Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website

A group of undergraduate teacher education students from the School of Education (TSOE) recently had the opportunity to participate in a semester-long study abroad program in Rome, Italy. This unique program, the first of its kind, is a collaboration between an American university's School of Education and local Italian schools.

The goal of the program is to provide students with both theoretical coursework and practical teaching experiences. The students take core courses in liberal arts taught by Italian professors on the Rome campus, as well as online courses aligned with the Spring semester in New York. In addition, they also take education courses on the Rome campus and have the opportunity to observe, team-teach, and solo teach in local Italian classrooms.

"We believe that studying abroad is a life-changing experience for our students," says the spokesperson for the School of Education. "It opens their eyes to different ways of life and promotes a deeper sense of understanding and tolerance."

Throughout the program, the students engage in intercultural communication in both Italian and English. They also grapple with the complexities of teaching English language learners in the Italian school setting.

"This experience has been incredibly valuable for me as an aspiring teacher," says one of the students. "I have learned so much about different teaching methods and how to adapt to different cultural contexts."

In addition to their academic pursuits, the students also have the opportunity to pursue their individual interests. They write and reflect on personal, professional, and cultural goals on a weekly basis. They also engage in extracurricular activities related to the intercultural experience, such as participating in service-learning activities and attending pizza- and gelato-making courses.

"The program not only provides us with valuable teaching experiences, but it also allows us to immerse ourselves in the local culture," says another student. "We have had the chance to interact with the Roman community and build meaningful connections."

The program also includes university-sponsored trips and encourages students to explore Italy and other countries in the European Union during their free time.

Overall, the semester-long study abroad program in Rome has been a transformative experience for the education majors from the School of Education. It has broadened their perspectives, enhanced their teaching skills, and fostered a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity.

As the spokesperson for the School of Education concludes, "We are proud to offer this unique opportunity to our students and are confident that it will have a lasting impact on their personal and professional lives."