“‘Rome!’ The pilgrims took up the cry and repeated, ‘Roma, Roma!’ Then I knew that I was not in a dream, but truly I was in Rome.”—St. Thérèse of Lisieux
Ave Maria University’s study abroad program in Rome, Italy focuses on furthering students’ academic and spiritual growth. Three times a year, students are given the opportunity to live, study, and pray in the Eternal City.
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. Included in the program is a weekend pilgrimage to Assisi, the city of St. Francis, and optional trips to Florence and Orvieto.
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.
Five courses are offered for AMU credit while in Rome: Literature, Humanities, and Art & Architecture count toward most students’ general electives, while Theology and Philosophy count toward the core curriculum. 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.
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.
Can’t swing a full semester away? Spend your summer abroad instead!
In addition to the fall and spring programs, 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) is included.
Cost: $4,500/student, plus airfare & spending money
Note: 2025 has been named a Jubilee year! This is an opportunity that won’t happen again for another 25 years. The city will be buzzing with activity in the form of special events, exhibitions, concerts, and more!
Current Students: Ready to learn more? Attend an info session!
Dates: August 28, September 3, September 16, September 19, & September 25
Time: 8 pm
Location: Tom & Selby Prince Building, rm. 115.
Please note: You may not submit an application for spring, summer, or fall 2025 without first attending one of the above info sessions. Questions? Email AMUabroad@avemaria.edu.
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.
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.
Spring 2025
Completed applications received by Friday, October 11 will receive an answer by October 25.
Summer 2025
Completed applications will be reviewed in the order received; the sooner you submit, the sooner you’ll hear back!
Fall 2025
Completed applications submitted by November 15 will receive an answer by December 2. Missed the deadline? Applications for fall 2025 will re-open in January.
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 https://www.avemaria.edu/admissions/tuition-and-cost 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
5050 Ave Maria Blvd., Ave Maria, FL 34142
