The Rome location provides you with opportunities to develop valuable networks with some of the preeminent rule of law implementing organizations, including: the International Development Law Organization, the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations, the International Fund for Agricultural Development, and the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law. You will interact with these organizations throughout the spring term through conferences, site visits and internships.
You will complete your spring term courses in person at Loyola’s John Felice Rome Center in Italy, from 13 January to 19 April, 2025. You should plan to be in Rome during all weekdays of the Spring term as class hours are, at all times, subject to revision and can change on short notice.
The key dates for the program are detailed in the PROLAW Academic Calendar.
The John Felice Rome Center Campus
During the spring term, PROLAW is taught at the John Felice Rome Center of Loyola University Chicago. Loyola has operated this campus in Italy since 1962, where it offers a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs for qualified students of all nationalities and religions who are prepared to undertake coursework in English leading to accredited US degrees.
Aerial view of Loyola’s John Felice Rome Center campus
Preparation for study in Rome
Preparation for your studies in Rome during the spring term begins early in the fall, and PROLAW Student Services will guide and assist you throughout the preparation process to ensure a smooth transition to living and studying in Italy.
Visa for Italy
Most students will require a study visa for Italy, unless you are an EU citizen possessing a valid passport from that country. Visit the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa information website to see if a visa application fee is applicable for your country. Generally for visa purposes, you must demonstrate a minimum proof of funds for a return flight, and living costs (see the Ministry of Interior Directive 1.3.2000) which will amount to about EUR 3,500 for the duration of the spring term in Rome.
Housing in Rome
There is no lodging available at the Rome campus for graduate students so most students choose to live in conveniently located long-stay residences (with subsidized Loyola rates) or to rent a room in private apartments shared with other students. The PROLAW office provides support to admitted students with respect to finding accommodation close to campus in Rome.
Health insurance
All PROLAW students are required to have adequate health insurance coverage for their entire study period when arriving in Rome. As part of the mandatory fees, students will pay to be covered by Loyola’s insurance plan provided by Cultural Insurance and Services International (CISI). No additional insurance is needed.
Monthly living costs in Rome
Loyola estimates that the basic monthly living expenses for the study period in Rome amount to approximately EUR 1,100, including rent of a single room in a shared private apartment close to campus, meals consumed at services on campus, and a monthly public transport card for the city of Rome. The estimate does not include expenses for travel to and from Italy, visa, application, or any personal expenses. The actual amount you will need depends on your personal circumstances and expectations. You could lower the expenses by finding a less expensive place to stay, cooking your own meals, and maintaining a frugal lifestyle.
PROLAW students attend the Papal Audience in Saint Peter’s Square
