Seton Hall University

"Rome is not like any other city. It's a big museum, a living room that shall be crossed on one's toes." – Alberto Sordi, actor and director.

As she has done each summer since 2007, Italian Studies professor Gabriella Romani will head to Rome to share the city she loves with Seton Hall students. Together, they will spend four weeks immersed in Italy's timeless capital. We asked Professor Romani what students considering trading the comforts of home for a Roman holiday might expect.

What is unique about the summer study program in Italy?
I'm from Rome. I was raised there, and I love my city. I make sure students learn how to see the city through the eyes of a native. I want them to see Rome not as tourists but as Romans.

Where do students live? What is a typical day like?
Students live with local families. They attend five hours of classes every day. After class they have the opportunity to use the language they are learning while shopping and with their host family. They eat a lot of gelato and live the "life of Romans!"

What are some of the places your group will be visiting?
In Rome, we'll see the Colosseum, St. Peter's Church and the Vatican Museums. There will also be a weekend-trip to the charming Tuscan city of Siena.

Seton Hall offers faculty-led study tours to many different destinations. Why do you think it is important for students to study abroad?
It's the only way to have a more in-depth knowledge of a country and its culture. It also expands students' understanding of what it means to deal with people of a different culture and linguistic traditions. Any student who wishes to work in international business, for example, should take a program like this. Even when the business common language is English, understanding the different expectations that might come from international partners is the sine qua non of success. Living and studying abroad enhances this type of knowledge.

What else should students expect for this experience?
They learn a lot about the place they visit and live in, Rome in this case—a stunningly beautiful city—but perhaps they learn even more about themselves: their resilience, ability to adapt, their openness to new ideas—all fundamental elements in a successful career, whether in business or not. Additionally, in the case of our program, which brings students to live with local families, sometime students create life-long relationship with these families.

If you are interested in joining the study program in Rome this summer, please email Professor Romani, gabriella.romani@shu.edu.

To learn more about Seton Hall's study abroad opportunities, please visit the Office of International Programs web site.