FAQs
Applying
When should I apply to Cornell in Rome?
Application deadlines vary by program. In general, Cornell in Rome accepts applications for the fall and spring semesters from October through March of the previous academic year. Please visit Experience Cornell for exact application dates and to begin an application.
When will I know my application decision?
For current AAP students, application decisions are generally made within two to three weeks of the application deadline. More detailed timelines will be described during information sessions for Cornell in Rome. Please contact the director of student services for further information.
For visiting students, applications are processed on a rolling basis, so, in general, after an application is completed, you will learn of an admission decision within two or three weeks. However, there are occasional exceptions. If you have questions about the status of your application, please contact the director of student services.
What application materials are required?
Please refer to the online application system for the exact requirements depending on the program you are interested in. In general, Cornell in Rome requires a transcript, a statement of purpose, academic approval from your college or advisor, a letter of reference, and, in some instances, a design portfolio.
Academic Calendar
Where can I find the academic calendar for the semester?
The academic calendar for Cornell in Rome will closley mirror the regular university-wide calendar. In general, the fall semester runs from mid-August to late December, and the spring semester runs from mid-January to late May. Each semester includes a week-long break.
Travel, Visas, and Flights
Do I need a visa to participate in Cornell in Rome?
Yes, most students are required to obtain a study visa from the appropriate Consulate General of Italy before their arrival in Rome. Visa applications must be submitted in person during the 90 days before the start of the program. Generally, students with a non-EU passport are required to apply for a visa for any stay of more than 90 days in Italy; students with an EU passport may travel without a visa. More information about the visa process will be distributed during the semester before departure for Rome.
What is a visa?
A visa is a travel document issued by the government of the country within which you plan to travel. It conditionally authorizes your entry into the country and specifies the duration of your stay. Students with a non-EU passport are required to apply for a visa for any stay of more than 90 days in Italy; students with an EU passport may travel without a visa.
Why are there mandatory arrival dates?
We have mandatory arrival dates in order to facilitate the arrival process for both the students and staff in Rome. Certain immigration obligations and mandatory orientations must be completed by students in person within eight days of arrival in Rome. The staff in Rome are able to make sure that these requirements are fulfilled most easily if the students arrive in groups, and, furthermore, the staff is fully available to facilitate student arrival on these two days.
Should I arrive on the earlier or later arrival date?
Students are expected to arrive on the mandatory arrival dates.
When should I plan on purchasing a flight?
A flight should be purchased after the academic calendar has been distributed but before the visa appointment; since the visa application requires a confirmed flight itinerary, this piece needs to be arranged before the date of the visa application appointment (learn more about visas). For students studying abroad during the fall semester, the time frame to purchase a flight is between January and May; for students studying abroad during the spring semester, this time frame is between August and October.
What airport should I fly in to?
Rome has two major airports. Most international flights to Rome arrive at Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport ("Fiumicino"), which is the larger of the two and is well-connected to the city center via train, car, or bus. Flights from destinations within Europe may arrive at Ciampino–G. B. Pastine International Airport ("Ciampino"), which is also well-connected to the city center. Both airports have WiFi available. Instructions on how to organize transport from either airport to Palazzo Santacroce in the city center are distributed during the predeparture process.
Can I arrive early in order to travel on my own?
In general, travel before the start of the program is not possible, due to immigration restrictions imposed by the Italian government for students traveling on a study visa. If you are interested in traveling before the start of the program, please contact the director of student services in order to verify that your travel plans are compatible with the restrictions imposed by the Italian government.
Financial Aid
How does financial aid work for Cornell in Rome?
For Cornell students, the total aid budget is adjusted based on the estimated expenses for the semester, including tuition, flights, housing, and food and supplies while in Rome. Please contact the Financial Aid Office or the director of student services for further information about how this adjustment is made.
For non-Cornell students, please consult with the study abroad office at your home institution in order to understand best how a semester abroad impacts your financial aid. To receive a copy of the expected budget for a given semester, please contact the director of student services.
Is work-study available in Rome?
Work-study cannot be awarded for work done in Italy, so work-study awards are necessarily converted into optional loans to cover anticipated expenses. Fortunately, Cornell in Rome has a number of student worker positions that are comparable to work-study positions and all enrolled students are eligible to apply. The list of positions is distributed during the semester beforehand. Students who may be particularly impacted by the loss of work-study are encouraged to contact the director of student services to discuss these positions.
What is covered in the program fee and tuition? What will I have to pay for on the ground in Rome?
The Cornell in Rome bursar-billed charges cover tuition, housing, lodging, and entrance tickets. Students should expect to buy food in Rome — all apartments have fully-equipped kitchens — books and materials for their classes, and other personal items. For current Cornell students, all of these items are factored into the financial aid budget revision that AAP Student Services submits to the Financial Aid Office. For non-Cornell students, please contact your college or university financial aid office to verify what their procedures are for students who are studying abroad.
Well-Being and Life in Rome
How does health insurance work while I am in Italy?
Students are expected to maintain their normal health insurance coverage during their semester in Rome, and in some cases, it may be necessary to purchase supplemental health insurance. As part of the visa and immigration process, students must demonstrate a certain level of coverage, please refer to the Insurance Requirements for Student Abroad in order to verify if your current health insurance complies with the requirements. If you have further questions about health insurance or purchasing a supplemental health insurance, please reach out to the director of student services.
Where are the Cornell in Rome apartments located?
Students that participate in the Cornell in Rome program are required to reside in apartments that are managed by the program. These apartments accommodate only Cornell in Rome students, and all are located in the historic city-center of Rome, within walking distance of the palazzo where classes are held and nearby markets, restaurants, and other amenities in Rome.
Is there a meal plan available in Rome?
There is no meal plan available in Rome. The apartments in Rome are all outfitted with kitchens and equipment for cooking, and students are generally expected to prepare food for themselves.
