Rome Semester Program

This program is currently not accepting applications. The software for study abroad is being updated. Applications will be accepted again starting January 15, 2023. If you have any questions, please contact the CWIL office at abroad@saintmarys.edu.

Since 1970 hundreds of Saint Mary's College students have studied in the center of historic Rome and experienced another culture in this unique city. With its 3,000 years of layered history and its 2,000 years as the center of Catholicism, Rome provides an especially stimulating educational environment. Facilitated by our partner in Rome, John Cabot University (JCU), a year, semester, or summer term (visit the summer program page) in Rome provides a life-changing experience that has a significant and lasting impact on students' intellectual, spiritual, and personal growth. 

Curriculum
The program offers three enrollment options: semester, academic year, or summer. While in Rome all students take Italian language courses except those who have already completed a year of intermediate-level Italian. During the academic year most Saint Mary's students take an Italian language course plus 3-4 other courses, with most courses three credits. A wide variety of courses have been pre-approved to meet Sophia Program requirements. JCU offers major and minor programs with upper-level courses in many areas. Students should work with the program director and their academic advisor for approval to take these courses. Saint Mary's students may also apply for internships in Rome through JCU.

*While SMC believes that engaging in language immersion and learning while in Rome greatly enhances the student experience, if a student has received a language waiver through the Division of Academic Affairs the language course will be waived for the Italian program.

Eligibility
Saint Mary's students must have an overall GPA of 2.5/4.0 or better. It is strongly recommended, but not required, that interested students complete a year of college level introductory Italian or its equivalent. Eligibility is based on academic record, personal recommendations, and the assurance of readiness for living and studying overseas. Application should first be made to Saint Mary's College, with admission to the program finalized by John Cabot University. It is important that participating students be positive representatives of Saint Mary's College while abroad. Therefore, a successful candidate is expected to have an exemplary disciplinary record, emotional maturity, and an openness to new experiences and other cultures.

Facilities
Classes are held on JCU's campuses in Trastevere. All Saint Mary's students live in University owned apartments with Italian and other international students. The units are fully furnished with a kitchen, 1-2 bathrooms, and a common area. RA's are on site plus 24/7 security. A 60-meal JCU cafeteria plan is included. 
Travel and Orientation

Travel and Orientation
Students provide their own round-trip transportation to Rome and must arrive on campus in time for the program orientation. Upon arrival, students immerse in the global culture at John Cabot University. They stroll along the cobblestone streets of Trastevere where they live, located within walking distance of the Pantheon, the Forum, Saint Peter's Basilica, the Tiber River, Piazza Navona, and the Trevi Fountain. 

Expenses and Financial Aid
Students pay the standard Saint Mary's College tuition rate and a $1600 study abroad fee. Room and board rates will be slightly higher than if studying on the SMC campus. Additionally, each program has a standard accommodation package. If accommodations are elected that are not included in the standard package, room and board rates will be adjusted accordingly. Expenses that are not covered include airfare to Rome, local transportation costs, personal travel and entertainment, meals other than those provided by the JCU cafeteria plan, books and supplies, laundry, and personal expenditures.

Most Saint Mary's College scholarships and financial aid can be applied to the semester or year in Rome but not to the summer program. There are a few financial aid awards from Saint Mary's College that cannot be used while studying abroad, please check with the Office of Financial Aid about your specific aid eligibility.

All students who plan to study abroad are required to pay a $500 non-refundable deposit by April 30th (for Fall Semester) or November 30th (for Spring Semester). When abroad, the deposit will be applied to the student's overall study abroad balance.

Insurance
Saint Mary's College provides mandatory health insurance to all students abroad through HTH Worldwide insurance company, www.hthstudents.com.  Students on any of Saint Mary's study abroad programs are automatically covered by this policy. The cost of this insurance is included in the study abroad fee for semester programs or the program fee for short-term program.
 

For more information, contact:

Rebecca Méndez
Assistant Director of International Programs
Center for Women's Intercultural Leadership
(574) 284-4740
rmendez@saintmarys.edu