The mythic resonances of Rome echo across the ages.

Rome has been a cultural and political center throughout its prestigious history. Governmental seat to the most famous empire in history, today it remains the capital of Italy as well as the home of Vatican City, the seat of a different sort of empire. Also home to some of the most famous thinkers and artists of the Renaissance and their work, Rome has much to offer to students wishing to study in a variety of fields.

The legacy of the Roman Empire and the Renaissance can also be seen in the amazing architecture and art that was accumulated and created over time. Each year, Rome draws countless students wishing to marvel at the Colosseum or reverently admire the works of Michelangelo. Few places in the world can offer wonders on such a scale and studying in these august surroundings adds a unique dimension of concrete reality to traditional studies.

Study Abroad Programs in Rome

Each piece of art and architecture also contributes to an understanding of the history and development that occurred to create what can be seen in Rome today. Students of history, of anthropology, of cultural studies and many more are fascinated by the varied landscape they find in this city.

All roads may not lead to Rome with the same regularity that they did in the past. However, Rome still remains a crossroads and a gathering place for a variety of people. It is therefore a rich environment for those wishing to pursue studies in international relations or business. The influence of Vatican City has made Rome a popular location for a number of international organizations, particularly relief organizations such as the Food and Agricultural Organization and the World Food Program. These are just two of the examples for students interested in studying the dynamics of international cooperation and efforts to face shared problems such as world hunger.

The study of modern Italy can be an equally fascinating one for many students. Particularly those interested in political science find unparalleled opportunities in Italy. Government officials in Rome show an unusual willingness and enthusiasm for meeting with and talking to students. The students benefit as officials share with them the realities and complexities of the modern political climate in Italy. Students find in Rome a confluence of the Northern and Southern politics and learn the ways in which history and geography can influence politics, even in today's modern era.

Political science students as well as those interested in sociology, history, and a variety of other disciplines are also fascinated by the legacy of the divide between Northern and Southern Italy. There is actually a political party in Italy known as the Lega Nord (Northern League) that was heavily advocating that the North secede from Italy and declare independence under the name Padonia. While the party has softened these goals over the past few years, the presence of such a call brings into sharp relief the gap between the two regions of this country. This gap was created primarily through geography that allowed the South to be susceptible to invasion and exploitation throughout its history while the North was defensible and grew into a system of strong city-states that were well governed. The legacy of this history can be seen in many aspects of modern Italy, and of course, it all meets in Rome as both the geographical midpoint as well as the seat of the central government.

All of the politics and history and art and life make Rome an unparalleled location for a variety of studies.