What documents will I need to obtain an
Italian student visa?
When you are admitted to the St. John's Rome Graduate Programs, you
will receive a letter of acceptance from New York. Once you
register for courses with the Director in Rome you will be sent an
acceptance letter from the Rome Campus. This letter, together with
the acceptance letter from NY, is needed for your student visa
application. After receiving both letters, students should contact
their local Italian
Embassy or Consulate.
Any student entering Italy by means of the documents issued by St.
John's must attend the semester to which admission is granted.
Failure to do so will cause reporting to the local immigration
office.
How long will it take for the Italian
consulate to issue my visa?
The time will vary depending on your local Italian consulate. We
suggest that you allow between 2 – 4 weeks for the processing of
your student visa.
What is a Permesso di Soggiorno (Permit of
Stay)?
A permit to stay in Italy is granted to the foreign nationals who
entered the Italian territory legally, that is to say by holding a
passport (or an equivalent identity document) with an entry visa
stamped on it, except for such cases as established under
international agreements. Italian nationals and European Union
citizens DO NOT need a visa or permit of stay.
The permit of stay must be applied for within eight working days
effective from the date issued on the student visa.
When do I apply for the Permit of
Stay?
During the Orientation program in Rome, we will explain how to
obtain a permit of stay and the documents required for the
application packet.
Does St. John's University have on-campus
student residence halls?
Yes, STJ Rome Campus offers on campus dorm housing to graduate
students, although they are used predominantly for the STJ
undergraduate programs. They are located on the top two floors of
the campus, in the same building as our classrooms and
administrative offices. Once accepted into the program you will
receive our housing guide describing both on campus and off campus
housing options.
How much should I budget for living
expenses while in Rome?
A shared apartment in Rome normally costs between 500 – 800 Euros
per month (this may or may not include bills). If a student prefers
to live alone, it will be more expensive and will cost
approximately 900 – 1200 Euros per month. We suggest that students
budget at least 1000 – 1500 Euros per month for rent, bills,
registration fees, text books and social activities.
Is the Rome Campus wireless?
Yes. The entire Rome Campus is wireless and students can use their
laptops both inside and outside of the building.
Can I work with my Italian Student
Visa?
Yes, you are allowed to work for 20 hours per week with your
student visa. However, keep in mind that for the majority of
jobs in Rome, you must speak Italian at an intermediate level or
above.
Are Italian courses offered at the Rome
Campus?
Italian courses are not offered at the graduate level. However,
there are many private language schools in Rome that specialize in
teaching Italian to foreigners.
What is the demographic breakdown of the
students in Rome?
In 2011, the Rome Campus students were 70% American, 10% Italian
and 20% from other parts of the world.
Is there Career Assistance at the Rome
Campus?
Yes, there is career counseling available for résumé preparation
and for internship / job searches. Keep in mind that for the
majority of jobs in Rome, you must speak Italian at an intermediate
level or above. However, there are several opportunities to apply
for internships, particularly with international organizations,
where English proficiency is required.
Can I use the Career Center at St. John’s
Queens Campus?
Yes, Rome students have full access to all of the resources that
are available at the Career
Center in New York.