Rome has served as the capital of Italy since 1870 and an important cultural and economic center for centuries.

The modern city has approximately 2.800.000 inhabitants and spans nearly 1.300 square kilometers. Within the historic center, it is all too easy to stumble upon Ancient Roman monuments beside masterworks from the Renaissance and the Baroque. Rome is also one of the largest spanning cities in the world, in large part thanks to a series of unique districts (Prati, Testaccio, San Giovanni, and Parioli to name just a few), that were created and developed between the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century. Each one of these districts and neighborhoods adds its own unique spin on what it means to live like a Roman, and the longer that our students stay in the Eternal City, the more they find to love about their new home away from home.

The winding Tiber River cuts through the city and divides the historical center from the ancient neighborhood of Trastevere. Though historically a very poor neighborhood, Trastevere is today one of the biggest nightlife areas in all of Rome just a short walk from our school. 

Another defining characteristic of contemporary Roman life is that it is an incredibly green city even within the historic center. More specifically, gorgeous parks that once belonged to the Roman nobility (such as Villa Borghese, Villa Doria Pamphilj, and Villa Ada), were transformed into public parks in the 20th century. Such parks are so vast it can be easy to forget that you’re in the center of Rome! These greenspaces are now relaxing recreational areas where you can either go for a walk or play sports, or perhaps meet your friends for an outdoor picnic. If you ever need a break from the hustle and bustle of chaotic Rome, these green spaces make all the difference.

To get around Rome, you will have access to two metro lines, an extensive network of buses, as well as an urban railway that links the main stations that are situated on the perimeter of the city.
If you arrive in Rome by air, you will land at the international airport, Leonardo da Vinci di Fiumicino. From there, you can get to the center in about 20 minutes by a train that leaves every 15 minutes. Or if you instead land at the r at the Ciampino airport, you can get to the center with dedicated buses.
If you choose to take a train that arrives at the city’s main train station (Stazione Termini, it is easy to reach all other areas of the city from this transit hub

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