Rome Accepted Student Information

Click here for the summer 2023 pre-departure master checklist!

Stay on track for your summer adventure with the pre-departure checklist.  Print it out, share with your parents and cross off items as you complete them.  Please note some items may only apply to specific locations, and this is noted where applicable.

Flights

Packing

Academics

Budgeting & Finances

COVID-19

• Click here to join the 2023 GroupMe
  • When you join, post an introduction with your name, school and hometown!  If you’re looking for a flight buddy and/or a roommate, share that as well so you can connect with others looking for the same!
  • Please note: If you have specific questions about your program, please send them to LeadAbroad staff directly at info@LeadAbroad.com.  Program questions posted in GroupMe may get missed by staff members.
• Follow us on Instagram and search the 5,000+ #LeadAbroadLife and @LeadAbroad tags

Study abroad specifically – and life in general – has been affected since COVID-19 was identified in early 2020. COVID-19 will likely remain a meaningful risk in 2023 and continue to alter the way we deliver programs. However, we believe experienced study abroad programs such as LeadAbroad can continue serving students in a safe manner by mitigating these risks. We believe studying abroad can be a transformative experience. Travel and living in a new environment leads to personal, academic and cultural growth which cannot be replicated without leaving your comfort zone.

We trust best practices including a combination of vaccines and preventative behaviors such as social distancing, testing, masks, enhanced hygiene, etc. will be important tools to decrease risk while ensuring the life changing benefits.

Please review the following resources regarding COVID-19 and your LeadAbroad program:

COVID-19 Vaccine Policy

COVID-19 frequently asked questions

U.S. Embassy in Italy

The LeadAbroad team will support you every step of the way when planning your flights!  Please review the sections below as well as the flights FAQ section above for information on the official group flight and tips for booking flights independently.

Important dates for GO Rome:

• Monday, June 26 – students depart the U.S. for Rome
• Tuesday, June 27 – students arrive in Rome; program begins
• Saturday, July 29 – program ends; students depart Rome for U.S.

For steps on booking flights, please review the sections below:

In order to arrive abroad rested and ready to go, consider the following tips to make your flight experience as enjoyable and safe as possible:

• Print ALL of your flight itineraries for the trip and have them easily accessible.
• Do not start your trip stressed. GET TO THE AIRPORT EARLY. For most international flights, we recommend that you arrive at the airport at least three hours prior to departure.
• Weigh your bags before you leave home. Check baggage size and weight restrictions for ALL AIRLINES you might be flying during the program.  Smaller budget airlines abroad usually have stricter baggage policies than the larger U.S.-based carriers.
• Pack the following items in your carry-on.  If your checked baggage takes an adventure of its own, having these items with you will create less stress and allow for a more comfortable plane ride:
  • Two days worth of clothes
  • Medications/contacts
  • Laptop, cell phone, chargers, other electronics
  • Water bottle/Nalgene
  • Headphones/earbuds
  • Blindfold and ear plugs if you are sensitive to light/sound when trying to sleep on planes
  • Journal/books/Kindle/magazines
  • Program director’s phone number
  • Accommodations address
• Be comfortable on the plane. Dress in layers so that you can easily adapt to the temperature.
• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluid while in the air. It is easy to become dehydrated when flying.
• Know where your passport is at all times. When checking in at the airport, you will have to get your passport in and out of your bag several times; at each stop, be sure to take a moment for a passport check.
• Reset your watch. As soon as you board the plane, reset your watch to the local time and try to get on a sleeping pattern that is consistent with your destination. Most students traveling will be on an overnight flight and you will be very grateful if you sleep. Also, remember that if you have to take medications at a certain time during the day or at the same time everyday you might need to adapt this prior to departure.
• Make special meal requests if necessary. If you have any special requests, be sure to contact the airline at least 72 hours prior to departure.
• Make sure you have a pen for any immigration forms.  Flight attendants usually distribute arrival forms shortly after take-off.  On these forms, note that you are a tourist, not a student.

LeadAbroad strongly encourages students to be mindful of their health prior to departure and while abroad.  Living in a new environment, eating different cuisine and adjusting to a new schedule can impact one’s immune system.  Before you travel overseas, students should examine the factors that contribute to their physical and emotional wellbeing so that they can stay healthy and get the most out of their trip.

1. Review the COVID-19 Code of Conduct.  Students should be familiar with requirements and recommendations to ensure a safe travel experience.
2. Check that you are caught up on routine shots and vaccinations.  Consistent with the requirements of the Georgia Board of Regents, the following routine vaccinations are required for all students enrolled in LeadAbroad:
   • COVID-19 vaccine policy
   • Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) 2 doses
   • Tetanus or Diphtheria (Tdap or Td) must be up to date
   • Hepatitis B series
   • Varicella (Chicken Pox) 2 doses or date of disease
3. Read and understand the CDC recommendations for your upcoming travel. The CDC website includes information on vaccines, medicines, packing lists as well as information to prepare students to stay healthy and safe.
4. Make an appointment with your university’s travel clinic, dentist and other medical professionals. Students can proactively eliminate many potential health issues by ensuring they are in good health prior to departure. Additionally, during these visits, make sure your health records and prescriptions (including eyeglasses) are up-to-date. If you are taking a prescription medication, please ensure that you have enough for the whole program and that the medication is in the original container. If you self-inject prescribed medication, please carry needles and syringes with you. It’s important to understand that LeadAbroad will not distribute any form of prescription or nonprescription medication to students. We recommend every student travel with a medical kit.
5. Be honest with yourself regarding your emotional health. Students that are concerned about their emotional stability or use of alcohol/drugs should address it honestly before making plans to travel. Contrary to many people’s expectations, travel does not minimize these problems; in fact, it can often exacerbate them.
6. Contact us directly at info@LeadAbroad.com with any specific medical issues we should be aware of at least two months prior to departure.  Our team is better equipped to support you abroad if we know your health history and emotional health. Please share this information with us prior to departure.

Click here to view LeadAbroad’s health insurance policy on our insurance page.

Basic medical insurance is included in all students’ program fee. Please review the policy to become knowledgeable regarding the types of medical conditions and situations that are covered while you are participating on the program.  If you are injured or ill while you are abroad and need medical attention, you will likely need to pay for the treatment upfront, and if covered the money will be reimbursed by LeadAbroad’s insurer after submitting your claims form.  If for any reason you need to seek medical assistance while abroad, a LeadAbroad staff member will accompany you to the doctor. Please contact us first if you have any sort of emergency.

It’s important to note that this medical insurance is not ‘travel insurance’ and therefore does not cover the cost lost or stolen luggage or cancellation of the trip. Students may purchase travel insurance independently through an outside provider. For more information on the different types of travel insurance you can click here.

To apply for a U.S. passport, click here. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must thoroughly research passport and visa requirements for citizens of your home country.  **New passports can take between 4-5 months to process. We strongly recommend all summer 2023 students to apply for a passport no later than December 2022.**

If you already have a U.S. passport, check to confirm the following:

• the expiration date is February 2024 or beyond
• the passport has at least two blank pages
• Your name is spelled correctly

If your passport does not have all requirements above, you must renew your passport before traveling abroad.

All students are required to submit passport information via the passport form in the LeadAbroad portal 60 days before departure.  Please do not submit a passport that is expired or in the process of being renewed.  When your new passport arrives, you can then submit your form.

For more information on documents for travel, visit the Department of State passport website or their Students Abroad section.

Pre-Departure Orientation 

• All Programs Part 1: Introduction & the LeadAbroad Promise
• All Programs Part 2: Health & Safety, Program Rules, COVID-19
• All Programs Part 3: Travel Preparations & Life Abroad
• All Programs Part 4: Academics
• GO Rome Orientation
• Please note: Country-specific policies referenced in orientation may change based on changing government laws, health guidelines, current health environment or LeadAbroad rules designed to keep students safe. It is important to read all of LeadAbroad’s emails thoroughly to stay informed on the most updated policies, procedures and requirements.

**Your orientation is not complete until you submit the Pre-Departure Form & Orientation: Program-Specific Form (available closer to departure) in your portal. Please submit this form to verify you’ve completed all orientations.

Click here to view the Rome packing list!

The most important thing to remember when packing for Rome is that summers get VERY warm.  Pack light, comfortable clothing and durable walking shoes.

Do not overpack.  As a general rule, do not bring more bags than you can carry yourself.  Most students can pack all their things in a larger checked bag, one carry-on and small backpack/daypack. CHECK YOUR AIRLINE’S BAGGAGE POLICIES.  Some airlines have carry-on restrictions and charge fees for extra checked bags and overweight luggage.

*PRO TIP: Check out our Instagram and view our Rome Highlight to get a better sense of what students typically wear!

Applications will be posted by April

What are program leaders?
On the LeadAbroad team, the program staff are the coaches and program leaders are the team captains – they set the tone and encourage other students by creating a strong sense of community through service projects, social outings, group chats and creative stories. They are the peer leaders who step up when needed and make other students feel included. Whether you’re joining us on GO, LEAD, DIRECT or PRO, our program leaders will help make your experience abroad impactful and lasting.

Why should I apply?
The more you put in, the more you get out. That’s why we have two awesome leadership opportunities on your program abroad. Whether you are your squad’s go to party planner, you’re passionate about giving back or you’re a wizard with video editing, we’d love to invest in you and your talents!

We have two types of program leaders on GO, so there are multiple ways to plug in on the ground.

Community Leader (apply online through your portal): Are you a leader on campus or interested in becoming one in the future? Do you feel like you’re the “ringleader” of your crew & want to take your skills abroad? Our Community Leader (CL) program is an awesome way to make the most of your summer experience with leadership 101 training, resume boosts and serving as a peer leader on the program. CLs will experience an extra level of investment from our staff (and fun invites), opportunities for social media highlights and a connection with other like-minded students on the program.

Student Media Leaders (apply online here): “If its not on camera, it didn’t happen” is your mantra. Are you someone who makes videos for every trip you go on? Do you have a “fancy” camera for special events or have an interest in photography? Are you already planning out your end-of-program video or following local photographers on Instagram? Sign up to be a media leader & put your skills to use! We are looking for social media, photography and videography interns. The application closes Sunday, April 23rd!

Ready to dive into this leadership role?  Apply in your portal before the deadline!

PLEASE NOTE: Class will be held Friday, July 1 and July 29 on a Monday schedule

Monday

• 8:15-10:15am
  • BUS 370 International Business
  • COM 280 Gender, Culture and Communication
  • ART 300 Italian Renaissance Art History
• 10:30am-12:30pm
  • INT 290 Italy Through Food Section A
  • BUS 375 International Marketing
  • COM 110 Public Speaking
  • ART 498 Classical Art and Myth in Rome
• 1:00-3:00pm
  • INT 290 Italy Through Food Section B
  • PRO-track: Professional Experience with Nexgen Careers

Tuesday

• 8:15-10:15am
  • BUS 370 International Business
  • COM 280 Gender, Culture and Communication
• 10:30am-12:30pm
  • INT 290 Italy Through Food Section A
  • BUS 375 International Marketing
  • COM 110 Public Speaking
• 1:00-3:00pm
  • INT 290 Italy Through Food Section B
  • PRO-track: Professional Experience with Nexgen Careers
• 1:00-5:00pm
  • ART 300 Italian Renaissance Art History tour block

Wednesday

• 8:15-10:15am
  • BUS 370 International Business
  • COM 280 Gender, Culture and Communication
• 10:30am-12:30pm
  • INT 290 Italy Through Food Section A
  • BUS 375 International Marketing
  • COM 110 Public Speaking
• 1:00-3:00pm
  • INT 290 Italy Through Food Section B
  • PRO-track: Professional Experience with Nexgen Careers
• 1:00-5:00pm
  • ART 498 Classical Art and Myth in Rome tour block

Thursday

• 8:15-10:15am
  • BUS 370 International Business
  • COM 280 Gender, Culture and Communication
  • ART 300 Italian Renaissance Art History
• 10:30am-12:30pm
  • INT 290 Italy Through Food Section A
  • BUS 375 International Marketing
  • COM 110 Public Speaking
  • ART 498 Classical Art and Myth in Rome
• 1:00-3:00pm
  • INT 290 Italy Through Food Section B
  • PRO-track: Professional Experience with Nexgen Careers

PRO-track option: Professional Experience with Nexgen Careers* (not for academic course credit*)

ART 498 Classical Art and Myth in Rome

ART 300 Italian Renaissance Art History

INT 290 Italy Through Food

BUS 370 International Business

BUS 375 International Marketing

COM 110 Public Speaking

COM 280 Gender, Culture and Communication

Note: We are no longer accepting class change forms

Find the updated syllabi on the Educators Page here.

You are required to bring all necessary course textbooks with you to Rome.  All required texts are listed on the course syllabi posted above.  Please purchase the same edition of the book that is listed on the specific syllabus.

• (Links will be posted after spring break)
• ART 498 Classical Art and Myth in Rome (1st Textbook)
• ART 498 Classical Art and Myth in Rome (2nd Textbook)
• ART 300 Italian Renaissance Art History
• INT 290 Italy Through Food
• BUS 370 International Business
• BUS 375 International Marketing
• COM 110 Public Speaking
• COM 280 Gender, Culture and Communication

Students accepted into a LeadAbroad program are also simultaneously accepted into Oglethorpe University as transient students. Students are required to participate in all program and curriculum activities during the program unless they are granted an exemption by staff due to a physical or emotional reason.  Oglethorpe University students follow the same process as transient students when participating on a LeadAbroad program.

Many universities across the country accept Oglethorpe University transfer credit; however, it is ultimately the student’s responsibility to find out how the course credit transfers to your home institution. Every university has a unique process for accepting transient credit. Please schedule a meeting with your academic advisor and the study abroad office as soon as possible to understand your school’s requirements. These steps MUST be completed prior to departure. LeadAbroad does not guarantee credit transfer to any particular university or major.

Note: We are no longer accepting class change forms

All LeadAbroad programs are inclusive and respectful of the needs, backgrounds and experiences of all its participants. Our policies can be found here.  If you have an accommodations request, please complete the Disability Accommodations Request form in your customer portal.

While in Rome, you will stay in the top-notch St. John’s University Rome campus.  Click here for a virtual tour!

St. John’s is in a great location in the Prati neighborhood and very close to the Lepanto metro line. It is also very close to the historical center so you can easily get to main sights like the Vatican, the Spanish Steps and Piazza Navona!  Check out their website here.

Make sure your luggage tag has the following address so the airline can connect you with your luggage if it gets lost en route:

St. John’s University
Rome Campus
Via Marcantonio Colonna, 21A
Rome, Italy 00192

GO Rome requires a refundable $100 housing deposit and refundable $150 vendor accountability fund. The housing deposit balance will only be decreased if a student causes damage or has an outstanding balance on their housing account prior to departure. The vendor accountability fund balance will only be decreased if a student reserves a spot on an optional tour but does not attend, owes a vendor an outstanding balance prior to departure, incurs a program-related fine, etc. All surplus student funds will be returned within 30 days of the program completion.

Roommates are emailed to students approximately 2-4 weeks before departure

To request a roommate, please submit the Roommate Form in your online portal by the posted due date.  Forms submitted after the due date may not be reviewed.  Once roommates are posted, we cannot make any changes.  If you’ve already submitted your roommate form but wish to make a change to your request before the form due date, please email info@LeadAbroad.com ASAP.

Click here for the GO Rome Trip Plans itinerary!

Please note: this itinerary is subject to change at any point before or during the program. Closer to departure, we will send you instructions on downloading the Trip Plans app so you have real-time access to the schedule.

Check out our WOW Weekend and Program Activities guide here! Once you have reviewed, you may choose as many activities you plan to participate in with no extra cost to you in your Program Specific Orientation Form in your student portal.

Summer 2023 weekend travel recommendations:

Venice

Florence

Lake Como

Milan

Santorini

Paris

Click here for a budget planning worksheet.

This worksheet will allow you to understand costs outside of the program fees and airfare.  Review this section in detail and email us at info@LeadAbroad.com with any further budgeting questions.

Before you leave, call your bank and credit card company to notify them that you will be traveling abroad. Give them the dates and countries of your itinerary, including any layovers and weekend travel destinations. Debit and credit cards can be blocked after transactions abroad because your bank may assume it is a fraudulent transaction. 

To access funds, debit cards are the best way to access cash overseas. ATMs are widely available everywhere we travel. Debit cards with Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus or Plus signs are the most widely accepted. There may be a transaction fee for using ATMs abroad, therefore, it’s important to understand the fees associated with using your cards overseas. Keep a record of your debit card and pin numbers with someone at home.

Credit cards can be used similarly to debit cards at restaurants and shops abroad. Most major credit cards are honored abroad (i.e. MasterCard and Visa). Similarly to debit cards, credit card companies use the current exchange rate for your transaction. Call your credit card company to understand the fees charged per transaction.

We recommend that students do not bring large sums of U.S. dollars with them to Italy. It is not convenient to exchange money and students typically get a poor exchange rate.

The program fees cover many of the costs of being in country, but you will need to provide additional funds for:

• Meals: We will host a welcome and final dinner. All other meals are the responsibility of the student.
• Incidentals: Internet, phone calls, transportation to non-program events
• Free time: Independent evenings and additional outings
• Weekend travel: We will provide weekend excursion recommendations
• Gifts and souvenirs

Meals: One of the best aspects of Rome is the incredible restaurant scene. From casual neighborhood spots to some of the best restaurants in the world, Rome has a wide range of dining options. At mid-range restaurants, dinners range from $20-30. Since our dorms have a shared kitchen, we recommend that students shop at restaurants and markets so they can prepare breakfast and lunch and then eat out for dinner.

Internet/Cell Phone: Since we have Wi-Fi at our dorm and university, internet charges should be minimal. Cell phone charges vary greatly. International plans tend to be $50 per 100MB of data. Costs for a local cell phone will be around 70-100 euros plus prepaid minutes.

Transportation: The metro system in Rome is incredibly useful to get around the city. You can buy a single ride ticket for €1.50 or you can get a 7 day unlimited pass for €24. Depending on how often you use the metro, the 7 day pass may be more economical. Our dorm is located very close to the Lepanto metro stop.

Laundry: We will have self-service washing machines and dryers in our dorm accommodation. For a few Euros, you can wash, dry and clean your clothes.

Other Activities: There are a variety of activities to enjoy around Rome. Here are a few ideas. Our team can help you plan any additional activities that you would like to enjoy.

• Visit to the Colosseum (€12)
• Visit to the Borghese Gardens (free)
• Visit to the Pantheon (free)
• Rome bicycle tour (€45)
• Daytrip to Pompeii (€110)
• Daytrip to Cinque Terre (€115)

There are many ways to stay in touch while traveling abroad. Wireless internet is available throughout our hotels.  Please note that internet speeds can fluctuate depending on traffic. Internet can be slow and unpredictable, especially when all students are trying to upload pictures or watch videos at the same time. We ask all students and parents to be patient with the internet. Students will have more success using the internet if they use it at off-peak times.

LeadAbroad requires students to have cell phones while abroad for risk management purposes. Students can:

• Bring an unlocked phone and buy a local SIM card upon arrival
• Add an international package to current phone plan
• Rent/buy a local cell phone

With Wi-Fi readily available in most locations, you are encouraged to utilize internet texting apps (iMessage for iPhone to iPhone, Groupme, WhatsApp, Google Hangouts) to communicate with program staff and family and friends at home.

In addition, we integrate technology into our communications and risk management strategy to keep students safe. Therefore, we require students to download the following applications on their phone prior to departure:

• Groupme
• Find my Friends
• State Department
• Facebook

If there is an emergency at home while you are abroad, our team will support you and your family in every way possible.  Should any friends and/or family need to contact LeadAbroad, please have them call our U.S.-based domestic team at 404.720.5657.  For emergencies, dial extension 710 when prompted.  Our on-call team will assist with the situation and get in touch with your program staff as needed.

To charge your electronics abroad, will need pack (or purchase when you arrive) an outlet adaptor.  A quick search on Amazon will provide several options!  For some items like hair dryers and straighteners, you will also need to purchase a voltage converter since voltage is much higher in Europe than the US.  If you do not use a converter, you could damage your appliance.

We encourage students to be mindful of their electronics while traveling. It is wise to conceal electronic devices when walking around as iPhones and laptops can be attractive for theft.

LeadAbroad’s Emergency Response Protocol provides a system for coordinating the management of emergency services for all participants in our study abroad programs. In-country staff are the first point of contact for students on the program in the event of an emergency and assume leadership of the emergency situation until other resources (e.g., local police, etc) are available. However, in the event that the staff are unavailable, the following guidelines are provided here in case you, as a participant in the program, need to handle an emergency.

1. Ensure safety: Your first priority is to safeguard the safety and well-being of yourself and other program participants. Do whatever is reasonably necessary to ensure safety.
2. Seek medical care: Obtain any emergency medical care for affected participants as soon as possible.
3. Control emotions: Remain as calm as possible. Do your best to diffuse any growing anxieties that may be occurring among participants.
4. Communicate (as applicable). Depending on the nature of the emergency, it may be necessary to contact medical or emergency services, police or local law enforcement or the US embassy.
5. Ongoing support: Continue to monitor, aid, and communicate status updates as the situation progresses.
6. Debrief: Meet with LeadAbroad staff to discuss the situation, how it was handled and steps that were taken to resolve the emergency.

Reducing Risk Abroad

LeadAbroad takes many steps to reduce risk abroad.  You will be registered with the U.S. State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. The benefits of STEP include the following:

You will be given a keychain with emergency contact numbers and the address of our accommodations.

Please review the following resources to ensure that you are informed on how to have a safe and healthy trip abroad:

CDC recommendations on preparing for a healthy trip
State Department travel recommendations for student travelers
State Department recommendations for women travelers

All students are required to be familiar with all program rules.  Please click here to review on our policies page.