single beds. Students are assisted with maintenance and other issues that may arise during the occupancy.

Note:

Apartments are assigned on a first-come/first-serve basis. A single-name roommate request will be taken into consideration but is not guaranteed.

Meals

The apartments have full kitchens, typical basic Italian cookware, and kitchenware, a table, and chairs so you can cook all the Italian feasts your heart desires.

Inclusions and Amenities

Bathroom - Shared Bed Linens Commute - Public Transportation Commute - Walking Desk Double Room Kitchen Equipment Laundry Laundry - Onsite Television Wi-Fi

What's Included

Inclusions

Program fees are in U.S. dollars and include the following:

Orientation upon arrival
Local excursions, 1 day trip and 1 overnight trip
Full-time tuition and fees
Housing (apartment)
Medical and accident insurance
CIS Abroad support services before, during, and after the program
Academic advising
Financial aid counseling
Assistance with travel arrangements
Predeparture orientation
Airport pick-up
On-site support
American University of Rome official transcript
The Local Life cultural program

Welcome & Orientation

Upon arrival, you'll take part in a comprehensive orientation program. Learn the ‚Äúdo's and don'ts‚Äù of living in Rome, like where to go out, how to stay safe, how to blend in like a local and where to shop. After orientation, there will be a fabulous welcome dinner at one of our favorite spots in town, featuring local, seasonal products and dishes.

Farewell & Re-Entry Program

At the end of the program, get together for one last epic meal and talk about your adventures and experiences. Your Site Director will also share some precious tips on going back home feeling like a champ! Your study abroad experience is something to be cherished and shared with your family and friends back home.

Program Excursions

While participating on a CIS Abroad program, you'll be able to take part in built-in day trips at no additional cost. These trips are subject to change from term to term; listed below are excursions that have run in the past.

Castel Gandolfo Day Trip

Castel Gandolfo is a beautiful, small town located in the green Alban hills, overlooking a ...

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Orvieto

At Podere Sette Piagge, you'll learn about the concept of agriturismo. This excursion includes a ...

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Site Director

Elizabeth Tyrie

Rome Assistant Site Director

About:

Elizabeth is grew up in Oswego, NY where she fell in love with the great lakes, nature and the college town atmosphere. After graduating from high school she headed south to attend college at Loyola University in New Orleans, Louisiana where she discovered that nothing fascinated her more than exploring cultural diversity. After catching the travel bug she hopped around and managed to live and work in seven different cities located in four different states and spanning 3 countries. She finally settled down in Italy wither her Roman husband and has dedicated her life to helping others embrace both the beauty and the difficulties that inevitably come along with intercultural engagement experiences. Elizabeth has a BA in Communications, an MA in International Education and is currently pursuing an EdD in Global Education. She loves showing students the sites in Rome, but she gets particularly excited when she has a chance to help people overcome challenges associated with living and studying abroad.

Travel Tip:

When I travel, I always try to find places where the locals are and just observe the lifestyle from a non-tourist perspective.

Your Support Staff

Tiffany Ho

International Operations Director - Italy

Travel Tip:

If there are free walking tours at your destination, take advantage on your first day! It helps to acclimate you to your new surroundings, gives you ideas on what to check out further, starts you making new friends, and beats the jetlag! Don't forget to tip your guide well!

Kaylee Klinger

Advising & Alumni Relations Manager

Travel Tip:

The best travel tip I always share is, if possible try to catch a redeye flight. That has helped me tremendously fight jet-lag and it allows you more time to explore the extraordinary unfamiliar place!

Serenah Quiroga

Advising & Communications Coordinator

Travel Tip:

Always find a reason to talk to a local or someone you may not know. Whether it's a simple hello, compliment, or question, there is always something to learn from every person you meet. Some of my best experiences and favorite memories were formed because of these interactions.

Caroline Shea

Program Enrollment Coordinator for Greece & Australia | Team Assistant

Travel Tip:

Sign up for a class or activity that you have never done before and always wanted to! It is a great way to meet people with similar interests - fellow travelers and locals alike.

Alumni Ambassadors

Bryn Heath

University of Dayton

Semester in Rome - American University of Rome

Ask me about my experience

What was your favorite CIS Abroad cultural immersion that you would recommend to someone?

My favorite CIS Abroad cultural immersion was our weekend in Orvieto, Italy. In Orvieto, we stayed in an agriturismo. Welcomed with open arms into the home of a loving Italian family, we learned about the history of the land and its cultural significance. We shared a homemade meal, took part in a wine tasting, and enjoyed the company of one another. In addition, we explored the Underground Orvieto Etruscan Caves and the Duomo. Escaping to the Italian countryside for a weekend was a drastic change from the urban environment of Rome. In a country rich in culture and history, it's impossible to see it all. I'm grateful that I was exposed to the intimate, familial traditions that build the foundation of Italian culture. As one of the first excursions our group took together, we bonded and connected on a much deeper level. I thank this cultural immersion for the start of many friendships that will last my lifetime.

Bobby Scotto-Lavino

University of Massachusetts - Amherst

Semester in Rome - American University of Rome

Ask me about my experience

What did you love most about your host country?

Rome, Italy had no shortage of historical sites and attractions in the city and the surrounding towns. As a history lover, I never ran out of places to learn about, and even after spending a whole semester there, I still knew there was more to explore. My favorite site was Tivoli, which was just a train ride outside of Rome.

Maia Dooley

University of Massachusetts - Amherst

Semester in Rome - American University of Rome

Ask me about my experience

How can studying abroad help one develop important life skills such as problem-solving, independence, and resilience?

Studying abroad was immensely important to me because of how it helped me to develop life skills that I continue to invoke after returning to my home country. I began my semester not knowing anyone else that was going to Rome, the city that I chose to study in. This forced me to get out of my comfort zone in order to form connections with others. I was able to make friendships based solely on who I am rather than who I am around people I already know and I believe that the friendships I made while abroad will last a lifetime. While in Rome as well as during my travels to other cities, I was met with countless instances where I felt that I didn't know what I was doing- whether it be because of cultural differences, my difficulties with directions, or feelings of loneliness. Through being able to overcome these challenges, my confidence in my problem-solving abilities as well as my sense of independence grew exponentially. Before studying abroad, so many of my goals seemed worlds away, but through assessing my accomplishments and growth in those few months, these goals seem much more feasible.

Rehanna Menon

University of South Carolina - Columbia

Semester in Rome - American University of Rome

Ask me about my experience

What did you love most about your host country?

I loved Rome not only for the historical immersion one can experience by simply walking around the center city, but also for the ability to travel to other places within a budget. Rome served as a perfect hub for me and my friends to travel to other countries in Europe. Apart from that, the city is so magical and holds so many stories and history. When you enter the center city, you are easily near so many historical places that had such an impact on the former empire. It's NEVER boring! Everyday I woke up and discovered something new just by walking a few blocks. I would have been perfectly content not traveling out of Rome because there was so much to do that I still wasn't able to cross off my list. I hope to one day go back and revisit all of my favorite spots I discovered and hopefully explore more!

Dates & Prices

Additional Information:

There is a non-refundable program deposit for all CIS Abroad programs. Paying the deposit secures your spot on the program! The deposit deadline and amount can be seen above in the Dates & Prices section.

As with all study abroad programs, you should count on a few additional expenses.

CIS Abroad reserves the right to alter fees at any time due to currency fluctuations and/or fee changes made by our partner universities.

ADVISOR TIP:

Please WAIT to book flights until you have received confirmed dates in your acceptance paperwork. Dates posted here are subject to change.

I knew I wanted to study abroad, particularly in Japan, because it was on my bucket list. Thanks to CIS, I was able to go to Tokyo! Even now, it is surreal to me that I got to go! I can't put it into words how much fun I had in Tokyo. I enjoyed every second of my time there, from walking around the bustling streets of Shibuya and Shinjuku, to going to class, eating delicious Japanese cuisine, and even going to the convenience store. Even the simplest things were incredibly fun to me. I was initially anxious about being homesick, my Japanese skills and traveling alone, but I'm happy to say that I very quickly made lovely, lifelong friends and was met with nothing but kindness from the locals. I learned not to let my worries get in the way of an opportunity of a lifetime. Thank you, CIS Abroad. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity I had to go to Tokyo.

Semester in Rome - American University of Rome

Vivi all'italiana! Live like an Italian!

What to Expect

Highlights:

Learn More About This and Other Programs

Kate Donnelly

Tommy Ranucci

Summer Megnia

Corrine Drew

Program Details

American University of Rome

Course Information

Life in Rome

Live the Local Life

Food Festivals - Local "Sagra"

Rock in Roma Music Festival (June-August)

Soccer Games

Local Restaurants

Farmer's Market

Student Apartments in Rome

Overview

Meals

Inclusions and Amenities

What's Included

Inclusions

Welcome & Orientation

Farewell & Re-Entry Program

Site Director

Elizabeth Tyrie

About:

Travel Tip:

Your Support Staff

Tiffany Ho

Travel Tip:

Kaylee Klinger

Travel Tip:

Serenah Quiroga

Travel Tip:

Caroline Shea

Travel Tip:

Alumni Ambassadors

Dates & Prices

ADVISOR TIP:

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Semester in Rome -
American University of Rome