The Catholic University of America

Summer Law Programs > Rome


Frequently Asked Questions

 

How do I apply? Applications are now being accepted, and are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications will be accepted until February 25, 2013, or until the program reaches full enrollment. The $100 non-refundable application fee should be submitted at time of application, as an application will not be considered complete until the application fee is received.  Applicants may e-mail a completed Microsoft Word application to pooley@law.edu or apply online. Applications are available in Suite 312, or can be mailed to prospective students upon request (via phone 202-319-6205 or via e-mail). 

Who participates in the program? Students from ABA-approved U.S. Schools and foreign law schools are eligible to apply. The inaugural program enrolled 26 J.D. students from Catholic University’s Columbus School of Law and 4 students from other ABA-approved law schools.

How many students will participate and where are they from? The International Human Rights Summer Law Program in Rome will enroll up to 28-38 law students. Students will come predominantly from ABA-accredited law schools, though admission is open to Canadian, European and other foreign law students.

What are the eligiblity requirements? An applicant must be in good standing and anticipate having completed one year of full- or part-time law school by Friday,  May 17, 2013, to be eligible to apply. Prior to the start of the program, a letter must be received from the Registar or Academic Dean's office stating that the student is in good standing and eligible to participate. U.S. law students from non-ABA accredited law schools are also eligible to apply if their home law school has been granted the power to confer the J.D. degree by the appropriate governmental authority in the unapproved law school’s jurisdiction, or graduates of the non-ABA approved law school are permitted to sit for the bar examination in the jurisdiction in which the school is located. There are no prerequisites for any of the classes. If you would like to discuss your academic interests or course selections with the program director, or a member of the summer program faculty, please do not hesitate to contact us at Italy@law.edu.  We will be happy to offer you academic advisement as you plan your summer study.

How much does the program cost? Cost of participation varies depending on personal spending habits, the number of credits taken, and currency exchange rates. Please see full estimated student budget at the program's cost page.

Is financial aid available? CUA students are eligible to apply for financial aid. They should contact our Director of Financial Aid, David Schrock (schrock@law.edu) for further information. Students from other law schools must check with their financial aid offices to ensure they will be eligible. Note that students must enroll in a a minimum of 3 credits to apply for summer financial aid.

How will I get to and around Rome? Students are encouraged to search for affordable flights upon admission to the program.  Rome's international airport is Fiumicino (FCO), and is served by major airlines. Taxis are available into the city.  Those on a tighter budget may opt for the commuter train that links to Termini Metro. Buses to Central Rome and throughout the city are frequent and efficient. 

Do I need a visa to participate in the program? American citizens do not need a visa to study for up to 90 days in Italy.  A current, valid passport is required, and you must send us a copy of your passpor in advance of the programt.  If you do not already have a passport, apply for one at your earliest convenience. Be sure to allow sufficient processing time. If you do have a passport, check the expiration date and renew if necessary. Your passport expiration date should be six months beyond the which you intend to return home. If your passport is not an American passport, different rules may apply.  Please contact italy@law.edu for additional information.

When should I arrive?  When should I plan on departing?  A mandatory program orientation will be held on Saturday, May 18th, 2013, at 3:30 p.m. Classes begin on Monday, May 20th, 2013.  Examinations will be held Thursday, June 6th, and Friday, June 7th.  Students using CUA-arranged housing may check in on Saturday, May 18th. Program faculty and staff will be there to welcome you and help you settle in prior to Orientation. Rooms must be vacated by Saturday morning, June 8th.

What are my housing options?  Students may select CUA-arranged housing at Casa Unione Misterium Christi. Some rooms are singles, and some rooms are doubles. Room preferences are honored in the order in which deposits and completed enrollment forms are received. Students are also free to find their own housing in Rome. Those who do so are fully responsible for the arrangements they make. Please see full information about accommodations on our "Facillities" page.

Are meals provided?  A very light breakfast and coffee are provided to students in the CUA-arranged housing. There are local "bars" in the area surrounding the school where one can have a coffee and pastry (cornetto & caffè) for breakfast.  A quick lunch is available in the neighborhood as well. There are nearby grocery stores where you can buy your own food. In addition, there is a reasonably priced student cafeteria and coffee bar on the campus, in our own classroom building. Students are welcome to dine there. There is also a reasonably-priced student cafeteria and coffee bar on the PUL campus.