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American University of Rome
Situated at the top of Rome's tallest hill, the American University of Rome (AUR) campus is canopied by lush gardens and has spectacular views of the city, including remnants from the Roman Empire. Campus is within walking distance from the city center and offers access to libraries, computer facilities, free Wi-Fi, and two relaxing gardens. This is the perfect opportunity for students wanting to make Rome their classroom.
Program Highlights
Relevant Fieldwork
Courses are designed to include focused fieldwork and integrated excursions that directly relate to the in-class experience.
Cohort Housing
Students will be housed in cohort-shared apartments that are centrally located and close to campus.
Academic Success
With a smaller student body, students will have the opportunity to develop relationships with faculty and peers to ensure success inside and outside the classroom.
Courses
The courses below are a sample of what is offered at the American University of Rome and are specifically chosen for first-year programming. Not all courses are available during both fall and spring semesters. Please ask your representative for more information regarding course availability and additional course options.
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Business & Economics
We offer a range of introductory business and economics courses available to first-year students. See below for a sample of the courses offered:
Business
- Personal Finance
- Financial Accounting
- Business Law
- Principles of Management
- Introduction to Computer Science with Python
- Introduction to Travel and Tourism
- Principles of Marketing (available fall & spring semester)
Economics
- Principles of Macroeconomics (available fall & spring semester)
- Principles of Microeconomics (available fall & spring semester)
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Humanities & Social Sciences
We offer several different opportunities for first-year students interested in humanities, social sciences, and a first-year course "Explorations in the Liberal Arts." These are also great options to fulfill general education requirements. See below for a sample of courses offered:
Archaeology & Classics
- Introduction to Ancient Greece and Rome
- Ancient Material Culture
- Roman Archaeology On-Site (Available in fall & spring semester)
- Greek and Roman Mythology (Available in fall & spring semester)
- Investigating Archaeology: Methods & Techniques for Analyzing the Past
- Life and Leisure in Ancient Rome
- Beginning Latin I
- Beginning Latin II
Art History
- Art of Rome (Available in fall & spring semester)
- Arts of Renaissance and Baroque (Available in fall & spring semester)
- Ways of Seeing
- Traffickers, Thieves and Forgers: Art Crime
- Sacred Space: Religious Architecture of Rome (Available in fall & spring semester)
- Conservation and Restoration: Ethics and Principles
English
- Writing Fundamentals (Available in fall & spring semester)
- Writing from Research (Available in fall & spring semester)
- Survey of British Literature I
Fine Arts & Film
- Roman Sketchbook (Available in fall & spring semester)
- Drawing I
- Printmaking I (Available in fall & spring semester)
- Figure Drawing (Available in fall & spring semester)
- Painting Techniques I
- Mixed Media Techniques
- Illustration
- Introduction to Filmmaking (Available in fall & spring semester)
- Introduction to Visual Culture (Available in fall & spring semester)
- Video Production
- Film Theory
- Roma Cinema Mundi
Language
- Elementary Italian I (Available in fall & spring semester)
- Elementary Italian II (Available in fall & spring semester)
- Introduction to Italian Language and Culture (Available in fall & spring semester)
Sociology
- Food and the Environment
- Introduction to Political Science
- Introduction to Sociology
- Living Rome: Urban Spaces, Culture and Identity
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Math & Science
Students can get started right away with their introductory courses in math and science. See below for a sample of courses offered:
- General Astronomy
- Introduction to Nutrition Science
- Statistics I: Descriptive Statistics
- Physical Geography
- Environmental Science
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Media & Communication
If your students are looking to begin their coursework in the field of media and communications, see a sample of the courses offered:
- Media History
- Communication and Society
- Public Speaking and Presentation
- Photography in Rome: The Eternal City (Available in fall & spring semester)
- Digital Design: Print Graphics
- Photography in Rome: Studio and Still Life
- Podcasting and vidcasting
- Intercultural Communication (Available in fall & spring semester)
- Communication and Power in Rome (Available in fall & spring semester)
Want to learn more?
Connect with our Campus Partnerships team!
On-Site Support
Students will receive weekly academic advising for the first six weeks of their program. In these sessions, our on-site team will monitor academic success and adjustment into a new learning environment, social integration, and help them navigate culture shock.
Engagement Opportunities
Choose from a variety of activities to build community and share the beauty of Rome with your students. Options include cooking lessons, guided tours of the Capitoline Museums, a visit to a gelato factory, guided tours of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and the Palatine Hill, a walking tour of the famous fountains in the city and more.
What’s Included
Our holistic approach means first year students will have access to the same support all our students enjoy, including one-of-a-kind support before departure, on the ground while they are abroad, and when they return home. Below is a list of what is included:
Comprehensive Advising and Support
Comprehensive Advising and Support
A team of helpful ISA staff members is here to support you through the entire study abroad process, from finding the perfect program through re-entry. The Program Advisors will help you choose your program based on your unique objectives. Once you’ve selected your program, you will work with your Program Manager on the application process as well as pre-departure forms and finances. Your Program Manager will also assist with academics, housing, visas, and city-living/cultural guidance.
In addition to individual advising, you will receive virtual resources to help prepare you for your time abroad. This includes the ISA Student Portal, which houses your program application, pre-departure forms/resources, and the online orientation. The online orientation is a pre-cursor to the on-site orientations and offers city-specific resources about living in your host city, communication, packing, diversity abroad, how to be academically successful, and more.
24-Hour Emergency
24-Hour Emergency
The ISA Health, Safety, and Security team facilitates an in-house on-call system with a U.S.-based employee and manager who are on-call and available in case of emergency 24-7. ISA regular office hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:00am - 7:00pm and Friday, 7:00am - 5:00pm Central Time.
If you are a parent or student needing assistance in an emergency situation outside of the regular office hours, please call the ISA office at 512-480-8522 to access the ISA emergency contact information for that particular week. Students who experience an emergency while abroad will also have access to on-site staff 24-hour emergency assistance.
Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support
Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support
Health, Safety, and Security (HSS) for ISA students is jointly managed by our resident staff and HSS team. This team works to monitor risk at program locations, respond to any crises that may arise, and develop policies to further ensure the health, safety, and security of students abroad with ISA.
Airport Reception
Airport Reception
Ground transportation is provided from the airport as long as you arrive during the ISA designated arrival date and time and at the appropriate airport. Upon acceptance into your program, you will receive the “How to Book Your Flight” form which outlines the specific details for airport reception.
Airport reception is not provided for most Intensive Month or J-Term programs.
Visa Support
Visa Support
Your ISA Program Manager will be available to help you with the visa process for your program country, if applicable. They will provide resources, guidance on necessary steps to obtain your visa, and deliver supporting visa application materials to you as needed.
Tuition at the Host University
Tuition at the Host University
Tuition and administrative fees at the host university are included in the program price. Classes are held at the host university and are taught by local and/or visiting faculty. Some classes will have additional fees that are not included in the program price.
Housing
Housing
Housing is guaranteed and included in the price of all ISA programs, with the exception of Pacific programs, in which housing is offered at an additional cost. Accommodation options will vary according to program site and session. For more details about ISA's housing options and applicable security deposits, please refer to the housing tab for your program of interest.
Bridging Cultures Orientation
Bridging Cultures Orientation
The Bridging Cultures Orientation will be delivered to you in the first few days of your time abroad. It is designed to prepare you for a successful, positive, and rewarding experience that will influence the rest of your life. This is accomplished through introducing you to your host city’s culture and infrastructure as well as through goal setting, intercultural awareness, diversity and professional development activities.
Full-Time Resident Staff
Full-Time Resident Staff
The full-time resident staff is available to assist you with all aspects of your experience abroad. The resident staff provides support during official course registration and arranges the Bridging Cultures Program orientation, excursions, weekly meetings, cultural activities, and much more. Staff members are trained to ensure the well-being of each program participant and are dedicated to facilitating a positive and meaningful study abroad experience.
On-Site ISA Offices
On-Site ISA Offices
Most program locations have an on-site ISA office within the program city. The on-site offices provide you with an additional comfortable space in the city and serve as a common meeting place and resource center.
Internet Access
Internet Access
As an ISA student, you will enjoy free internet access at ISA on-site offices, computer labs at the host university, and/or your ISA housing.
ISA Discovery Model
ISA Discovery Model
ISA programs facilitate learning and development through co-curricular activities. We rely on host universities to provide quality instruction in the classroom, but ISA is the main facilitator of learning outside of the classroom. Efforts to promote student learning are shaped by a teaching and learning framework we call the ISA Discovery Model.
According to this model, student learning and development is organized into five areas of discovery: 1. Intercultural, 2. Historical, 3. Sociopolitical, 4. Professional and 5. Environmental
Throughout the duration of your ISA program, we provide you with the opportunity to pursue these five areas of discovery through the Bridging Cultures Orientation, excursions, cultural activities, and references to non-ISA sponsored events and opportunities.
Excursions
Excursions
Organized excursions are included with each program to complement the academic component of your abroad experience. These complementary experiences are designed to engage student learning outside of the classroom in the five areas of the Discovery Model. Transportation and guided tours are included, as well as hotel accommodations and breakfast during multi-day excursions. Additional optional excursions may be offered during each program that are not included in the program cost.
Excursions are not included for Intensive Month, J-Term, and some summer sessions.
Cultural Activities
Cultural Activities
The ISA program staff develops unique cultural activities custom-designed to invite you to experience the local color of your host city, while learning about the history and culture of your new surroundings. Speaking the native language with locals, tasting the regional cuisine, and partaking in the native traditions are only a few of the ways these cultural activities lead to full appreciation of the program city.
Insurance
Insurance
A Blanket Accident and Sickness Policy is included in the program and covers you during the official on-site period of the program. This is not an optional benefit; every ISA participant will be covered by this policy. A full description of coverage can be found on the ISA website.
We recommend that you maintain comprehensive health insurance while abroad. This is particularly important if you have any pre-existing conditions but is also beneficial if you have an injury or illness while abroad and require further treatment upon your return home. Please be sure to consult with your current insurance provider to confirm coverage policies while traveling abroad.
Official Transcript from the Host University
Official Transcript from the Host University
Upon completion of the ISA program, your host university will issue an official transcript with all coursework taken abroad. ISA's Academic Records Department will process and forward the official transcript to the appropriate office at your home university, and a photocopy will be sent to your permanent home address for your records. ISA will provide a cover letter to accompany the transcript with important academic information, including the host university's grading system and recommended U.S. letter grade equivalencies, translated course titles, and credit conversion recommendations.
Professional Development Toolbox
Professional Development Toolbox
The Professional Development Toolbox, available in the online orientation section of the student portal, will help you identify the skills and key competencies you have developed through your personal, academic, and cultural experiences. This toolbox helps you to articulate the transferable skills developed through study abroad in a way that shows potential employers or post-graduate universities the benefits our you will provide them as a direct result of your experience abroad.
Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarship Opportunities
As an ISA participant, you will have the opportunity to apply for scholarships or grants that can be applied directly to assist with your study abroad program. ISA offers over $1,000,000 in scholarships and grants each year. To see what opportunities are available, please visit the Support & Funding page.