Rome constantly conjures up vivid reminders of its glorious past as the city that built the greatest Empire the World has ever known. With its sunny climate, stately umbrella pines, and an unparalleled wealth of history around every corner, Rome's beauty quickly overtakes all who enter its ancient walls. A walk or bus ride through even the most commonplace quarters of the city yields encounters with innumerable monuments, towering pillars, and major imperial buildings that still stand imposingly just as they have for 2,000 years!

The American University of Rome has been combining the excellent academic attributes of higher education in the U.S. with the historic and global reputation of European institutions for 40 years making it the oldest institution of its kind in Europe. The 19-to-1 faculty ratio at American University of Rome gives students the opportunity to gain the best possible international education experience, with instruction from both local and international professors. Study abroad students interact with peers from Italy and all over the world, given the mix of Americans, local Italian students, and international students. Far from being simply a language or cultural institute, AUR's extensive course offerings go far beyond the broad multicultural base of humanities and art history classes, including choices from additional areas such as business , communications and digital media, international relations, and the social sciences. For example, Fall 2009 Professor Noah Charney, a world renowned expert on art crime, comes to AUR fresh from a run at Yale University to teach AH 283 - Traffickers, Thieves And Forgers: Art Crime.

Spending a semester, academic year or summer studying at the American University of Rome will give you the opportunity to absorb the city's vibrancy on a genuine , profound level . As a short term resident scholar , you will gain insight that simply is unavailable to the tourist or short term visitor. A study abroad experience at AUR will allow you to complete your undergraduate degree on-time, help your resume and transcript standout among others and allow you to challenge yourself fully academically and personally.

What else can you expect from AUR?

• Immersion apartment living in the local community
• Student- centric focus with a range of clubs, competitive sports and activities
• Comprehensive on site orientation program
• “ResGrad” program of peer to peer intercultural and practical mentoring
• Vibrant , historic campus in Rome’s most distinctive area- atop the famous Janiculum hill
• Current technology , including high speed wireless environment on campus and in student accommodations.
• Excursions- vibrant destinations, priced with a student’s economy in mind. Destinations include Capri, Tuscany and Pompeii. The academic departments offer exciting and challenging credit course excursions . For example, spring 2009 students went to Kosovo with the International Relations Department. In fall 2009, the Italian Studies Department will fly to Sicily for the new course: Sicily against the Mafia.
• Low student :faculty/staff ratios
• Culture of student learning and assessment- AUR is a member of the Forum on Education Abroad and the College Consortium of International Studies (CCIS) organizations.