Key Elements of the Rome Program

• Students study through Thomas More College of Liberal Arts
• Students live & study at a Roman villa—a monastery owned by the Antonine order of the Maronites.
• The Roman semester immerses students in the details of ancient, medieval and Renaissance art, and the history and teachings of the Church

Sample Course Offerings

• Humanities I & II The Ancient World The nature of tragic action and the flowering of philosophic discourse. Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, Aristophanes, Plato, Aristotle, Plutarch’s The Rise and Fall of Athens, Thucydides.
• Writing Workshop III & IV Students continue studying such authors as Robert Frost, Richard Wilbur, Yeats, Keats, Donne, T. S. Eliot, Hopkins, & Joseph Pieper.
• Theology: The Epistles of St. Paul
• Fine Arts—The Art and Architecture of Rome A study of culture and civilization as revealed in painting, sculpture, and architecture. Tours of Rome.

Who can participate in the Study Abroad Program?

• Full-Time Ave students who will be of sophomore status or above at the start of the semester for which they plan to study abroad are eligible to apply.
• Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.
• Students on probation (academic or disciplinary) may not apply until they have been off probation for one semester.

Application Process

• Complete Application
• Submit Essays
• Letter of Recommendation by AMU faculty member
• Activities List
• Application signed by academic advisor
• Bring entire application to the Office of Student Life

The Review Committee

What will the committee be looking for when considering the applications for acceptance?

• Curricular & Co-curricular contributions to the campus life of Ave
• Students who support the mission of Ave and will be good ambassadors of the University in a foreign country
• Academic Progress Requirement: Cumulative 2.0 GPA

All students who apply will receive a letter confirming the decision as soon as the Study Abroad Committee has come to a decision.

Please Note

In one short semester, there is a lot of work and preparation for the exchange program. Many of the deadlines are close together, so please start thinking about deposit money, airfare, etc. If you are serious about studying abroad next semester, begin the passport application process now.

Since travel costs change frequently, be prepared for “surprise expenses” that may occur. Keep in mind that every case is different. If you apply to participate in the program be prepared for the responsibilities that come with this great honor!

Rome Program Accommodations

• Villa Serenella is a stately, typical Roman villa surrounded by 13 acres of olive groves, pine trees, walking paths, a soccer field, and fountains.
• The monks provide accommodations, meals, and classroom space for students during their Rome semester.
• On-site chapel
• Student life at the Villa offers many amenities including:
  • Internet access
  • IP phones to call the U.S.
  • Laundry service
  • 3 full meals served daily
  • A nightly curfew is enforced

Traveling in Italy & Europe

• Ave students will have opportunities to travel to cities throughout Italy, including Florence, Venice, & Milan
• Major Train Station in Rome
• Organized trips & trips on your own

Program Overview

• The program runs for one semester (Fall or Spring).
• Classes are taught in English and fit into our approved course work.
• All Ave students need to maintain a full-time course load while abroad (12 credit hours).
• It’s a great opportunity to learn about other cultures, travel, and study with other international students.
• Financial Aid funds are available to students who qualify.

Accepted Students

• Students will be selected for one semester only
• $200 Deposit due at First Orientation Meeting
• Attend Mandatory Orientation Meeting(s)
• Complete all student paperwork by the deadline
• Costs: Tuition, Room, Board: the same as regular tuition Additional Costs:
  • Plane Ticket (Round Trip)
  • Extra Fee due to rise in Euro currency $1750
  • Train Pass- $350-$1000 (optional)
  • Spending Money- $3000-$6000 (estimate)

Non-Accepted Students

Due to the high-level of interest in the program, not every student can be selected. If you are not accepted to the program but would like to go in the future, you must re-apply.

Have Questions?

Contact Kateri Lang
Coordinator of Study Abroad
Email: kateri.lang@avemaria.edu
Phone: (239) 280-2540
Office: Student Union, Second Floor

Photos by Professor Joseph Yarbrough