Perspectives on Assumption’s Rome Program

Keegan McLeod

Staff Writer

Assumption is fortunate to have its own campus in Rome, Italy, but for whatever reason, a very small fraction of students end up taking advantage of the opportunities it promises.

I was lucky enough to experience Rome for eight days with Assumption’s SOPHIA program last May, and walked away holding the experience very dearly, as did all the Assumption travelers with whom I have spoken to.

The SOPHIA Program is no longer holding its annual capstone trip to Rome starting this year for a variety of reasons, but hopefully that is not an indicator for worse to come.

My goal is that from hearing Assumption perspectives, this will help to answer some questions potential travelers may have so that they may decide to take the leap and experience the Eternal City for themselves.

The deadline to apply for the Rome summer program is coming up on March 17^th.

The month-long trip is the perfect opportunity for students who want to experience Rome, but who either cannot or do not want to spend an entire semester abroad.

Professor BJ Dobski, who will be leading the trip this year, points out this is an especially great opportunity for student athletes, science majors, and education majors.

Dobski is excited to be teaching a Political Philosophy class centered around Roman thinkers like Livy, Marcus Aurelius, and Machiavelli, as well as various works of Shakespeare set in Rome.

He recalls reenacting the assassination of Julius Caesar at the Curia of Pompey where it took place while reading the account with his class during the Spring of 2019. This is just one example of how the city becomes a classroom with limitless opportunities.

Zachary Deschenes 26’ took a Health and Human Services class with the summer program in 2024, part of which involved “Looking at architecture and accessibility and comparing it to the U.S.”

Professor John Bell will be teaching an American History course this summer focused on how Roman ideas, culture, and architecture influenced the American founding. This will surely bring ample opportunities to intentionally explore the city as well.

Living in Rome for a whole semester creates even more chances for adventure within Italy and beyond.

During her semester abroad in the Fall of 2023, Taylor Adduci 26’ traveled to Switzerland, France, England, and Ireland, as well as other Italian destinations like Florence, Puglia, and Sorrento.

She tells me that these trips were easy to make, and in many cases she “planned them on Wednesdays and went that Friday.”

Robert Mullins 26’, who is currently spending this Spring semester abroad, also shared his thoughts on the ease of traveling. “I know now that you can get an Airbnb basically anywhere and as long as you shell out a few bucks for a bus or train ticket, you’re basically set,” he said.

So far, Mullins has been to Milan with the Assumption program and has traveled independently to Naples and parts of Sicily. This year’s summer program includes a weekend trip to Florence and two free weekends to travel independently.

The general consensus from the travelers about speaking Italian is that knowledge of basic words and phrases is enough to get by, especially since so many people speak English in Rome, although knowing more is always helpful.

Deschenes 26’ says that knowing “hello” and “thank you” was basically all he needed to get by for a month. Adduci 26’ notes that taking Assumption’s Italian class while abroad was incredibly valuable for her learning progress.

Italian language courses are always offered for students spending the semester in Villino Dufault to supplement what they learn from immersing themselves in the local culture.

For students hesitant to study abroad for financial concerns, there is some silver lining.

Although traveling costs add up, Assumption students pay the same price they would for a regular semester of school, including their financial aid.

This includes a light breakfast and dinner from a private chef most days. The costs are obviously different for the summer program, but the expenses cover metro passes, tickets to events, and some food on campus. Mullins 26’ says it is easy to eat on a budget “unless you look out for only high-end restaurants.” He recommends avoiding “touristy looking places” in favor of local cuisine, which is often cheaper and better.

Among many things, Rome is known for being the center for the Catholic Church given its history and being the home of Vatican City. Whether it be lighting candles and saying prayers for loved ones in the city’s myriads of churches or standing in awe of cathedrals built on the backs of believers who knew they would never see their final products, the opportunities for spiritual growth are immeasurable.

Professor Dobski describes these types of encounters as “overwhelming” in the ways “the soul and the body respond together” in the presence of such beauty and excellence.

With the chance to learn, grow and explore in a private group with its own campus, the study abroad experience is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity. Assumption needs people to keep taking advantage of this chance, especially so that it can be available for the next generations of students. Consider this your sign to go and be a part of it.