Experience the Eternal City: Study Abroad with AMU in Italy

Living and learning at the Ave Maria University campus in Southwest Florida is an incredible experience. Excellent academics, a vibrant faith and community life, and year-round sunshine combine to make a truly unforgettable four years. AMU’s education, however, extends far beyond our sunny Florida campus.

Through the university’s Study Abroad Program in Rome, Italy, AMU students are given the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich history, culture, and spiritual life of the Eternal City. This program is designed to deepen academic knowledge while fostering personal and spiritual growth in a city that has been the heart of the Catholic Church for centuries. By living, studying, and praying in Rome, students walk in the footsteps of generations of faithful, gaining a perspective that can't be taught in a classroom.

Overview of the Program: A Journey Like No Other

AMU's Italian Study Abroad Program provides an unparalleled experience that combines rigorous academics with spiritual formation. Offered three times a year — during the fall, spring, and a newly introduced summer program — this opportunity allows AMU students to live in Rome, one of the most historically and spiritually significant cities in the world.

Throughout their time in Rome, students are immersed in the rich history and teachings of the Catholic Church. They explore iconic sites such as St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican museums, and the Colosseum. The program also includes a weekend pilgrimage to Assisi, St. Francis’ birthplace, and offers optional trips to Florence and Orvieto, providing a comprehensive experience of Italian culture and Catholic heritage.

Students also enjoy significant flexibility, with classes scheduled only four days a week, leaving long weekends free for personal exploration. This blend of structured learning and free time allows students to experience Rome both as a classroom and a city full of discoveries waiting to be made.

Academic Growth and Core Curriculum Integration

As well as being an immersive cultural experience, the Study Abroad Program is also an academic one that integrates seamlessly into Ave Maria University's core curriculum. Five courses are offered for AMU credit while in Rome: Literature, Humanities, Art & Architecture, Theology, and Philosophy. These courses fulfill core and elective requirements, ensuring that students stay on track for graduation while enriching their education through an international lens.

All courses are taught by experienced and passionate faculty who have lived, worked, and studied in and around Rome and Italy. Their expertise provides students with unique insights into the city’s history and culture, deepening their understanding of the subjects they’re studying. Students will have the chance to study classic texts and engage in philosophical discussions in the places where these ideas were first developed and debated. This living context adds new dimension and meaning to their academic and personal formation.

New Summer 2025 Rome Program: A Compact and Enriching Option

For those unable to commit to a full semester abroad, Ave Maria University is excited to announce a new Summer Study Abroad Program in Rome starting in 2025! This four-week program offers similar enriching experiences to the fall and spring semesters abroad, but in a shorter timeframe. Designed to be a condensed version of the full program, the summer study abroad is ideal for varsity athletes, nursing majors, and other students whose schedules are more constrained during the regular academic year.

The summer program will feature the flagship course, The Art & Architecture of Rome, with each class meeting at different historic sites throughout the city. Students will study in churches, museums, and other landmarks, bringing the art and architecture of Rome to life in a way no textbook ever could.

Summer 2025 will be a particularly exciting time to study in Rome because it has been designated a Jubilee Year by the Catholic Church. The city will be alive with special events, exhibitions, and celebrations, offering students the opportunity to experience Rome as both the heart of the Catholic Church and a fount of Western civilization in a truly unique way.

Personal and Spiritual Growth in Rome

The study abroad program holds the potential to be a profound spiritual experience. Rome, the “Eternal City,” provides students with an environment that is deeply intertwined with the Catholic faith. With its countless churches, relics, and pilgrimage sites, the city holds incredible spiritual significance. Living and studying in such a context naturally fosters a deeper and more dynamic connection to the faith.

During their time in Rome, AMU students consistently attend Mass, participate in group prayers, and have access to countless important Catholic sites, such as the Vatican, St. Peter's Basilica, and the Catacombs. The program’s structured elements--the pilgrimage to Assisi and visits to beautiful Catholic landmarks--provide moments of reflection and renewal that are invaluable for personal and spiritual growth.

Beyond the organized faith-based activities, students also benefit from living in a community that shares their Catholic beliefs. This environment encourages open discussions about faith, morality, and the Catholic Church's teachings, helping students to grow in understanding and practice of their faith. Being in Rome offers a unique opportunity for spiritual formation, allowing students to explore their faith deeply while surrounded by the Church’s historical and cultural heritage.

Why Study Abroad in Rome?

Studying abroad in Rome offers numerous benefits, including the chance to grow personally, spiritually, and academically. Here are just a few reasons why Ave Maria University students should consider this opportunity:

1. Immersive Learning Experience: Living in Rome allows students to engage with the history, culture, and teachings of the Church in a direct and meaningful way. From visiting ancient ruins to attending Mass in historic churches, every moment is an opportunity for learning.

2. Cultural Enrichment: Rome is a city of art, history, and culture. Students will explore world-renowned sites, such as the Sistine Chapel, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon, while also discovering the hidden gems that make the city unique. Optional trips to Florence and Orvieto offer further opportunities to experience the richness of Italian culture.

3. Flexibility and Independence: With classes held four days a week, students have three-day weekends for personal exploration. Whether they choose to explore more of Italy or venture into other European countries, they gain independence and confidence by navigating new environments and cultures.

4. Spiritual Growth: Rome is not just a city; it is the heart of the Catholic Church. For students seeking to deepen their faith, there is no better place to grow spiritually. From attending papal audiences to visiting the tombs of saints, every day presents opportunities to connect with the Church's history and teachings.

5. Professional Development: The experience of studying abroad can be a valuable asset in a student's career. It demonstrates adaptability, independence, and cultural awareness — qualities that are highly regarded in today’s global job market. Additionally, networking with international peers and professors can open doors to new professional opportunities.

Don’t Miss Out: A Call to Experience Rome with Love

For students of Ave Maria University, the Study Abroad Program in Rome is more than just an academic opportunity — it is a chance to explore their faith, develop new skills, and grow in ways they never thought possible. With its rich blend of academic rigor, spiritual depth, and cultural immersion, the program offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will shape the rest of their lives.