What is the AUR Foundation English program?
AUR’s Foundation English Program will prepare you to enter a full-time bachelor’s degree program at an American university. There are three different Pathways to the program, depending on your level of English and how many university credits you would like to earn. Upon successful completion of the program and meeting university requirements for undergraduate admission, you may enter your second year of study at The American University of Rome or transfer the credits earned to any other American university.
Foundation English offers students the opportunity to become part of the AUR student community without the pressure of immediate full-time undergraduate/graduate study; they receive the same individualized attention, in small classes, with instruction by highly-qualified professors and are fully integrated into the cultural and social life of AUR’s multi-cultural and diverse student body.
Additionally, General Education and Free Elective classes may be taken alongside the program. Credits earned in this period will count towards the student’s final degree.
Why choose the AUR Foundation English program?
- Begin earning credits towards your degree even if you don’t meet the academic and English requirements for direct entry
- Ease your transition into university
- Receive additional support to move successfully through your first year at a US university
- Smaller classes allow you to spend more time with your teachers
- Start taking classes in your chosen major
- Enroll in classes alongside AUR students
Key facts:
- Course length: 1-2 semesters
- Start date: September 2021
- Fees: see individual tracks
- Academic requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- English language requirements: Completion of AUR English placement test
Foundation English is a unique program designed to suit the aspirations of all students. Read on for further details or email here to make an appointment to speak to one of our admissions team.
What are the Course Options?
- Foundation English Pathway 1
Pathway 1 has been designed specifically for students who will benefit from further development of academic English. The goals of the program include raising students’ English proficiency to university level and providing a complete English language learning experience, both in and out of class. The course ends with an optional IELTS exam. Additionally, General Education and Free Elective classes may be taken alongside the program. Credits earned in this period will count towards the student's final degree.
[See the course breakdown here]
- Foundation English Pathway 2
Pathway 2 has been designed for students with an intermediate level of English, students who will need to undertake further development of their English skills but who are able to participate in AUR's regular entry-level English courses for undergraduate students (ENG 100 Comprehensive Writing Fundamentals) alongside our new cohort of international, degree-seeking students. Credits earned in this period will count towards the student's final degree.
[See the course breakdown here]
- Foundation English Pathway 3
Pathway 3 will suit students with upper-intermediate English proficiency who want to concentrate on polishing their language & writing skills but who have the capacity to take on other undergraduate learning at the same time. The English element of the first semester will concentrate on fine-tuning the student's academic English through ENG 101 Writing Fundamentals, but students will also take on one other 100-Level course at the same time.
In the second semester, students will undertake ENG 102 Writing from Research. They will also have the choice to take either one 100-Level and one 200-Level course, or two 100-Level courses.
[See the course breakdown here]
What are the Course Fees?
Credits & Fees for Pathway 1:
Fall 2021 Option 1: Academic English course & IELTS exam only. €3,000
Fall 2021 Option 2: Academic English course & IELTS exam plus one 3-credit course. €4,000
Spring 2022 ENG 101 Writing Fundamentals plus 2 regular classes for a total of 9 credits.
These credits will count towards an undergraduate degree at AUR or any other US institution. €5,250Total to undertake the complete program of Academic English & 12 credits: €9,250
This is less than half the price of a regular 2-semester undergraduate program.
Credits & Fees for Pathway 2:
Fall 2021: ENG 100 Comprehensive Writing Fundamentals (6 Credit course)
Spring 2022: ENG 102 Writing from Research (3 Credit course)
plus Two 100-Level undergraduate courses (2 x 3 Credits for a total of 6 Credits)Total to undertake Pathway 2 with 15 credits: €10,500
This is half the price of a regular 2-semester undergraduate program.
The 15 credits earned will count towards a Bachelor degree at The American University of Rome or can be transfered to any other US university.
Credits & Fees for Pathway 3:
Fall 2021: ENG 101 Writing Fundamentals plus one 100-Level course (2 x 3 Credits for a total of 6 Credits)
Spring 2022: ENG 102 Writing from Research (3 Credit course)
plus Two 100-Level undergraduate courses or one 100-Level and one 200-Level course (2 x 3 Credits for a total of 6 Credits)Total to undertake Pathway 3 with 15 credits: €10,500
This is half the price of a regular 2-semester undergraduate program.
The 15 credits earned will count towards a Bachelor degree at The American University of Rome or can be transfered to any other US university.
How do I apply?
Simply scroll down the page and fill in the application form below.
Meet the Academic Advisor
Professor Jenny Petrucci joined The American University of Rome in 2011.
"Transition to College is a very important moment in your life and the years you will spend at university will change you in many different ways. College is about getting an education but it is also much more than that. It is about creating lifelong bonds, challenging your thoughts and beliefs, finding your passions and what makes your heart sing."
Foundation English is a unique program designed to suit the aspirations of all students. Apply now using the form below or email here to make an appointment to speak to one of our admissions team.
Foundation English Application