Why study abroad in Rome, one of the most iconic cities in the world? We’ll tell ya why! ☆ Known for centuries of rich history and culture, the “Eternal City” of Rome offers a rewarding international education experience. Immerse yourself in history, art, and the Italian language while visiting legendary sites like the Vatican, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain.
When you study abroad in Rome, sites like these will be a stone’s throw away at all times.
Plus, it’s more affordable than ever to lounge in a beautiful Roman square with delicious gelato (no, really!). You can enhance your education with a variety of courses and programs that draw upon the local history and culture to make your textbooks come to life. There’s no place quite like it. Here are 7 top-notch reasons to start preparing to study abroad in Rome NOW!
7 reasons to study abroad in Rome
1. You can visit world-renowned landmarks daily
If you study abroad in Rome this Spring, it will give you access to some of the most well-known landmarks not only in Italy, but in the world. Visiting the Vatican is a must, regardless of one’s religion. Gazing up at Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel and taking in the architectural wonder of Vatican City is an unforgettable experience.
Of course, Rome study abroad wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Colosseum. One of the greatest examples of Roman architecture and engineering, the Colosseum marks a darker period of Roman history. Once the site of gladiator battles, the Colosseum stands against the test of time as a historical marvel and a destination on many bucket lists.
Many Rome study abroad programs will be based within walking distance of other incredible sites, such as the Pantheon (no entry fee, btw!), Scalina Spagna, and the Trevi Fountain. Don’t forget to throw a coin into the latter—legend says this ensures a return trip to Rome someday!
2. You’ll discover the lesser-known wonders of Rome
One of our top study abroad in Rome tips is to check out those lesser-known spots that tourists might not be able to squeeze into a week-long trip. For example, the Aventine Keyhole is an opportunity to gaze simultaneously at the amazing landscapes of three different countries through a rather inconspicuous brass keyhole.
Located on an unmarked door in a piazza on Aventine Hill, the keyhole offers a perfectly framed view of St. Peter’s Basilica, located in Vatican City. The villa grounds just outside of the door belong to Malta. Beyond the villa, the grounds belong to Italy. You can get an unforgettable view of three countries without even leaving Rome!
You’ll get an off-the-beaten-path experience with Rome study abroad programs.
Shorter trips to Rome often only explore the sites above ground. Studying abroad in Rome allows you time to tour Underground Rome. Never heard of it? Beneath the city lies subterranean sites rich with history. Explore the cells beneath the Colosseum where lions and people awaited their fate before their entrance onto the Colosseum floor. You’ll also have time to visit Saint Peter’s tomb in the Vatican Necropolis, the Domus Aurea (travel back in time to Ancient Rome with the assistance of virtual reality goggles!), and the Roman catacombs.
3. There is truly a program for everyone!
Whether you are majoring in history, fashion, political science or education, studying abroad in Rome provides an enriching educational experience. You can choose courses from fields including art, photography, film, communications, history, marketing, psychology, world religions, economics, political science, fashion and all levels of Italian language instruction. Plus, most of the time courses are taught in English (with the exception of Italian language classes)!
Internships are also available for students wishing to add international work experience to their resume while studying abroad in Rome. Internships are available in art, design and media, art history, business, communications, education, film studies, finance, food studies, history, international business, international relations, management and tourism, marketing, museum studies, political science and social science.
Preparing to study abroad in Rome but feeling altruistic? Volunteer opportunities are also available for students on Rome study abroad programs. Students from all disciplines and majors can build an understanding of the political and social context of their work while giving back to the diverse community in Rome.
4. You’ll eat amazing food (duh)
One of the most serious study abroad in Rome tips is to bring stretchy pants! The food in Rome is heavenly and lives up to its distinguished reputation. If you’re lucky, your program fee will include a generous meal plan that allows you to sample every delicacy that Rome has to offer.
When you study abroad in Rome, you’ll have the opportunity to try authentic Roman street food like supplì, fried rice balls stuffed with Bolognese sauce and mozzarella. While on the go, you can grab pizza al taglio, crispy thin-crust pizza sold by the slice and commonly square-shaped. Savor your dinner by trying authentic pasta carbonara or bucatini all‘Amatriciana, both classic Roman pasta dishes.
Don’t forget to treat yourself to the best gelato and espresso in the world, easily found around nearly every corner in Rome. You will even have the opportunity to take cooking classes and learn how to make authentic Roman food yourself!
5. College campuses are oh-so-scenic
Your courses during Rome study abroad programs will be located in some of the richest areas of Rome’s historic centers. Roman landmarks such as the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Colosseum, Pantheon, and the Vatican may be within a short walking distance. Lunch breaks never looked so good!
Fancy a slice of pizza at the Trevi Fountain between classes?
The campuses you take your courses at will often be outfitted with state-of-the-art computer labs with printing facilities, reference libraries, and student lounges. Be sure to ask your program coordinator for details about what your campus has to offer you.
You can also be sure that your program will provide on-the-ground staff dedicated to welcoming and supporting students during their time abroad. These staff members are available to offer study abroad in Rome tips on academics, accommodations, travel advice, and adjusting to a new culture.
6. You can learn a new language
Ready to go bilingual with Rome study abroad programs? Studying abroad in Rome is a great way to completely immerse yourself in the Italian language. Considered the most romantic of the Romance Languages, Italian is widely regarded as somewhat easy for English speakers to learn. Many English words share Latin roots with Italian words, and verb tenses in English and Italian are very similar. The phonetics of Italian can be easily understood from the written word, making it straightforward for beginners to pronounce words from dictionaries.
For those interested in learning as much Italian as possible, many programs offer certificate programs or full coursework in Italian language—be sure to ask your program coordinator or advisor for details. Incorporating foreign language proficiency into your undergraduate curriculum and enhancing your résumé will open many doors to you in the future. You can also fully immerse yourself in the Italian language by choosing an Italian homestay during study abroad in Rome. You’ll experience authentic Italian life and surround yourself with native Italian speakers. There’s no better way to learn a language than through immersion!
7. There are exciting excursions to go on
Why study abroad in Rome? Because of the beautiful little moments you never expected.
When studying abroad in Rome, you are situated in central Italy and the heart of Europe. The opportunity to see the world is quite literally at your doorstep! Many Rome study abroad programs offer travel opportunities as a part of your study abroad package.
Look out for day trips to Assisi, Spello, and the Umbria region included in your program. You will be able to explore medieval villages, enjoy sightseeing with an art professor, tour the Basilica of St. Francis, visit a mill, and indulge in delicious olive tasting.
Other potential getaways during Rome study abroad programs include trips to Venice, Sicily, Sorrento, Naples, Pompeii, and Capri Island. You can visit the archaeological ruins of Pompeii, hike to the top of Mount Vesuvius, and visit the National Archaeological Museum. Or take an excursion to the beautiful city of Florence, the jewel of Renaissance Italy. You will gaze upon Michelangelo’s famous David sculpture while visiting the Accademia Gallery.
We recommend finding a provider that makes it convenient to add on additional excursions during your study abroad in Rome experience; you never know if when you get there you’ll want to do even more than you had initially planned! Plus, providers can make it exceptionally easier to plan excursions to places further afield, such as England and Poland.
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Next steps to study abroad in Rome
Don't pack your bags juuuust yet. There are a few items on your study abroad to-do list you should check off first.
- Your major courses or something more fun and experiential? You don't only have to take classes that pertain to your major back home (though it never hurts to knock out some credits towards graduation). Look at your course options and decide what combination of required classes and just-for-fun or because-you-want-to-learn-it classes are out there. Choose from literature, the sciences, education, psychology, and more!
- Choose from the best study abroad programs in Rome. Pay attention to past participants’ reviews, program/university reputation, location, and your ease of getting credits. Some schools or providers may even provide contact info for student ambassadors or past international students if you want the REAL dirt. Here’s our guide to choosing between study abroad programs.
- Plan your finances. Sort out funding before you go to afford daily essentials and travel splurges (in addition to program costs and airfare). Do your research to have an idea of how much your study abroad program will cost. Check out scholarships for study abroad in Italy too!
- Talk to your home university. Getting all your ducks in a row is largely dependent on what your home university requires. Talk to a study abroad advisor or the equivalent at your university to see what choices are available to you.
Preparing to study abroad in Rome will be easy!
Preparing to study abroad in Rome will be one of the funnest parts of the journey.
Studying abroad in Rome is an unforgettable experience allowing you to fully immerse yourself in Italian culture while completing stimulating coursework, internships, and volunteer opportunities. With a wide variety of programs offered, there are truly program options for every major and interest!
Savor the food, learn the language, add value to your résumé, interact with centuries of rich history, and see the world—when in Rome, you can do it all! What are you waiting for?
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This article was written with help from the American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS). AIFS is a leading study abroad provider with more than 50 years of experience and locations on 6 continents. They are now accepting applications for their Spring 2020 Rome Study Abroad Program, with a $2000 discount.
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