UW Real Estate in Rome

Location

Not sure where Rome is? See it on a map here.

Cost of living varies by location. Be sure to consult a variety of resources when researching cost of living.

Housing

Program Considerations

In a physical sense, the on-site experience may be very different from life on the UW campus. You may walk or take public transportation more than you are used to in Madison. The physical activity level will vary by program, but in general you should be prepared for extended periods of time walking, potentially on uneven terrain.

For many students, discovering and experiencing new foods is a part of the experience. It is important to consider any dietary restrictions, whether they are due to health conditions, religious beliefs, or individual needs, and look into whether you can get the foods you need locally.

How you identify yourself in Madison may differ from how people will view you on-site. Consider exploring our Identity Resources to reflect on how your identities may impact your experience. Students with disabilities should keep in mind that attitudes and laws related to disabilities vary by country, and these differences may impact the level of accommodation available in a particular location. More details are available on our page on Study Abroad for Students with Disabilities.

We encourage you to contact your Study Abroad Advisor and share your accommodation needs with us as early as possible. This will allow us to help you explore your options in advance.

On-Site Support

Orientation

UW Study Abroad expects you to be an active participant in preparing yourself for your study abroad experience. As a participant on an IAP program, you will receive a pre-departure orientation, either in-person or online. The type and format of this orientation will vary by program and will be provided to you upon acceptance to the program.

A mandatory orientation will be held upon your arrival to Rome.

Visa

For students participating in two blocks, an Italian student visa is not required for U.S. citizens. U.S. passport holders will enter the Schengen area as tourists and must exit the Schengen area within 90 days of arrival.

For students participating in three or more blocks, an Italian student visa is required for U.S. citizens. You are responsible for obtaining the visa prior to departure. The application process requires a lot of paperwork and multiple steps.  You will begin the visa application process in the October prior to departure.  If you need to apply for a new passport or renew your current passport, please do so as soon as possible, as a valid passport is required in order to begin the visa application process.  Your U.S. passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the end of the program.

As part of the application process you must make an appointment at the Chicago Consulate to have your "biometrics" taken (fingerprints). This in-person appointment is required. You are responsible for your own travel arrangements for the appointment. You will also submit your physical passport to the Italian Consulate in Chicago for visa processing.  Therefore, you should not make any international travel plans for the 3 months prior to your program start date.  If you choose to travel internationally prior to the program start date, there is no guarantee that the consulate will process the visa in time for your departure.

You may incur additional fees to reapply if your original visa application is rejected for any reason. You may also incur additional fees if your visa is delayed and you need to change your flight departure date.

Non U.S. passport holders may have different visa requirements.  Contact your Study Abroad Advisor if you have questions.

Getting to Your Program

Insurance

If you are a citizen of a country other than the United States and will remain/study in, or travel to your country of record (the location of your permanent residence), the insurance provided for you is the same as the “study away” insurance provided to U.S. citizens studying on domestic U.S. programs. You may want to explore alternative or additional international health and medical insurance that will cover your needs both while in and during any period of transit to/from your country of record. This may include participation in a national healthcare plan or coverage provided under a personal healthcare plan in your country of record.  If you have questions about the coverage of the “study away” plan, please speak with your Study Abroad Advisor.

All other students participating on an international program will automatically be enrolled in Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI), the university's international health, medical and repatriation insurance policy.

Program cost information includes program fees, as well as out-of-pocket expenses with notes to help explain costs. Program fees are estimated and can be adjusted at any time. Once accepted, you will receive a cost sheet that includes confirmed program fees and additional out-of-pocket expenses. "The IAP Program Fee" and all processes and policies stated on this cost sheet apply to all participants on programs managed by International Academic Programs (IAP) and in partnership with the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the College of Engineering, and Wisconsin School of Business.  All students participating on approved programs are all eligible to apply for scholarships administered through IAP when they meet the scholarship eligibility and selection criteria.

Spring 2025-26 - [Blocks I & II] Cost Details Spring 2025-26 - [Blocks I, II, & III] Cost Details Spring 2026-27 - [Blocks I, II, & III] Cost Details Spring 2026-27 - [Blocks I & II] Cost Details

Financial Aid

Sources of available funding for study abroad include scholarships, grants and loans. To increase your chances of receiving financial aid, we recommend filling out your FAFSA to begin the financial planning process early.

For detailed information on financial resources, visit our Funding Study Abroad.

Scholarships

This scholarship list includes scholarships we know are relevant to this program. It is not an exhaustive list of all available scholarship opportunities for study abroad. Although we make our best effort to ensure the list is up-to-date, this information changes frequently, and it is the responsibility of the applicant to verify information. For additional scholarship information, please visit our scholarship page and Wisconsin School of Business Financial Resources page for more information regarding study abroad scholarships specific to business study abroad programs.

IAP Administered
IAP Gilman Incentive
IAP WISc Scholarship

Returned Student Network

View the Returned Student Network to contact a returned student

Student Quotes

“I would highly recommend studying abroad in Italy, especially in Rome, because it offers such a unique combination of history, culture, food, and everyday experiences. My program allowed me to step outside of my comfort zone, meet people from different backgrounds, and experience a way of life that is very different from the United States while still feeling welcoming and exciting. It helped me develop adaptability, communication skills, and confidence in unfamiliar environments, which are all valuable skills in my future career. As a student studying real estate and marketing, being exposed to different cultures and ways of thinking has strengthened my ability to connect with diverse groups of people and approach situations with a broader perspective. I learned that I am more independent and adaptable than I originally thought. I also gained a deeper appreciation for Italian culture, especially the emphasis placed on community, slowing down, and enjoying everyday moments like meals and time spent with others.” - Jackee S.

Photos

Program photo album

How to Apply

Additional Application Information

Disclosure

Students Requiring Accommodations: Consult and register with the McBurney Disability Resource Center McBurney Services if you will need academic, housing, and/or other disability-related accommodations or services abroad.

International Students: Talk with International Student Services about your visa status and study abroad.

Military-Connected Students with Veteran’s Benefits: Talk with University Veteran Services about how your benefits can be used for study abroad.

This program is offered by the Wisconsin School of Business.  We have a team that works with each program.  Each member of this program team is able to help students with different kinds of questions. Visit the advising webpage to learn how to schedule an appointment.

Enrollment Manager

For questions on application advising, program eligibility, course equivalency request process, grade processing.

Bianca Cusimano Danner (Make an appointment with Bianca Cusimano Danner, or email bianca.cusimanodanner@wisc.edu)

Study Abroad Advisor

For questions on program experience, academics, housing, visa, health safety, student identity, funding and scholarships, returned student resources.

Bianca Cusimano Danner (Make an appointment with Bianca Cusimano Danner, or email bianca.cusimanodanner@wisc.edu)

Financial Specialist

For questions on billing, funding and scholarships, financial policies.

Judy Humphrey (judy.humphrey@wisc.edu)