The Catholic University of America
Rome Program

Dates:
Fall Semester: August 28 - December 13, 2009
Spring Semester: January 9 - May 9, 2010

From the excavations of Ancient Rome to the bustling and often stifling modern traffic, the city of Rome is rich in historical and cultural sites unlike anywhere else in the world. The Catholic University of America Rome Education Abroad program offers students an introduction to the rich culture and history of Rome and of its place in the development of Western culture. Students have the opportunity to experience and immerse themselves in Italian culture.

Students have the opportunity to live in one of the most influential cities of the ancient world. CUA in Rome offers two different study tracks to choose from: an Italian Immersion track which focuses on Italian language and includes homestay accommodations, and a Liberal Arts track which focuses on the history and culture of Rome and includes dormitory accommodations. Classes in both tracks meet on-site throughout the city, utilizing the art and architecture of Rome as a part of the program material.  Two overnight educational excursions are included in the semester (destinations vary by semester).

More specific program information

• Courses

  • Students take a total of five courses during the semester, and may choose one of two tracks:

    • The Italian Immersion track includes two 3-credit intensive Italian language courses, taught for the first eight weeks, and three 3-credit liberal arts courses.

    • The Liberal Arts track includes one 3-credit Italian Language course and four 3-credit liberal arts courses.

  
  

  • Liberal Arts Courses
    The liberal arts courses are taught throughout the semester in English by the Rome Program Director and local professors. They are chosen from five options in theology, art history, philosophy, history, or literature.

    • Fall Courses

    • Spring Courses

  
  

  • Italian Language Courses
    Language courses are taken at Italiaidea, a well-known language school located near Rome's Spanish Steps. It is recommended that students take at least one Italian class before beginning study in Rome; however, beginners are also welcome. Those who have some background in the language will take a language placement test to determine their language proficiency. Students with previous coursework in Italian language will need to visit the Modern Languages department prior to going to Rome.

  
  

  • Students can request a Minor in Italian Studies only by consulting with Italian Studies advisor, Prof. Stefania Lucamante (lucamante@cua.edu).

  • Credits: Undergraduate only, 15 credits, 5 courses




• Calendar

  • Fall 2009 Calendar

  • Spring 2010 Calendar




• Arrival

• Arrival Information and Orientation Schedule




• Housing

  • Students participating in the Italian Immersion track will live with local host families, allowing an opportunity to fully immerse themselves in Italian culture. The host family option includes breakfast and dinner 4 days a week.

  • Students on the Liberal Arts track will live in university owned dormitories, with an equivalent number of meals covered.

  • Both options include access to a computer lab, small library, and common room. Please read carefully the details in the link below to gain a better idea of what to expect.

  • Details




• Facilities

  • The CUA Rome campus is located within a beautiful 19th-century building owned by the Vincentians, The Congregation of the Mission, a religious order founded by St. Vincent de Paul. Through a partnership with St. John's University, CUA has access to modern classrooms, a student lounge, computer lab, and a small library.

  • Details




• Cost

  • CUA tuition plus a $5,000 program fee, which includes visa, accommodation, some meals, Study-travel, weekend excursions, access to CUA facilities; ISIC card, On-Call International emergency evacuation insurance, pre-departure and on-site orientation. Airfare and personal expenses are not included. Please contact CUAbroad for the complete cost breakdown of the program.




• Contacts

  • Rome Contacts

Eligibility
Applicants must be a full time student, and have a minimum 2.8 cumulative GPA at the time of application. You also must be at least second-semester sophomore at the time of departure (have completed 45 credit hours). A disciplinary check will also be done with CUA Residence life. Students should not study abroad the last semester of their senior year if they are concerned about graduating on time.

How to Apply

1. Consult with the CUAbroad Global Program Manager to determine the application procedures for your specific semester/year program.
   
2. Consult with your academic advisor. Make sure that the credits offered for the program will fit into your academic program.
   
3. If receiving financial aid, coordinate with CUA's Office of Financial Aid to determine your available aid for education abroad.
   
4. If you live on campus, notify CUA Housing of your education abroad plans.
5. Submit your application materials by the deadline for your specific program to CUAbroad. Your application package must include:

   • Completed CUAbroad application form

   • $100 non-refundable application fee
     

   • An official academic transcript
     

   • CUAbroad Credit Approval Form and CUAbroad Credit Approval Guidelines, for CUA students only, accompanied by the course descriptions or syllabi- This form documents your initial chosen courses for your semester abroad. While changes can be made, this is extremely important, as it pertains to course equivalencies and where they will go on your tracking sheet. Students who do NOT attend CUA must complete a Non-CUA student Advisor Approval form.

   • One photocopy of the photo page of your passport (black and white copies are acceptable). If you do not currently have a passport your application will still be considered. Please apply for a passport immediately and inform the CUAbroad Global Program Manager. Each student is responsible for obtaining his/her passport. If you do not get a passport before the departure of the program, you risk not being able to participate on the program.
     

   • 2 academic letters of recommendation from professors whom you have had in class within the last year. They should evaluate your overall academic work. Recommendations should be written on departmental letterhead and should be returned to you to include with your application.
     

   • Three passport-size photographs
     

   • One-page typed biographical essay and statement of academic objectives while abroad
     

   • Rome housing Form
     

Upon Acceptance

1. Submit a non-refundable $500 deposit to the CUAbroad (see instructions in your acceptance packet). Stay informed with payment deadlines and pre-departure orientation.

2. Meet with the office of Financial Aid to determine the necessary steps in assuring your aid will cover your tuition and program fee, and submit the CUAbroad Financial Responsibility Form.

3. Materials required for the Visa: the Schengen Visa application, a copy of a letter from your health insurance company, on letterhead, stating that you will be covered during your time abroad, a photocopy of your health insurance card, Affidavit of family support during your stay, one passport sized photograph, and your passport.

4. After you receive your visa, prepare the materials required for your Permit of Stay in Rome: 4 identical passport sized photographs, a photocopy of each page of your passport, photocopy and original of your proof of health insurance coverage, the original and a copy of the CUA acceptance letter into the program, and 73.12 in Euro.

All materials should be submitted at the same time in an envelope, marked with the student’s name and ID, to:
Madison Bolls, Global Program Manager
CUAbroad/Center for Global Education
McMahon Hall 111
The Catholic University of America
Washington, DC 20064

Deadlines

• Fall Semester 2010

  • March 1, 2010 (Priority)

  • March 31, 2010 (Final)

• Spring Semester 2010

  • October 1, 2009 (Priority)

  • October 31, 2009 (Final)

Questions?
Contact
Dr. David Dawson Vasquez, Program Director
Madison Bolls, CUAbroad Program Manager