Section Menu

Office of International Programs

Italy: ISA at the American University of Rome

This past semester, studying abroad in Rome has been some of the most significant times of my life and the highlight of my collegiate experience. I am incredibly thankful for this learning opportunity, as it was academically and culturally enriching.” - Rollins Study Abroad Alum 

Rome is a bustling metropolis that puts an enormous wealth of ancient history and modern culture at your fingertips. Study Italian language and get credit towards Business, Communications, Film, Critical Media and Cultural Studies, History, Political Science, English, Religion, and more!

Experience Rome

Rome is a bustling metropolis that puts an enormous wealth of ancient history and modern culture at your fingertips. Study Italian language and get credit towards Business, Communications, Film, Critical Media and Cultural Studies, History, Political Science, English, Religion, and more!


  • Exceptional Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors
  • Clean record with the Office of Community Standards and good academic and College standing
  • Professional application: materials are edits and submitted on-time and are thorough and thoughtful.
  • Minimum 2.75 GPA
  • This program has a cap of 15 students per semester
  • Required advising session (30 minutes). Please visit our home page to schedule an appointment.

Fall 2024

  • Aug 31: Program Start Date
  • Sep 2: Classes Begin
  • Oct 28-31: Fall Break 
  • Dec 6: Last day of classes
  • Dec 9-12: Final Exams
  • Dec 13: Program End Date

Spring 2024

  • Jan 16: Arrival Day
  • Jan 22: Classes begin
  • Jan 26: On-Site Add/Drop period ends
  • Mar 11-15: Spring break
  • Mar 30- Apr 1: Easter break
  • Apr 25: Liberation Day (no classes held)
  • Apr 30: Last day of classes
  • May 1: Labor Day (no classes held)
  • May 2-7: Final exams
  • May 8: Program end date

Orientation & Flight

  • Students arrange their own flight to Rome and ISA picks up students at the airport.
  • Orientation includes scheduled sessions and events with ISA staff and at AUR, such as exploring the city and getting introduced to the historical context of Italy and Rome.

Visa

  • U.S. citizens must obtain a study visa prior to departure.
  • As part of the visa application, you must schedule an in-person biometrics appointment and in-person appointment at an Italian consulate in the U.S.
  • Upon arrival in Italy, student must apply for a Residence Permit: ISA will assist with this process.

For general information about the visa process and visas for non-US citizens, see our Passports and Visas Page.

American University of Rome is a small, internationally-recognized liberal arts institution with a diverse faculty and student body.

Courses

  • REQUIRED COURSES: One Italian language course (either Italian Language 101 for 4 credits, OR Italian Language and Culture for 3 credits) AND a 1-credit academic field trip course: "Food and (Multi)Culture in Italy" in Turin are required. The full cost of this course will be included as part of your standard Rollins tuition fee.
  • 3-4 Additional Courses (3 Credits): Apart from Italian, all courses are taught in English. Some of the courses at AUR include activities/excursions in Rome as part of their coursework for an extra cost.
  • Students must take a minimum of 15 credits on this program!
  • Foreign Language Competency WARNING: Italian 101 in Rome does not fulfill the Rollins Foreign Language Competency.
  • Click here for the list of ISA/ AUR Course Offerings

Transfer of Credit

  • Most courses are worth three credits so students earn 15-17 credits total. Students must take a minimum of 15 credits.
  • Courses appear on the Rollins transcript as transfer credit; the grades are displayed and are factored into the Rollins GPA. 
  • It can take up to three months for grades to be processed.
  • Students can take major and minor courses abroad (with approval from the academic department) and can also take competencies and rFLA200-level seminars abroad (with approval from the Registrar).

  • All students live in shared, fully furnished apartments with 2-3 double bedrooms, lounge/living room, kitchen, and bathroom(s) in the neighborhoods of Trastevere, Monteverde, and Gianicolense within a 30-minute commute of AUR and conveniently located for public transportation.
  • The buildings are not student housing; students live in apartment buildings with local Romans in neighborhoods that are not touristy and feature local markets, shops, cafes and restaurants
  • Students buy groceries and cook in their shared kitchens. There is no meal plan for this program.

Cheap Eats Out and Easy Make-it-Yourself Meals

Activities & Excursions

  • ISA plans cultural activities, such as meeting locals and practicing Italian, sampling Italian cuisine, and participating in local festivals and events.
  • Students have access to activities through AUR’s Student Life Office and clubs such as Film, Yoga, Spoken Word, and Sports Clubs.
  • ISA includes day and overnight excursions to locations of interest in Italy. Excursions vary term-to-term, with past locations include the island of Capri, the town of Sorrento, the ruins in Pompeii, Florence and the Chianti region, and the medieval hill towns of central Italy.
  • The required 1-credit course also includes a weekend excursion.

Things to Consider

Students with mobility disabilities may find accessibility and accommodations different from the United States. Check the US Department of State Travelers with Disabilities and specific to the country, Mobility International USA, and the IP Your Identity Abroad page for resources.

Program Fee

Most Rollins financial aid and scholarships will apply to the semester abroad.

  • Tuition: $30,290
  • Housing: $5,115

Also Includes

Orientation, some activities and excursions, program administration, and emergency insurance.

Estimated Additional Costs

  • Transportation: Round-trip airfare from FL $1,000, onsite $650
  • Meals/food: $1,500
  • Refundable housing deposit: $300
  • Residence Permit: $260
  • US Passport: $165
  • Visa fee: $200 plus costs associated with travel to nearest Italian consulate for an in-person visa appointment
  • Books, course materials, supplies: $500
  • Personal expenses: $1,325
  • Federal student loan fees if applicable: $40
  • Professional licensure, certification or credentials costs: $0

Scholarships

Scholarships based on financial need are available to off-set costs associated with international airfare and other costs associated with study abroad. Students can apply for scholarships through the Rollins program application. Students can apply for additional scholarships through the ISA website.

Living and Working

Having a credit card while abroad is very helpful. Italy has a comparable cost of living to the United States. Students can work part-time on a student visa while in Italy.