Rome Summer Institute

Introduction

From the wonders of Ancient Rome to the sweet buzzing of contemporary Roman society, the "Eternal City" is rich in history and culture unlike anywhere else in the world. Catholic University's Rome Summer Institute offers students an introduction to Italy's vibrant capital and its pivotal role in the development of Western civilization. Students have the opportunity to experience and participate in the past, present, and perhaps future of one of humanity's greatest millennial cities.
 

Eligibility

All students in good academic and disciplinary standing may attend the Rome Summer Institute. There are no current requirements for COVID-19 vaccinations or testing to enter Italy for US citizens per Italian law, but this can change at any point.  Please consult State Department Advisories, CDC Advisories, and Italian Government Advisories to find the most up to date information.  A few courses have specific requirements:

• NURS 403 is limited to rising junior and senior nursing majors with a minimum 3.2 cumulative GPA, 2.75 science GPA, and no grade lower than B- in nursing courses.

Academics

Summer Session I Courses

• ANTH 211/ CEE 201 Ancient Waters: Interactions Between Humans and Water Throughout History
  **Fulfills an Explorations in Social Science requirement.
  Ancient waters will focus on the development of human society and its interactions with water. The course will start with a broad overview of global water use with specific implementations throughout world history, including the Tigris-Euphrates river system, the Nile River in Egypt, ancient hydrological infrastructure, and human migration for water resources. The course will then narrow in scope to concentrate on Roman water infrastructure including aqueducts, distribution, and sanitation. The class will explore Rome to find local examples throughout the entire 3-week session. Finally, the course will look at the interface between modern society and ancient infrastructure.
  Instructor: Jason Davison

• NURS 403 Nursing Research in Rome
  **Required course for Nursing majors.
  Students learn about the process of nursing research and how to develop evidence-based solutions to clinical problems. Students will complete guided research on stress-reduction and coping, topics especially relevant in these turbulent times. Weekly site visits to health care facilities and other relevant locations in Rome will expand students’ awareness of multiculturalism and comparative healthcare systems.
  Instructor: Sandra O’Brien

Summer Session II Courses​

• ENG 378 Italy in American and British Literature
  **Fulfills the Explorations in Literature requirement.
  The course brings students closer to the study of literature through reading major works by American and British writers. The journey to Italy is at the center of the novels and poems that are analyzed during the course. On the one hand we will concentrate on the discovery and transformation of the characters as narrated through their encounters with a different culture and social context. On the other, we will investigate changes in the attitudes and perspectives of the authors themselves due to their own journeys to Italy. We will begin with the reading of poetry from the 19th century, followed by the reading of four complete novels by three well known American and British writers: Henry James, Tennessee Williams and Edward Morgan Forster.
  Instructor: Milena Locatelli

Accommodation & Meals

Finances

Students and parents are advised to discuss the expected costs of study abroad programs during the application process. Budget sheets are available at the top of the page and linked below as well. Students are charged a program fee and standard Catholic University tuition rates for 3, 6, or 9 credits. The budget sheets give an idea of the total amount students will need to budget for including transportation, meals, and other assorted costs. 

• Summer

Scholarships