The urban studies component of Cornell in Rome is offered during the spring semester for students interested in the economic, political, cultural, and social life of contemporary European cities and regions. It is open to urban studies majors and related disciplines.
By living and studying in the center of one of the world’s most historic, beautiful, and dynamic cities, students gain a deeper understanding of the powerful local, regional, and global forces that are reshaping urban communities abroad and at home.
In addition to taking classes with architecture and art students, participants engage in field research, and assist civic leaders and municipal officials in developing workable solutions to challenging problems confronting contemporary Roman neighborhoods. Students meet with professional planners; government officials; community activists; leading architects; and researchers and others responsible for urban policy-making in the areas of economic development, neighborhood stabilization, urban design, regional planning, city management, agricultural development, tourism, historic preservation, and immigration.
Students complement their classes and field work with travel to Italy's most important artistic, economic, and political centers. Participants have the opportunity to see Italy and their European neighbors work together to form a more powerful regional economy and political alliance through the increasingly influential European Union, which is having a profound impact upon the global balance of power.
The program’s cultural immersion and community-based research experience significantly strengthen application for graduate or professional school, and also enhance the effectiveness of young professionals employed in increasingly global work places.
Graduate planning and international studies students gain invaluable work experience as full-time interns with one of the United Nations agencies headquartered in Rome (such as the Food and Agricultural Organization or the International Commission on Objects and Monuments), in an Italian city planning agency (fluent Italian required), or in a non-governmental agency. Rome faculty members help students individually to arrange intern positions, based upon a simple application and students' preliminary web-based research. An updated CV, and the internship placement form must be submitted with the program application.
The placement form and a list of possible placement sites are available to download below.
Urban and Regional Studies Requirements Undergraduates in their third or fourth year in the Program in Urban and Regional Studies are eligible to participate in Cornell in Rome. Students are admitted to the program by application and review of their record. Non-Cornell students in urban studies and allied fields are encouraged to apply to participate as juniors or seniors.
Graduate applications to the program should be accompanied by a resume and a brief cover letter describing the student’s interests, skills and research/work experience.
Karl Chan
