2012 Program Information

This page answers frequently asked questions about the Law School's Rome Summer Program. For more information, please contact us.

Who can apply to the Rome Summer Program?

The program is open to:

  • U.S. law students in good academic standing who have completed at least one year of studies.
  • Foreign law students who are pursuing a law degree in their home country
  • Law school graduates (either foreign or U.S.) who are interested in acquiring knowledge and experience in international and comparative law. (The program does not, however, award CLE credit.)

What are the 2012 program dates?
The Rome Summer Program runs from May 27, 2012 – June 27, 2012. Classes start on Monday, May 28 and finals take place on June 26 and 27, 2012.

How much does the program cost and when are the program fees due?
There is a non-refundable $250 application fee. Program tuition fees are based on the number of credit hours taken. Students must enroll in a minimum of four and a maximum of six credit hours at $950 per credit.

Here is an estimate of program expenses:

Application Fee $250
Tuition (6 credits)  $5,700
Travel $1,500
Housing $2,000 (average)
Living $2,000
Total $11,450

Payments are due on or before April 30, 2012.

How many credits can I earn through the Rome Summer Program?
Program participants will earn a minimum of four and a maximum of six credits. For students from law schools other than St. John’s, please note that transfer of credits earned during the Rome Summer Program is solely at the discretion of your home institution. Before applying, please consult with your home institution about credit transfer procedure and requirements.

Does St. John’s provide housing to program participants?
Rome Summer Program participants have several housing options:

The Rome Summer Program has a well-established relationship with a residence near campus that offers 15 to 20 studios or one-bedroom apartments. Rents range from $850 to $2,500 per month, per person, with an average rent of $1,700 for the duration of the program. Generally, all but the least expensive accommodations offer air conditioning, a kitchenette and most other amenities to which U.S. students are accustomed.  Historically, this has been the option most students choose. For 2012 rates, please contact the director of the Rome program.

In addition, there are recently remodeled rooms available on the St. John’s Rome campus. Rooms vary in size, but generally are doubles with no kitchenette. Prices can be provided upon request. 

Students can also find accommodation on their own. There are plenty of bed and breakfasts, residence hotels and agencies/brokers offering private apartments for short stays. Please note that because June in Rome is high tourist season, we suggest that students make housing arrangements no later than March. Prices for rooms or apartments will vary considerably according to location, size and amenities offered. If you are searching on your own, look for accommodation in or near the Prati district (rione).

Are the Rome campus facilities accessible to students with disabilities?
The St. John’s Rome Campus is fully accessible to students with disabilities.

Is there a cancellation and refund policy?
St. John’s Law School reserves the right to modify, amend, or cancel the Rome Summer Program in whole or in part should circumstances require. In addition, applicants will be informed immediately if, for example, the U.S. Department of State issues a travel warning for Italy or Rome, if there is any major unforeseen change in the program or in the unlikely event the program has to be cancelled. In the event of cancellation, we will make every effort to assist students in finding a similar alternative program if the student sends the director a written request within seven business days of the notice of cancellation. All money paid in advance by the student will be refunded within 20 days after the date of cancellation.

Students who wish to cancel their participation in the Rome Summer Program after registering must notify the program director before April 30, 2012. In such cases, the student will receive a full refund. Students who submit notice of cancellation after April 30, 2012 may receive a partial refund depending on the timing of, and reason for, the cancellation. The program director will make decisions about partial refunds for late cancellations on a case-by-case basis.

Can I accelerate my graduation with credits earned at the Rome Summer Program?

St. John’s students may not accelerate their graduation with credits earned at the Summer Program. Applicants from law schools other than St. John’s should be aware that St. John’s is not responsible for awarding credit at the applicant’s home institution. Determinations as to credit granted must be made by the applicant’s home institution. Likewise, the Rome Summer Program may not accelerate graduation at the applicant’s home institution. Applicants should consult with their home institution regarding requirements for credits or accelerated graduation.

What is the residency requirement policy?
For the purposes of St. John’s residency requirements, credits earned in the Rome Summer Program are not considered optional summer credits and may not be used to reduce the tuition charge for any semester below 12 credits for full-time students or below eight credits for part-time students. Full-tuition scholarships do not cover the cost of tuition for the Rome Summer Program.

How do I apply to the program?
To apply to the program, please complete and return the application form. We accept applications and admit students to the program on a rolling basis. The admissions deadline is April 30, 2012.

You may also contact Margaret St. Denis at stdenism@stjohns.edu to request a print program brochure and application form.

Are there additional application requirements for students who do not attend St. John’s School of Law?
In addition to the main application, students from other law schools must submit:

  • An original transcript in a sealed envelope sent directly to the St. John’s Office of Transnational Programs
  • A written statement from the Dean’s Office of the applicant’s law school certifying that the applicant:
    • Will have completed at least one year of law study by May 27, 2012
    • Is a student in good standing
    • Has permission to take the course(s) for credit (if the student is seeking credit).

Can I use financial aid to pay for my studies at the Rome Summer Program? 
Federal student loans as well as private loans are available, provided that certain requirements are met. In this regard, St. John’s students and students from other law schools intending to apply for financial aid are encouraged to contact their financial aid office inquire about financing opportunities for summer study.

For more information on St. John’s School of Law’s Rome Summer Program, please contact us.