The American University of Rome
The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Education Abroad office has been helping students from across the United States study at The American University of Rome (AUR) in Italy since 1999. Since then, students from more than 75 universities nationwide have chosen to study abroad in Rome, Italy through UW-Platteville Education Abroad.
Details
You may participate for one semester or for a full academic year, enrolling in between 12 and 18 credits per semester. All courses are taken alongside international students from more than 40 countries worldwide.
AUR is perched high above Rome on the Janiculum hill, just above the famous Trastevere district. Founded in 1969, AUR is one of the oldest degree-granting American universities in Italy. With a total enrollment of about 500 students, the university attracts students from 40 countries worldwide, bringing a unique international perspective to the campus.
Occupying a single, self-contained campus, AUR offers spectacular views of Rome. The campus includes two main buildings, a library, and gorgeous gardens and terraces for studying or enjoying conversations with classmates from around the globe. The surrounding neighborhood offers a range of shops, restaurants, pubs, and cafes, and all of Rome’s historic museums, theatres, monuments, and galleries are just a short bus ride away, making it easy to experience all that the city has to offer.
Eligibility
You must:
- Be a degree-seeking undergraduate student who is currently enrolled at a U.S.-based college or university
- Have completed at least one full-time semester of college at the time of application and have at least sophomore standing at the time of participation
- Have a minimum cumulative 2.25 GPA
- Be in good academic and disciplinary standing at the time of application and participation.
You are not required to have a minimum language proficiency for any program, but courses taught in languages other than English will have specific language proficiency requirements.
Scholarship
The American University of Rome (AUR) Education Abroad Scholarship is available to support UW-Platteville students who are studying abroad at AUR for a semester or academic year. This scholarship is awarded on a competitive basis, and the scholarship amount is up to half of the AUR tuition for the chosen term. The exact amount will vary from term to term. If awarded, the scholarship amount will be deducted from your program cost.
Application Requirements
In addition to any application procedures required by your home institution, the following must be submitted via the UW-Platteville Education Abroad online application system:
- $75 application fee
- AUR Course Advisement Form
- Copy of U.S. passport. If you do not currently hold a U.S. passport, you must apply for one and submit proof of application before the program application deadline.
- Education Abroad Statement of Purpose
- International Study Course Approval Form (UW-Platteville students only)
- Official academic transcript
- Signed statements of responsibility and understanding
- Two letters of recommendation
- UW-Platteville Education Abroad Application
You will also have access to information to assist you throughout the application process. Upon acceptance, additional pre-departure information and requirements will be provided.
Co-curricular Activities
Students studying abroad at The American University of Rome (AUR) have a wide range of opportunities available to them to enhance their experience outside the classroom. Opportunities include:
-
Excursions
Many of AUR's courses include mandatory excursions in and around Rome. In addition, you are encouraged to participate in optional cultural excursions and activities organized by AUR, which include transportation and professional instruction.
Past field trips have included day and weekend trips to locales of historical and cultural significance around Italy, and you will learn more about the excursions available upon acceptance to UW-Platteville Education Abroad’s program at AUR.
-
Clubs and Organizations
AUR clubs and organizations include Art History Club, Business Club, Communication Club, Culture Club, Drama Club, Film Club, International Relations Club, Italian Studies Club, Student Government, The Amazing Grace Gospel Choir, and Veterans Club.
-
Sports and Activities
Sports and activities at AUR include boot camp, community service, cooking lessons, martial arts training, AUR Runs Rome, AUR Sea Wolves, AUR She-Wolves Soccer, AUR Wolves Soccer, yoga, and zumba.
Housing
Students studying abroad at The American University of Rome (AUR) through UW-Platteville Education Abroad live in furnished off-campus apartments selected by AUR.
The apartment buildings also accommodate Italian families and are located in areas from which campus can be conveniently reached, such as the neighborhoods of Trastevere, Monteverde, Giancolense, and Colli Portuense. Compared to other parts of the city, these neighborhoods have more green areas, better access to public transportation, and are conveniently located with easy access to the historic center of Rome.
All apartments are either within walking distance or in close proximity to public transit routes to make it easy to reach campus. Travel times to AUR vary, but generally range between 15 and 35 minutes, with times depending on bus frequency and local traffic. Many apartments are directly accessible from AUR by one direct bus line, while others require a change. Detailed travel instructions to and from the university and an initial supply of public transportation tickets will be provided during your on-site orientation.
Apartments are usually shared between five or six students studying abroad through UW-Platteville Education Abroad and have two or three bedrooms, which are typically shared. Amenities include a living space with a TV, a kitchen with basic kitchen utensils, a bathroom, a PC computer, a land-line phone, and linens and towels.
Wi-fi is included with the accommodation at no additional cost. However, adjustments with regard to speed and availability must be anticipated. All units have a washing machine, but you should know that dryers are not common in Italy. Dryers are not included.
Meals are not included in students' program cost, so all meals are arranged and paid for out of pocket.
The accommodation cost is not included in UW-Platteville Education Abroad’s program cost and must be paid by you prior to arrival in Rome. AUR and UW-Platteville staff can assist with any questions about payment options. Costs can be found under Dates and Costs section of the AUR page. If you have any questions, please reach out to UW-Platteville Education Abroad office.
Academics
The UW-Platteville Education Abroad program at The American University of Rome (AUR) is designed to provide you with a personalized and integrated living and learning experience in Rome. You may participate for one semester or for a full academic year, enrolling in between 12 and 18 credits per semester. All courses are taken alongside international students from more than 40 countries world-wide and there are many courses available each term.
-
Required Courses
All students studying abroad at AUR through UW-Platteville Education Abroad for a semester or academic year are required to enroll in an on-site course. On-site courses hold classes at locations of cultural or historical significance around Rome daily or frequently throughout the semester.
These courses will have an "on-site" note in the course description, and a schedule of on-site visits and entrance fees or additional costs are outlined in course syllabi provided on the first day of class.
Students studying at AUR through UW-Platteville Education Abroad for a summer session are not required to enroll in any particular courses, but they must be enrolled in at least six U.S. credits.
-
Blended and Online Courses
Students studying at AUR through UW-Platteville Education Abroad for a semester or academic year are permitted to take one online or blended course. The rest of coursework should be taken in the traditional on-campus format.
-
Resident Credits
Credits will be validated on an official AUR transcript at the end of the semester.
The credit hours awarded at AUR are equivalent to U.S. credits (e.g. three credits at AUR are equivalent to three U.S. credits). Likewise, AUR uses the American grading system so an A awarded at AUR will be an A on your transcript at the end of the term.
While all credits should be transferable, you should work with an academic advisor at your home institution to choose appropriate and beneficial courses from the AUR curriculum prior to your semester abroad. Courses that may fulfill specific requirements for major, minor, general education, or elective requirements towards an American degree must be approved by the appropriate person(s) at the home institution.
Visa Information
A student visa is required if you intend to study in Italy for a semester or academic year. Students participating in a summer or Winterim program are not required to have a visa.
A visa is an official document affixed in a U.S. passport by the Italian Consulate General granting permission to live and study in Italy for the duration that the visa is valid. You need to apply to the Italian Consulate General with jurisdiction over your permanent residence (not your school address) and be aware that each Consulate may differ slightly in its visa application requirements. You are advised to contact the Italian Consulate General in your jurisdiction to confirm visa requirements and whether an in-person appointment is necessary.
You cannot submit or schedule your appointment for a date any earlier than 90 days prior to departure. In addition, your U.S. passport must be valid at least three months beyond your planned stay in Italy. As of April 2018, there was a consular fee of $61.50 to apply for an Italian student visa. This fee changes periodically.
Upon acceptance into The American University of Rome, all of the necessary documents that you need to apply for your visa will be provided by UW-Platteville Education Abroad.
You will be given additional information and instructions upon acceptance into the program, and for the most up-to-date information on the Italian student visa process and procedures, please visit the Embassy of Italy in Washington's website.