Saint Louis University - Study Abroad

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General Information

Words do little justice to the city of Rome; there is history at every turn. The Rome Center lies where ancient Romans farmed; the bus downtown runs on the road that pilgrims walked. But Rome is also a modern city. In addition to the incomparable monuments, churches, and archaeological sites, Rome nourishes a thriving cultural life. Students may attend performances of the Rome Opera, the Santa Cecilia concerts, folk and rock concerts, or get caught up in a Sunday soccer crowd. They may stand where Caesar orated, or strike a bargain at the flea market. Students may study the architecture or enjoy an ice cream cone from the same bench in Piazza Navona. Rome is the seat of the Catholic Church, the Italian Government, and a capital of film and fashion.

Each semester at the Rome Center begins with an orientation to acquaint students with Rome, the Center, and fellow students. There are tours of the city of Rome and its environs, and there are lectures on the cultural life of Rome as well as tips and cautions about navigating the intricate byways of the Eternal City. Evenings are for social activities. In a sense, Rome itself is the campus.

Rome Study Center

Founded in 1962, the Rome Center campus was originally located on the site of the Olympic Village for the 1960 Summer Games. After relocating three more times, it is today situated in an affluent residential neighborhood on Monte Mario on the Via Massimi.

The Rome Center covers a range of liberal arts courses. Except for Italian, all classes are taught in English. Courses are typically offered in the following fields: Archaeology, Classical Civilization - Latin & Greek, Communications, Economics, English Literature, European & Italian History, Fine Arts/Art History, International Studies, Italian Film Studies, Italian Language & Literature, Italian Society & Culture, Philosophy, Political Science, Religion - Culture & Society, Rome Studies, and Theology.

While the academic program is central, intelligent travel is an important part of the Rome Center experience. Classes and vacations are scheduled to allow students to combine study and travel. Three-day weekends are the norm, with but two exceptions.
There are three extended vacation periods: fall semester break [October], the break between semesters [December-January], and spring semester break [March]. Students must be prepared, however, to budget time carefully in order that travel has a purpose and class work does not suffer.

The Rome Center offers two school-sponsored major tours. Over the Fall semester break the trip is to Greece and some of its islands, whereas over the Spring semester break, different locales are chosen each year. The cost for these tours is kept as affordable as possible for students. Occasional weekend tours to sites in Italy are also sponsored each semester.

Courses Available

The list of courses, which are taught in English, can be found here.
(A PDF version can be downloaded here)

Housing

The Rome Center supports an atmosphere in the residence halls which balances academic pursuit with social attitudes. Experience has shown that the success of this policy depends upon a spirit of cooperation and understanding among all members of the Rome Center community.

All students are housed in the residence area of the building unless they have specific written permission from the Associate Dean of Students to live off-campus. This permission will be granted only to students who wish to live with immediate family in Rome.

There is one exception to mandatory on-campus living: Rome Center residence halls cannot accommodate those students who will be accompanied by a spouse and/or children. It is the responsibility of such students to procure their own housing and to arrange for the schooling of their children.

Program Fees

The total cost of the program fees, including tuition, room and meals is $18,000 for the fall and $19,900 for the spring semester for the 2008-2009 academic year. All SLU financial aid and scholarships, with the exception of those geared specifically towards housing, will go with the student. In addition, a mandatory $250 international insurance fee per semester will be added to the student's account.

Academic Calendar

Fall Semester: August 28 - December 11, 2008
Spring Semester: January 8 - April 23, 2009
Summer Program: May 17 - June 20, 2008

Requirements

In order to obtain admission, which is not guaranteed, a student must meet the following requirement(s):

2.75 GPA
Not be in academic or disciplinary probation

Application

To apply, please submit the following documents: (Applications will not be reviewed until all documents have been received)

Application (with essay & recommendations)
Official transcripts in a SEALED ENVELOPE from all colleges/universities attended
Copy of your passport

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