If you choose to Study Abroad in Rome, you’ll get to live in the Eternal City, take in the sights and sounds, and indulge in all of the joys that Rome has to offer. This experience will be more than just an opportunity to expand your intellectual horizons; it’ll give you the chance to experience life in a large European city teeming with things to do.
As they say, ‘when in Rome, do as the Romans do’; that is, eat, drink, explore, and be merry. And while you’re at it, study your favorite subject and earn a degree, too!
Why Study in Rome?
There is no shortage of opportunities in this Italian capital. Rome draws in large numbers of international students every year and is home to 24 Italian and international universities and colleges.
Most of the universities predominantly offer instruction in Italian, including one of the oldest public universities in the world (founded in 1303!) as well as the largest university in Europe, the Sapienza University of Rome.
However, there are also two American universities in Rome that offer instruction in English, namely:
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John Cabot University
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The American University of Rome
These two universities offer the traditional four-year degree programs that American students are familiar with. There are also options to pursue semester study abroad programs at these universities. In addition, other programs are also available for international students, provided students are comfortable speaking Italian.
Students interested in studying abroad in Rome can enroll in a wide variety of courses in different disciplines. Some of them are:
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Italian studies
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Humanities
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Social Sciences
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The Arts
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The Sciences
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International Affairs
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Marketing
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Political Science
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Economics and Finance
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English Literature
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Business Administration
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Communications
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History
To add to that, Rome is an excellent place to learn or brush up on la lingua della musica, or the language of music. To learn a new language, you need to immerse yourself in the local culture and living in Rome will provide you with this perfect opportunity.
The Benefits of Studying in Rome
Studying abroad has frequently been described as a life changing experience by many students. If you choose to study in Rome, you’ll:
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Have the opportunity to experience life in a different country
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Immerse yourself in a different culture
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Gain a fresh new perspective on the world and increase your exposure
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Interact with locals and get a feel for their traditions, mannerisms, and way of life
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Live in a city rich in history, architecture, and culture
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Meet other students from all over the world
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Learn a new language
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Experience some of the most delicious cuisines
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Explore the rest of Italy and Europe
Benvenuto a Roma!
It’s been said that all roads lead to Rome, and what a wonderful destination it is! This sprawling cosmopolitan is not only the capital of two states (Italy and the Vatican City); it is also the largest city in Italy. Brimming with echoes of the distant past, Rome’s rich and illustrious history spans over two and a half thousand years. Here, you’ll be able to walk down the same cobblestone paths as Julius Ceasar, Cicero, and Augustus. You’ll also get the chance to marvel at monuments built without the technology of today that speak of the might of ancient Rome.
But Rome isn’t just a history buff’s dream destination; it’s also the birthplace of Western civilization, and one of the first metropolises in the world. In the Caput Mundi, or the Capital of the World, you’ll have the chance to indulge in traditional Italian foods, explore greater Italy and Europe, brush up on your Italian, and live in a city which not only features some of the greatest pieces of art in the world, but is arguably also a masterpiece in its own right.
When in Rome
If you’re wondering what Rome has to offer, perhaps the better question would be what doesn’t Rome offer?
You’ll never run out of things to do in the Eternal City. From historical monuments, to enchanting museums, whenever you get time off, you’ll have a full itinerary of places to see and things to do.
Historical Monuments & Ancient Ruins
As the seat of the former Roman Empire, Rome boasts many historical monuments and ancient ruins sure to evoke a sense of awe, grandeur, and wonder in you. Every inch of this city has a story to tell.
In Rome you can do many things - walk through the stands of the mighty Colosseum, explore the remains of the Roman Forum, marvel at the architecture and engineering of the Pantheon, toss a coin into the iconic Trevi Fountain - and if that’s not enough, how about enjoying a Gelato on the Spanish Steps.
The Vatican City
The center of the Roman Catholic Church is a marvel in its own right. Here you’ll find St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel (which includes Michelangelo’s frescoes), and St. Peter’s Square.
Living in Rome will give you the chance to see and appreciate every corner of this wondrous city-state. You’ll need more than just a few days to see everything the Vatican has to offer.
Miscellaneous Treasures
In addition to the well-known sites, the other beautiful public squares, churches and museums will keep you busy.
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Piazza Navona
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Church of Sant'Ignazio Di Loyola
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The neighborhood of Trastevere
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Santa Maria della Vittoria – the chapel featured in ‘Angels and Demons’ by Dan Brown
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Campo de' Fiori
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Galleria and Villa Borghese
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Capitoline Museum
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Palatine Hill
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And so much more!
Plus, if you want to explore the rest of Italy or Europe, Rome is centrally located and provides access to numerous destinations.
Buonappetito! – Food in Rome
Even though the world owes Italy an enormous debt of gratitude for Pizza, its origins, however are not found in Rome. Food is intimately entwined with Italian culture. Traditional Italian cuisine is nothing like the Italian foods you’ve probably had back in States. Instead, it is deeply influenced by local traditions, history, and customs.
Meals in Italy generally follow a structured pattern: antipasto, primo, secondo, and dessert. You’ll have the chance to tuck into fresh bruschetta, home-made pastas, rich risotto, and hot thin-crust pizzas straight from brick ovens. Just remember to save room for some decadent desserts like tiramisu, gelato, cannoli, and panna cotta.
In between courses you’ll also have the chance to partake of traditional Italian wines and maybe even some limoncello - a traditional Italian lemon liqueur made in southern Italy.
When it comes to coffee, there exists in Italy ilculto del caffè, or a serious coffee cult. Coffee is another central pillar of Italian food culture, so be prepared to sip some of the best cups of java you have ever tasted in your life. Purchase your ticket, and down the little cup of espresso you get standing up.
Fair warning, if your clothes start to feel a little snug, you may need a whole new wardrobe after all of the delicious foods you’ll be eating.
Living in Rome
Here are a few helpful tips about living in Rome.
Transportation
The best way to get around Rome is public transit. It includes the metro, buses, trams, and rail services. You can purchase your tickets from all major metro stations and bus stops or at bars, vending machines, and tobacconists.
Accommodation
When you’re looking for a place to live, you’ll have the option of either staying in dorms on campus or renting a place of your own. Rome is divided into 15 municipi or boroughs, starting from I (centro storico, or the historical center) and branching outward. Prices will decrease as you move further away from the center of the city.
Climate
The Mediterranean climate in Rome is generally warm and temperate. This results in cool and wet winters and hot and humid summers. Spring and autumn are generally the best times of the year in Rome.
If all roads lead to Rome, the path to getting the education you want may feature a stop in the Eternal City. Studying in Rome will give you the unique opportunity of getting your degree in one of the liveliest and interesting cities in the world. Each year, millions of tourists make their way to Rome to see all that it has to offer. By Studying Abroad in Rome, you’ll get to do what very few have - Dive headfirst into la dolce vita and call the city of Rome home.