Study Abroad

University System of Maryland Program in Rome

The University System of Maryland (USM) Program in Rome is based at the American University of Rome (AUR). Founded in 1969, AUR is the oldest independent, four-year, degree-granting American institution of higher learning in Rome. Its goal is to promote cultural ties through education in an international environment. It offers the benefits of an American-style education taught by a multinational faculty in an international setting, to a student body representing every continent in the world. The student body is 60 percent American and 40 percent multinational. The language of instruction is English. Students on the USM program are admitted as visiting students to AUR for a semester, summer or a year, and as such have full access to all academic resources and facilities at AUR.

AUR is housed in two lovely four-story villas on the crest of Rome's highest hill, the Janiculum. The villa contains classrooms, an auditorium, a library, two computer centers, offices and a student lounge. It is a short walk to the historic Trastevere district, which offers a full range of amenities. Surrounded by a garden, the campus is also close to two major parks and is connected to the center of Rome by several bus lines.

See what some alum have to say about their time in Rome.

Academic Program: Courses may be offered in the following subject areas: anthropology, art history, business administration, classics, communication, computer science, drama, economics, English, history, Italian, music, philosophy, political science, psychology and sociology. Students normally take five courses in Spring or Fall (15 credits) and two courses in the summer (6 credits).

For up-to-date information on specific courses offered each semester, and course descriptions, please refer to the AUR Website. All classes are taught in English (except for Italian language courses).

To view TU course equivalents for AUR courses please click here.

All students participating in the USM program in Rome in the fall or spring are strongly encouraged to enroll in an Italian language class during their semester abroad. The American University of Rome offers a wide range of Italian courses at all levels. Students who enroll in any Italian course more advanced than Italian 101 will take a placement test upon arrival to determine which level is most appropriate.

We also recommend that students prepare for their study abroad experience by learning some basic Italian prior to departure. The majority of past participants comment that they wish they had known more Italian before embarking on their semester in Italy.

AUR also offers an Internship Program during the fall or spring semester. Students in the program are placed with companies in Rome and work 15 hours per week during the semester for a total of three credits. The Internship Program is highly selective, and knowledge of Italian is a prerequisite. Internships are not available as part of the summer program .

Academic Credit: Towson University will issue transcripts for students in the USM Program. Students are responsible for ensuring that the credits earned in the program will be applicable to their degree programs at their home institution.

TU students may receive Honors credit for their study abroad experience - click here for more information.

Excursions: The American University of Rome offers a range of academic and cultural optional excursions which students may participate in for an additional fee. Typical destinations include Pompeii, Venice, Florence, Bologna, and the Basque country.

Dates:
Fall: late August - mid-December
Spring: mid-January - mid-May
Academic Year: late August - mid-May
Summer: late May 28 - late June

Housing Options: Students contract to share a rented apartment organized through the university's approved real estate agency in Rome. Apartments are furnished and usually consist of 2-3 double-occupancy bedrooms, a living area, kitchen and bathroom. Telephone, linens, and access to a washing machine are provided.

Note: For the fall or spring semesters, students may choose to make their own housing arrangements independently of AUR. This option is NOT recommended.

Costs:*

FALL 2008: $9,630
SPRING 2009: TBD
Fall or spring includes tuition (15 credits), orientation program, airport pick-up, academic and personal advising, health insurance, student activity and technology fee, mandatory public health policy and permit to stay processing. Additional costs include $300 study abroad fee, airfare, housing, meals, personal expenses.

SUMMER 2008: $4,900 includes tuition (6 credits), housing, orientation program, airport pick-up, academic and personal advising, health insurance, student activity and technology fee. Additional costs include $150 study abroad fee, airfare, meals, personal expenses.

• Airfare: The program will arrange for a group rate (approximately $1,000) on a round-trip flightfrom the Baltimore area to Rome for the spring and fall semesters. Participation in the group flight is optional. Students participating in the summer program are responsible for making their own flight arrangements.
  
• Housing: During the fall and spring semester students pay for housing directly to the American University of Rome. Costs are approximately $5,600 per semester in a shared apartment, which includes the security deposit of $500. Housing is included in the cost of the summer program.
  
• Meals, personal transportation in Rome, supplies/texts, health insurance, personal expenses, etc. Students should budget approximately $1,800 to $2,500 per Fall/Spring semester for misc. living costs, and $1000 for the summer program.

*The Towson University Study Abroad Office reserves the right to make any necessary changes including adjustments in cost in the event that unforeseen circumstances arise.

Click here for information about scholarships.

Application Process: Students must be in good standing at their home institution, and have completed at least 30 credits with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8. Enrollment is limited and admission is competitive.

To apply please complete the USM Program in Rome Application and submit it to the TU Study Abroad Office. Non-TU students must also submit a completed Non-Degree Enrollment Application.

Application Deadlines:
Fall/Summer/Academic Year: MARCH 15
Spring: OCTOBER 1

All parts of your application must be received by the deadline in order to be considered for admission. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. A non-refundable deposit of $250 is required after admission to confirm the student's place on the program.

Refunds: A $500 cancellation charge will be incurred after December 1 for the spring semester, May 12 for the fall semester, and April 15 for the summer program. Additional penalties may be incurred after any deposits have been paid on the student's behalf in Italy.

For More Information: Contact the TU Study Abroad Office.

Click here for answers to frequently asked questions.