STUDY ABROAD
OVERVIEW
Ave Maria University’s study abroad program in Rome, Italy focuses on furthering students’ academic and spiritual growth. Students are given the opportunity to live, study, and pray in the heart of the Eternal City during the semester that works best for them: fall, spring, or summer.
Location
During their time abroad, students will be immersed in the history and teachings of the Church, walking in the footsteps of saints and other important figures both in Rome and in its surrounding cities. The Villa where our students live is located at the top of via delle Fornaci, just steps away from St. Peter's Square.
Student Life
Our on-site staff and faculty have years of experience living, studying, and leading groups in and around the city; they are well-versed in Rome, the Christian faith, and the life-changing impact of a well-curated semester abroad. In addition to the more structured elements of the program, students are also given ample free time to do their own exploring—classes meet four days/week, leaving each three-day weekend open for personal travel and sightseeing. Also included in the program is a weekend pilgrimage to Assisi, the city of St. Francis, and optional trips to Florence and Orvieto.
FALL & SPRING PROGRAMS
Students seeking a longer study abroad experience may choose to go abroad during the fall or spring. Both programs are 11-weeks in length, with students taking between 12-16 credits in total (a full-time load).
A mix of general electives and core curriculum requirements are offered while in Rome. Each class meeting will take place at a differnt location throughout the city, depending on the topic for the day.
AMU staff work closely with the Rome team to ensure that the courses offered in Rome fit well within our overall framework here on campus. The courses offered abroad are:
• HUMS 220R Approaches to the Eternal City
• HUMS 221R Art & Architecture of Rome
• LIT 220R Poetics
• THEO 220R Aquinas on Virtue
• PHIL 205R Nature & Person
• PHIL 206R Ethics
Additional information about courses can be found here.
SUMMER PROGRAM
Can't swing a full semester away? Spend your summer abroad instead!
In addition to the fall and spring program, AMU is now offering a 4-week summer Rome program with all the same fun, adventure, and cultural enrichment as the fall and spring programs—think of it as a “mini” version of the program, taking place at the same location and with the same staff as the fall and spring programs. This option is ideal for varsity athletes, nursing, and other majors who have less flexibility during the regular school year.
During the summer, students will take our flagship course, The Art & Architecture of Rome. Each class meeting will take place at a different location throughout the city, depending on the topic for the day.
Meals, lodging, tuition, and 2-3 organized weekends (including a pilgrimage to Assisi) are included in program costs.
Total cost for Summer 2026: $5,491
TO ROME, WITH LOVE
Current Students: Ready to learn more? Attend an info session!
Dates: January 16, January 20, February 4, February 11, & February 26
Time: 8 pm
Location: Tom & Selby Prince Building, rm. 115.
Please note: Students must attend one of these sessions in order to gain access to the application for the following terms - Summer 2025, Fall 2025, Spring 2026 (early admission). Questions? Email AMUAbroad@avemaria.edu
APPLYING FOR STUDY ABROAD
Students who are interested in a semester in Rome should first attend an informational session with our Study Abroad Coordinator, Alexandrea Bartsch (see above for session dates). At the informational session, students are given a thorough overview of the program, as well as access to apply.
Requirements For Admission
- Students are permitted to study abroad as early as their 3rd semester at AMU.
- Students must have reached 18 years of age prior to the departure date for the program to be eligible to participate.
- Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.
- All undergraduate, degree-seeking, AMU students who meet the minimum requirements for admission are welcome to apply.
- Student academic, health, and discipline records are evaluated by the Study Abroad Coordinator, in cooperation with the Office of Student Affairs and Dean of Faculty, for the health and maturity necessary to meet the challenges of the Rome program. Students who are actively on academic or disciplinary probation may not study abroad.
Please note: The program is not suited for married students or students with families. Rooms are shared, and separated by gender, and there are no single rooms.
IMPORTANT PROGRAM DATES AND DEADLINES
Spring 2026
Missed the deadline? Applications for any remaining seats will re-open Fall 2025.
Summer 2025 – APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED!
Completed applications will be reviewed in the order received; the sooner you submit, the sooner you'll hear back!
Fall 2025
PROGRAM COSTS
Students going abroad pay regular AMU tuition, room, board, and fees. In addition, students also pay a $3,500* program fee. Students studying abroad are not charged the Student Life or Athletic fees during their semester abroad. All other fees apply.
Students are responsible for their airfare, spending money, and passport fees. Commuter students will have to factor in the additional cost of room and board when calculating their program costs.
For more information regarding tuition and costs, please visit our Tuition and Costs page.
*A non-refundable deposit of $300 is due upon admission, to secure the student's place in the program, while the additional $3,200 of the program fee is added to the student's bill for their study abroad term. If a student deposits, but does not study abroad, they will forfeit their deposit.
Included in Program Costs:
- Lodging at the Villa (shared rooms, segregated by gender)
- Laundry service
- 3 meals/day at the Villa
- Bed linens, towels
- Group weekend pilgrimage to Assisi