University of Rome 'La Sapienza'

About: 

University of Rome 'La Sapienza' is a research university that is  also known as 'Sapienza' or 'University of Rome.' It is one of the largest universities in Europe by enrolment and is also one of the oldest universities in history as it was founded in 1303. The university is one of the most prestigious Italian universities. 

Highlights: 

One of the highlights of the university is the Orto Botanico dell'Università di Roma 'La Sapienza.' It is a botanical garden that is operated by the university and was established in 1883.  The Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza and the San Pietro in Vincoli are two Roman Catholic churches that are highlights of the university. The Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza was built in 1642-1660 and the church is known as a masterpiece of Roman Baroque architecture. The San Pietro in Vincoli is known for housing Michelangelo's statue of Moses.

Location: 

Rome, Italy

Courses / Modules: 

Consult the course catalogue webpage for information on specific courses.

Credit (Full-time Load per semester): 

You must take a full credit load while on exchange. University of Rome 'La Sapienza' uses the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) to show credit values.  30 ECTS is the equivalent to 60 York credits, and 60 ECTS is the equivalent to 120 York credits.

Teaching Periods: 

Semester 1: September- December

Semester 2: February- May

Language: 

B1 Italian required

Accommodation: 

The university has signed some special housing agreements with companies that offer free services to find accommodation.  Consult the student housing webpage to see the list, as well as their Study and Live in Rome Handbook, which provides a guide on aspects of accommodation such as different types of contracts, useful contacts and more.

Orientation / Welcome week:  

The university organises an International Students Welcome Week. Students learn about academic and university life in Sapienza and it provides a great opportunity to meet the staff and other students. Check out the exchange students webpage for more information.

Support Services: 

The exchange students webpage provides an overview of facilities and support services available to exchange students, and you can download the International Students Guide and other resources for practical advice and details of the International Students Help Desk and the Office for Physical and Learning Disabilities.  You can also find more information about support available on the health and wellbeing webpages on the university website.

Visas: 

You may need a visa to study in Italy.  If you are a UK National you must refer to the  Gov.uk Travel Advice page for Italy and its Living in Italy guide to check on any visa requirements, and raise any queries directly with the relevant embassy/consulate.  If you are not a UK national you should check equivalent advice for your home country.

Check also  the visa and customs section of the international students guide which can be found on the university website.

Travel insurance:  

If you complete the Travel Authorisation process and are approved by the University of York to participate in this programme, you will be covered by the University's Travel Insurance Policy. This is a complimentary policy to cover you for the duration of your University of York mobility experience. Please refer to the Insurance website for all travel insurance queries.  You may be required to obtain health insurance valid during your exchange. 

Health insurance: 

Students travelling to Europe may be able to apply for a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or in some circumstances a new UK-issued European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which gives the right to access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in the EU. You are strongly recommended to obtain a GHIC / EHIC if eligible. To check your eligibility and find out how to apply if you are eligible, go to the NHS page on Applying for healthcare cover abroad (GHIC and EHIC).

Kitty, Year Abroad in Italy, 2019/20

"I really enjoyed my time in Italy, both in Siena and at the university. I have had so many new experiences, met lots of new people and improved my knowledge of the Italian language. My confidence in talking to people in their native language has definitely increased and I feel like I can hold a conversation with someone well and deal with problems when they arise." 

Eloise, Year Abroad in Italy, 2019/20

"My experience abroad has made me more confident in my own abilities. Speaking the language was one of the biggest challenges and I am proud of myself for going out of my comfort zone, speaking in Italian despite being afraid and succeeding in overcoming my fears. I was able to make friends with Italian speakers and passed speaking exams in Italian. These experiences have helped me to realise that I can do more than I think I can."

Have a look at some more student stories on the Global Opportunities website!

• University of Rome 'La Sapienza' Website

• Exchange Students Webpage

• Italy Foreign Travel Advice

• Numbeo - cost of living comparison site

• Expatistan - cost of living comparison site

If you find any broken links, please email us at global-opportunities@york.ac.uk

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