Located on the edge of central Rome, the American University of Rome (AUR) Summer School courses take advantage of their location with expert international faculty holding classes throughout the city, guiding students through the wonders of Rome. Imagine learning to sketch in front of the Trevi Fountain or exploring the ethical dilemmas in trying to preserve the archaeological layers of Roman history while addressing the needs of economic development. The optional weekend excursions operated by AUR to the Naples/Pompeii area and the Tuscany region offer students the opportunity to see some of the beautiful Italian landscape and a variety of Italian life.
Students can choose to do Session I, Session II, or both sessions, earning 6 credits per session.
Summer Session I: May 28 -June 26, 2020
Summer Session II: July 2 - July 30, 2020
Eligibility
Mason undergraduate students only. Minimum 2.5 GPA.
Courses Available
Students will choose two courses per session (for a total of 6 transfer credits) from those offered by the American University of Rome. Students may attend Summer Session 1, Summer Session II, or both.
Syllabi of courses are available through the Course Search tool. To view the syllabus for a particular course, click on the course link from the search results page.
Credit Conversion
- 3 AUR Credits = 3 Mason Credit
Grade Conversion
When transferring courses back to Mason, the credits will transfer but the grade will not. However, you must receive the equivalent of a "C" or above in order to transfer your credit back. Refer to the table below regarding how grades are converted at AUR.
| Grade |
Scale |
U.S. Grade |
| A |
90 - 100 |
A |
| B |
80 - 89 |
B+ |
| C |
70 - 79 |
B |
| D |
60 - 69 |
C+ |
| E |
50 - 59 |
C |
| F |
0 - 49 |
F |
Course Equivalency and Plan of Study
The Global Education Office has a
Course Evaluation and Registration System (CERS), which you will use to complete the steps needed to evaluate your courses abroad, and see how they will count at Mason. This database is accessible whether you have already applied, or are just beginning to think about studying abroad. Look at the courses in the database. You are by no means limited to these courses. The database shows courses that have already been evaluated. You can request equivalency for any course not yet evaluated, through CERS.
You are STRONGLY ENCOURAGED to look at this institution’s courses ahead of time to see how they will match up to your Mason degree requirements. Talk to your academic advisor about what courses you will need to receive credit for during your time abroad to stay on-track for your degree. When looking at courses keep in mind that course schedules can change. We recommend having twice as many courses approved as necessary.
Housing
Students may elect for The American University of Rome to arrange housing on their behalf or may choose to make their own housing arrangements. Students electing university-facilitated housing are placed in furnished apartments in areas surrounding the university campus.
Optional Excursions
Students have the opportunity to participate in optional excursions operated by AUR. Each excursion is available for an additional fee of 290 Euros, paid directly to AUR. The excursions for Summer 2020 are:
Summer Session I
- June 12-14, 2020: Pompeii Weekend
- June 19-21, 2020: Tuscan Weekend
Summer Session II
- July 10-12, 2020: Tuscan Weekend
July 17-19, 2020: Pompeii Weekend
Contact the Program Administrator for more information on the excursions available this year.
Program Cost
Summer 2020: $5,610 per session*
Included:
- Tuition for 6 credits
- Housing in shared apartments with TV, computer, wireless internet, and kitchens
- Pre-Departure Orientation and on-site orientation
- International Emergency Insurance
Not included:
- Airfare
- Passport fees
- Meals
- Required textbooks and/or course materials
- Personal spending
- Optional excursions
*Students may opt to stay for both sessions for a total program fee of $10,410 (12 credits)
Program Payments
Students on GEO programs must pay the advertised program cost order to participate. This cost will be made in three payments (application fee + deposit + final balance). Students using financial aid can provide additional paperwork in lieu of deposit and final balance payments.
Application Fee: A non-refundable application fee of $200 for Mason students. This fee is paid online through the MasonAbroad application system.
First Payment: A non-refundable payment of $1000 must be received by April 20. This fee is paid online through the MasonAbroad application system and is included in the program fee. Students who are using financial aid may have this payment deadline extended. See "Financial Aid" information below.
In the event that a student’s financial aid or VA Benefits is estimated to cover the entire costs of the study abroad program, the entire charge will be posted to their student account, since that is where the aid will be applied. In this case students do not pay their first payment through MasonAbroad. However students must submit their “Intent to Use Financial Aid” form by the first deposit deadline.
Final Payment: The final balance payment is due by May 5. This is the difference of your Program Cost minus the $1200 you've already paid (Deposit + First Payment). Students who are using financial aid may have this payment deadline extended. See "Financial Aid" information below.
Financial Aid and VA Benefits: Students who intend to use financial aid or VA benefits to fund their program fees (partially or in full) must have the "Intent to Use Financial Aid" or "Intent to Use VA Benefits Form" completed and on file with the Global Education Office by the First Payment deadline. The "Intent to Use Financial Aid" form is available in the MasonAbroad application system once you have started your application for this program. If you are using VA Benefits please contact your program officer to request the "Intent to Use VA Benefits Form."
Withdrawal and Refund Policy: All participants are bound by the Mason GEO Withdrawal and Refund Policy.
Payment Instructions
For more information on payments and financial aid:
Payments
Scholarships
GEO offers a number of need- and merit-based scholarships. All Mason students are welcome to apply:
Scholarships
Application Deadline:
March 10, 2020
Application requirements:*
Application fee: $200 for Mason students.
Official Transcripts: An official copy of your Mason transcript is required as well as copies of official transcripts from any other college or university you have attended.
Passport Status: If you do not have a valid passport, you should begin applying for one now.
Signature Documents: Read and electronically "sign" the documents.
Questionnaires: Read and complete the documents according to the instructions.
Intent to Use Financial Aid Form: If you use financial aid, this form must be completed by your financial aid counselor and submitted by the deposit deadline.
*Additional paperwork may be required for this program and can be viewed inside your application.
Application instructions: