The chance of a lifetime is available for a select number of Ball State students to study abroad in Rome for a full semester.
"You will never travel more cheaply, more safely or in better company," said Dr. Christine Shea, director of this year's program.
There is a particular focus on those in the Honors College. No more than 30 students will take part in this experience, James Ruebel, dean of the Honors College, said.
"Because the program fits Honors students well and because there is no other program that is designed for them, Honors students have priority spaces in the Rome Center," Ruebel said.
Those who are not in the Honors College and have a minimum GPA of 3.3 are welcome to apply to the program.
The students will attend the American University of Rome, which became a fully accredited university in 2009.
"We thought this would be a classic moment to affiliate ourselves with the university," Shea said.
Shea said changes in Italian law have also made it easier for students to get study visas.
The center has been an idea for some time, Ruebel said.
"The answer to ‘Why Rome?' is simply that it is an interest of mine," he said. "As other centers were being developed by other colleges over the past few years, I suggested that Ball State should have a Rome Center and was given the go-ahead to explore it."
Ruebel made two trips last year to look into this opportunity.
"They will be going to one of the great cities of the world and has been one for thousands of years," Shea said. "It will blow them away."
An advantage of associating Ball State students with AUR students is that they have access to all the same benefits, Shea said.
The students will not have classes on Fridays and can use this time to travel if they choose.
"People find travel abroad personally liberating," Shea said. "I don't care where people travel, but just travel abroad."
The Rome Center is intended to be a regular fall option, Ruebel said.
For those interested in the Rome Center, a firm commitment must be made no later than March 1.
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