By Anthony Viltro, ISA Italy Site Specialist
Studying abroad can be tough if you’re used to being involved on campus. But host universities also have student organizations that you can join to make you feel welcome. Before you know it, your temporary host university will feel just like home! Here are five easy ways to get involved at the American University of Rome (AUR).
1.) Compete for the Wolves. Soccer is definitely Italy’s biggest sport, and the AUR has men’s and women’s soccer teams. Students spending a full academic year in Rome can try out for the team during the first few weeks of classes and compete in an intercollegiate tournament lasting from October to May. And if you’re only studying in Rome for one semester, you can still go watch the games and cheer the team on. Because AUR provides transportation to the games for both team and fans, the Wolves enjoy enthusiastic school spirit from students, faculty, and staff. Is soccer not your sport? The AUR provides other athletic opportunities with Basketball, Volleyball, Running, Rowing, and Martial Arts.
2.) Work out. If organized sports aren’t really your thing, keep fit and rub elbows with Italians at the gym. ISA students can join the Total Body System fitness center at a discounted rate through the AUR. The fitness center boasts a weight room and cardio machines as well as a variety of fitness classes.
3.) Volunteer. The AUR Office of Student Life provides plenty of opportunities for students to volunteer and do some good in the community. You can teach basketball to Italian kids, care for cats at the Roman Cat Sanctuary, serve food to those in need at Caritas Roma, care for Italian children at the Roman Jewish Nursery, and much more.
4.) Join a club. The AUR has a wide variety of student clubs and organizations to join. From the Business Club to the Yoga Club, there is surely something that matches your interests. All of these clubs are open to ISA students, whether you’re staying for the whole year, or just a semester.
- The Amazing Grace Gospel Choir
- Art History Club
- BridgeSport
- Business Club
- Communication Club
- Diversity Club
- Drama Club
- Film Club
- International Relations Club
- Italian Studies Club
- LGBTQ Center
- Newman Society
- Poetry and Spoken Word Club
- Self-Defense Club
- Veteran’s Club
- Volunteer Club
- Yoga Club
5.) Participate in the Intercambio language exchange. The best way to quickly learn Italian is to practice. Sometimes making Italian friends can be intimidating, so participating in a language exchange really helps. You’ll get matched up with a local Italian student who is eager to share his or her language and culture. This is a great way to get your foot in the door with a local and meet more Italian friends.
Life at AUR is what you make it! How will get involved?
Get more information about AUR by filling out this form.
