Semester Abroad Program in Rome

Swiss School Of Management - Leadership Study Abroad Program (LSAP):
The International Leadership Semester (ILS) is an 89-day study abroad program in Rome, Italy. The semester is accredited and run by the Swiss School of Management and the European University of Rome, on the same campus as the Pontifical Regina Apostolorum College. It is an international program hosting men and women students from around the world aged between 18 - 25. The program is available all year round.

The ILS program offers core classes in interdisciplinary leadership, leadership and Rome, and Bioethics. The teachers of all classes are the professors at the European University of Rome and the Swiss School of Management. In addition to the core classes, students are given the option of choosing between one of two specialized tracks: either culture or business. In total, the ILS coursework give students 15-18 academic credits. However, students must get the program approved by their own university through the office of international studies in order to ensure successful credit transfer.

Leadership Training for Excellence:
Along with the academic component, the International Leadership Semester offers a uniquely personalized approach to leadership training, one that is not available in other study abroad programs.

Special features:
Opportunity for one-on-one leadership orientation every 2 weeks. Projects, public speaking practice, and off-site activities aimed at developing leadership skills in action Exposure to leaders from a wide variety of professions and fields of expertise Opportunities to participate in international conferences hosted in Rome.

The ILS gives students a 9-day vacation and 3-day weekends so that they can explore Rome and other European cities on their own. In addition to the free days for exploration, there are also organized tours and Masses at famous holy sites, with opportunities to meet the Pope and participate in events organized by the Vatican. Students are also offered daily Mass, opportunities for spiritual direction and confession, and the option to participate in monthly retreats.

- The International Leadership Semester is part of the European University of Rome. The university is 100% approved by the Italian State and internationally recognized as an institution of academic excellence.

- The ILS curriculum is fully accredited like all other classes in the university. Recently the Foreign Credentials Service of America (FCSA) reviewed the ILS transcript and confirmed that the Universita Europe di Roma is accredited by Italy’s Provincial Ministry of Education and has full state recognition.

- Swiss School of Management is EduQua certified. EduQua is the Swiss Quality Certificate for Institutes of Further Education

- Swiss School of Management in London is also accredited by ASIC.

- Undergraduate and Post Graduate Programs of the Swiss School of Management are accredited by the US Dept. of Veterans Affairs. Further, all credits awarded by the ILS or any other program at SSM, will be accepted and recognized by the member Universities of BUSINET.

When most people come to Rome, it is love at first site! Whether you are interested in art, architecture, faith, or Italian cuisine, you will find thousands of possibilities. From the hole-in-the-wall street cafe with Rome's best cafe to the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican Museums, you can do something new each day and not exhaust all there is to do in Rome. With guided tours and cheap transportation available, getting around is easy and affordable.

Rome's Nightlife
Do not be fooled into thinking that Rome is just full of relics from the Roman Empire. Rome is both a 2,700 year old museum as well as a modern city. When you want to take a break from the studies, you can visit the famous Old Bridge ice-cream shop or enjoy one of world's best chocolate crepes, in Piazza Navona. There are a host of internet cafes and nightclubs in Rome and student volunteers can give you recommendations on the best spots to visit while here.

Hotels:
ILS is affiliated to various hotels in walking distance from the campus. The hotels feature double and triple rooms. Rooms will be assigned on "first come - first served" base. Laundry: Services will be provided one time a week. Cost of laundry is not included in the tuition fee. Approx. cost is of €10 for one loundry bag.

Extra Curricular Activities:
ILS is proud to contribute with 50% on academic related activity expenses.

ILS provides you a with a well-balanced schedule during your stay in Rome. After a continental breakfast at the hotel, you have classes in the morning, which conveniently finish by early afternoon, presenting the opportunity to visit the city, go for a scenic walk, read, or work on your class assignments.

Lunch and dinner are at the university during the week, but you are free to eat out or take your meals with you in order to eat somewhere scenic (such as one of Rome's seven famous hills). The Hotel is open 24 hours a day, so you can stay out later in the evening. Assuming you are the type that likes to explore, the weekends are free for travel throughout Rome, Italy, and the rest of Europe.

Papal and Church Events
If you want to learn more about the Pope or the Church while in Rome, you will not be let down. ILS will help you get tickets to Papal audiences, events, & Masses. There are Churches on every corner of Rome, so you can explore, visit, and learn a great deal about Church history. Whether you are a fervent believer or simply looking for meaning in life, Rome will help you in your personal journey.

Travel Opportunities
The “sky’s the limit” for excursions during your ILS semester. Although the program does not organize the activities around Italy, student volunteers plan optional visits to any number of great locations in Italy and Europe, which prove exciting and adventurous (such as navigating the waterways of Venice or skiing in the Italian Alps).

There will be a number of organized tours in Rome: examples include the famous Scavi excavation under St Peter's Basilica, the Roman Forum, and the catacombs. Whether you want to stay in Rome or explore other parts of Italy and Europe, ILS offers you a goldmine of opportunities.