Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to communicate?

Without question for most day to day communication email is the most convenient way to communicate. The problems normally presented by substantial time changes are eliminated and access to the internet both on and off campus in Rome, while not quite as widespread as in the USA, is still very easy.

When using the telephone it is usually best to call to Rome rather than vice versa. While rates in Europe, especially with the use of calling cards are falling rapidly, rated from the USA are still generally lower. You may want to negotiate a country specific discounted rate with a long distance carrier. A frequently used student method is to make a quick call home to advise available and then receive a return call.

When is the best time to visit?

While this is typically a question to unique each student’s situation it is generally advised not to visit during the first few weeks of a semester for obvious reasons. Mid term week and final exam week are other times to be avoided. Uniquely AUR has both a fall and spring break which affords a 11 day period for travel and adventure
Aur is located in the Giancolo, one of the loveliest areas of Rome and is convenient to the historic center and numerous hotel possibilities for all budgets.

What is the best way to ship things to Rome?

Firstly, everything should be shipped to the student C/O the university. Important and timely documents should be sent via reliable overnight international couriers such as DHL or Federal Express- both provide fast reliable service. If less time critical and more bulk the US postal Service or UPS also provide reliable service. Please be aware that prescription drugs are virtually impossible to ship.
A custom charge will be levied on any declared value.

What about culture shock?

You can be sure your students will experience this phenomenon in some form or another. Our best advice would be to encourage you to help the student acknowledge and expect this. It is not abnormal- rather quite the contrary. There is also to be expected some disorientation on returning home- again fully normal. A good link to learn more about this topic is: http://www.petersons.com/stdyabrd/abroad4.html

What do I do the event of emergency?

Firstly, the best thing is let the appropriate staff in Rome assist. The university is generally open six days a week with a student services staff equipped to deal with most situations, including emergency. The university also has a staffed 24 emergency phone number in the event of crisis outside of business hours.