The Program

The Drexel in Italy, Summer in Rome program is a unique opportunity that allows Drexel students to spend 4 weeks living and studying in Rome. This program is open to all majors, particularly students interested in Literature and Fine Arts. It is run in partnership with the University of New Orleans "UNO" (UNO is also Drexel’s partner for the Prague and Montpellier programs). All courses are taught in an interactive and experiential way, incorporating site visits and field trips so that the classroom extends into the city itself.

The Academics

Courses are taught in English. Drexel students take classes with a mix of other American college students, exposing them to a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. Students choose to take courses such as Literature, Fine Arts, or History. Each is worth 4.5 credits and is taught on an accelerated 4 week schedule. Rome 2013 course offerings

In addition to courses taken in Rome, all students are required to undertake an Independent Study Proposal  (minimum 3 credits) over the summer term with a Drexel faculty member. This means choosing a subject and identifying a Drexel professor within that department to oversee and grade your independent study. You could choose to research a personal interest topic or a subject within your major. Review the Independent Study Proposal Guidelines for details. Alternatively, students may opt to take an online section of a Drexel summer course, but should keep in mind that online course selection and subjects are limited.

Program Calendar 2013

Start date: June 3rd, 2013
End date: June 29th, 2013

PLEASE NOTE: The program dates for summer 2013 overlap with the last 2 weeks of Drexel's spring quarter. In order to arrive in Rome by the program start date, students who wish to participate in this program will be required to seek approval from their professors in advance to miss class time. UNO is willing to proctor final exams in Rome, but please note you will need your professors' approval to do so.

*Since this program ends at the end of June, students may choose to either return home afterwards or stay in Europe for independent travel. This gives students nearly 3 months of summer vacation before the start of fall term.

Class schedule: accelerated 4 week session classes meet Mondays –Thursdays leaving long weekends for individual travel and group excursions. All classes are taught primarily in the field, and the cost of museum admissions and/or transportation is included in the program fee.Students will convene each day in a general meeting room, before going out to learn hands-on throughout the city.

Weekend Group Excursion: Students will spend a long weekend together in a nearby city in Italy (destination determined each year by the Academic Director) where students will explore the art, culture and wonders of that particular destination.This weekend excursion is required for all students and is included in the program fee.

Credits and Grading: Students will receive 9 Drexel credits and Drexel grades for this program. In addition to the courses taken in Rome, all students are required to undertake an independent study (minimum 3 credits) over the summer term with a Drexel faculty member. See Independent Study Agreement Form for details. Alternatively, students may opt to take an online section of a Drexel summer course, but should keep in mind that online course selection and subjects are limited.

The Experience

Ever since Romulus and Remus built their huts on the Palatine Hill, Rome has been an important political and cultural center. It was the unparalleled capital city of the ancient Roman Empire, and the Roman Catholic Popes and today of the modern Republic of Italy. The enchantment of the city lies in these layers of history which are everywhere exposed to tantalize, fascinate and delight. Rome also lies at the heart of a modern transportation network that can take you anywhere in Italy—in a simple overnight train trip, to many places beyond. When you are finally weary of the art and the history, Rome offers other distractions and diversions—the food, the wine and even the beach is only a subway ride away.

Housing: Participants will be housed in apartments within easy access to local transportation. This program allows students to be part of Rome as a resident and not just a tourist. Participants will be given a thorough orientation to the surrounding living area as well as to the city and be expected to take public transportation to meet classes independently, on a daily basis, in locations all around the city. All participants will receive a bus/metro pass to use for the duration of the program.
Students are encouraged to be independent and to use their leisure time to their best advantage as long as mandatory meetings, excursions, and classes are attended.

2013 Program Fee: $1,950

* Payment 1 due with application (no later than February 1st): $500 deposit (refunded if not accepted into the program)

* Payment 2 due no later than March 1st: $1,450 (non refundable)

Included in the program fee:
* Apartment accommodation - fully furnished with AC, internet, cooking utensils, etc.
* Class field trips, museum entrance fees
* 4 week bus/metro pass
* Weekend excursion to Florence, including lodging and transportation
* Onsite staff during the length of the program

NOT included in program fee: Round trip airfare, meals, books, spending money, emergency insurance, miscellaneous.

Money Matters

This is a Drexel sponsored program so all of your financial aid applies. If you receive Federal Work Study, consider applying for the Study Abroad Online Journalist work study position (only available to students after accepted into the program). To seek additional funding, review the Scholarship & Funding Opportunities. Remember that scholarship deadlines may be much earlier than study abroad deadlines, so plan accordingly.