What documents will I need to obtain an
Italian student visa?
When you are admitted to the St. John's Rome Graduate Programs, you
will receive a letter of acceptance / visa from New York. Once you
register for courses with the Director in Rome you will be sent an
acceptance letter from the Rome Campus. After receiving both
letters, students must apply for their student visa by contacting
their local Italian
Embassy or Consulate.
Any student entering Italy by means of the documents issued by St.
John's must attend the semester to which admission is granted.
Failure to do so will cause reporting to the local immigration
office.
How long will it take for the Italian
consulate to issue my visa?
The time will vary depending on your local Italian
consulate. We suggest that you allow between 2 – 3 weeks for
the processing of your student visa.
What is a Permesso di Soggiorno (Permit of
Stay)?
A leave to stay in Italy is granted to the foreign nationals who
entered the Italian territory legally, that is to say by holding a
passport (or an equivalent identity document) with an entry visa
stamped on it, except for such cases as established under
international agreements.
The residence permit must be applied for within eight working days
effective from the foreigner’s date of entry into the national
territory.
When do I apply for the Permit of
Stay?
During the Orientation program in Rome, we will explain how to
obtain a permit of stay and the documents required.
Does St. John's University have on-campus
student residence halls?
No. In Rome, at the graduate level, students live in
apartments. If you are accepted to the program, you will
receive a “Housing Assistance Form” which you will fill out and
return to St. John's University Rome Campus. Then, we will
assist you in finding suitable accommodations near the
university.
How much should I budget for living expenses
while in Rome?
A shared apartment in Rome normally costs between 500 – 800
Euros per month (this may or may not include bills). If a
student prefers to live alone, it will be more expensive and will
cost approximately 900 – 1200 Euros per month. We suggest
that students budget at least 1000 – 1500 Euros per month for rent,
bills, registration fees, text books and social activities.
What is the Laptop Program?
Graduate students at St. John's University Rome Campus
receive their own IBM Thinkpad which is theirs to use for the
duration of their program. If they complete the program at
the Rome Campus, they may keep the laptop after they have
finished.
Is the Rome Campus wireless?
Yes. The entire Rome Campus is wireless and students
can use their laptops both inside and outside of the
building.
Can I work with my Italian Student
Visa?
Yes, you are allowed to work for 20 hours per week with your
student visa. However, keep in mind that for the majority of
jobs in Rome, you must speak Italian at an intermediate level or
above.
Are Italian courses offered at the Rome
Campus?
Italian courses are not offered at the graduate level.
However, there are many private language schools in Rome that
specialize in teaching Italian to foreigners.
What is the demographic breakdown of the
students in Rome?
In 2006, the Rome Campus students were 60% American, 12% Italian
and 28% from other parts of the
world.
Is there Career Assistance at the Rome
Graduate Center?
Yes, there is career counseling available for résumé preparation
and for internship / job searches. However, keep in mind that
for the majority of jobs in Rome, you must speak Italian at an
intermediate level or above.
Can I use the Career Center at St. John’s
Queens Campus?
Yes, Rome students have full access to all of the resources that
are available at the Career
Center in New York.