With origins tracing back before the 8th Century BC, Rome is rightfully nicknamed "The Eternal City". Also known as Caput mundi ("capital of the world") or just plain l'Urbe ("the City"), Rome epitomizes metropolitan Europe-past and present.

According to Roman mythology, Rome was founded by twins Romulus and Remus who were deserted at birth and nursed by a wolf. Another famed portrayal of Rome's ancient political history is William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar which dramatizes Rome around 44BCE when the city was the center of an empire stretching from Britain to North Africa and from Persia to Spain and leaders vied to be its absolute ruler. Whether you believe these legendary accounts or not, when standing amidst the ruins of the Roman Forum, you can't help but appreciate the powerful leaders and progressive civilizations that have contributed to Rome's legacy.

American colleges and universities, such as Temple University, run study abroad programs in Rome, offering programs specializing in fields such as Architecture, Liberal Arts and Italian Studies, Visual Arts and International Business. Additionally, many local colleges and universities have programs which draw students from all over the world. Of particular note are The Università degli Studi di Roma 'La Sapienza,' the Università Popolare and The American University of Rome. Students in Rome will, of course, have a chance to improve their Italian, as they use their language skills both in the classroom and while enjoying the local student life - and ordering Rome's famous pasta, pizza and gelato.

A hub during the Italian Renaissance, Rome provides art history and architecture students an unparalleled environment in which to pursue their degrees. Imagine taking a class on Renaissance art in the Sistine Chapel or studying painting within the walls of Museo a Galleria Borghese. For architecture students, Rome's grand monuments are as diverse as they are celebrated. In one day, students can study both the proportion of the ancient Pantheon and the modern design of Auditorium-Parco della Musica by Renzo Piano.

Within Rome's boundaries lie not only a host of iconic ruins and art, but also the entire City of the Vatican. An autonomous Papal city-state, Vatican City is the religious focal point of countless Catholic worshippers throughout the world. From the top of St. Peter's Basilica, students have a chance to admire the splendor of Saint Peter's Square and Mussolini's grand avenue of approach.

Sport has long played a central role in Roman life. Built in the first century, the Coliseum held famed gladiatorial contests, mock sea battles and animal hunts. Modern Rome, like much of Europe, is soccer-obsessed. Students accustomed to the fierce rivalry between college teams will feel right at home, as citizens of Rome declare their lifelong loyalty to one of the city's two soccer teams - Lazio or Roma - and spend their Sunday afternoons cheering on their team with those who share their allegiance.

Students living Rome will also take pleasure in the city's comfortable climate. Located just about midway down the boot of Italy and on the Tiber River, Rome has moderate temperatures year round. It provides the perfect atmosphere for students to spend hours studying, taking in the amazing Baroque churches and the plazas with their fabled fountains on foot or just sitting at sidewalk cafés to sip cappuccinos and practice Italian.

As you stroll through Rome, you will be overwhelmed not only by world-famous sights such as the Spanish Steps, the Piazza Navona, and the Trevi Foundation, but by the bustling pulse of the modern-day city, where just trying to cross a major intersection can be an adventure.

After one week in Rome, you will understand why so many students are drawn to this city of seven hills. Embrace the cliché, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do!"

Resources -

Study in Italy: http://www.study-in-italy.it/
The Università degli Studi di Roma 'La Sapienza,': http://www.uniroma1.it/
American University of Rome: http://www.aur.edu/
Roma 2000: http://www.roma2000.it/
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program: http://www.iie.org/gilman
National Security Education Program: http://www.iie.org/NSEP