The Thomas More College of Liberal Arts- A study abroad and a pilgrimage Past Review

By (Political Science, The Thomas More College of Liberal Arts) for

Italy Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about the Roman culture- both religious and secular. I gained an appreciation for poetry, art, and architecture. I was also able to develop spiritually in a way I did not think possible. I had the amazing opportunity to see the holy father many times.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Students lived in a 17th century Roman Villa that was converted in to a Maronite-Catholic monastery. The monastery grounds, which are filled with gardens, orange trees, fountains, and olive grove, and a soccer field is protected by a large fence and a gate with key access. Each student is provided with their own key. This is located within a 25 minute public bus ride to the center of Rome. Mass is available every day at 6:30 am in the Chapel located in the Monastery. Mass is in the Maronite rite. Internet access is provided in every students room. Bedding is provided.

* Food:

All meals are provided to students as it is included in the tuition and housing fee. The food freshly made by professional Italian cooks. They always have bread and fruit available. First course is either a soup, risotto, or pasta. The second course is a type of meat or fish with a veritable, and a wide variety of side dishes. Every meal was a pleasant surprise.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There are many organized trips around Italy. These trips are all depended on where the students would like to go. The program can get students tickets in to several papal events/masses.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

One needs to be smart when traveling around Rome. Pick-pocketing is a common problem for students and tourists.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
Language acquisition improvement?

I practiced Italian with a private tutor that came to the school. We were also able to practice with locals, our residence director and the cooks.

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Take advantage of every opportunity given to you. A student that appreciates, or wants to gain an appreciation for art, classic books and religion.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Humanities IV: Approaches to the Eternal City

Course Department: CLST 305- exh
Instructor: Dr. Paul Connell
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This class allows sophomores during their Rome semester intensively to study authors and works from a variety of periods that deepen their experience of Roman, Italian, and European culture. Texts and authors include Livy, the Roman poets, The Epistles of St. Peter, Marcus Aurelius, Leo the Great, St. Francis of Assisi, Dante, Boccaccio, Shakespeare, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Hilaire Belloc, Ezra Pound, and Romano Guardini.(From http://www.thomasmorecollege.edu/academics/semester-in-rome/course-descriptions/) This course is set up to help the student understand the founding of Rome and the establishment of western civilization.
Credit Transfer Issues: No.
Course Name/Rating:

Poetics

Course Department: English 90-exg
Instructor: Dr. Paul Connell
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This class is an intensive examination of the traditional role poetry has played in deepening our understanding of the nature of language. In conjunction with the writing tutorials, this course develops the student’s basic knowledge of figures in language, as well as the means to communicate the tone and dramatic situation of a poem. The whole course explores the way poetry can help us to become attuned to the goodness of reality. Authors and texts include: Aristotle’s Poetics, Robert Penn Warren and Cleanth Brooks, Understanding Poetry, the English poet community in Rome (Keats, etc.), Richard Wilbur, and Robert Frost. (http://www.thomasmorecollege.edu/academics/semester-in-rome/course-descriptions/) By the end of this course you will develop a new appreciation for poetry as well as form a new perspective on how to interpret poetic elements.
Credit Transfer Issues: No.
Course Name/Rating:

Mysterium Salutis: The Teaching of Saint Paul

Course Department: RLST TLL - EXG
Instructor: Msgr. Soseman
Instruction Language: English
Comments: A careful journey through the writings of St. Paul with the goal of attaining a clear understanding of the mystery of salvation. In addition to the Pauline corpus, students will give serious consideration to the commentaries of the Fathers of the Church and St. Thomas Aquinas. (From http://www.thomasmorecollege.edu/academics/semester-in-rome/course-descriptions/). This course has a unique Catholic perspective as it is taught by a Roman Catholic Priest.
Credit Transfer Issues: No.
Course Name/Rating:

Art and Architecture

Course Department: ARTH 306 EXG
Instructor: Dr. Connell
Instruction Language: English
Comments: An introduction to the patrimony of ancient and Christian art and architecture, with extensive site visits in Rome, Lazio, Umbria, and Tuscany. The ‘texts’ will principally be the buildings, sculptures, and paintings themselves, but students will also be asked to reflect upon the nature and purpose of the arts through reading selections from Vitruvius, St. John of Damascus, Abbot Suger, Alberti, Josef Pieper, and John Paul II.(From http://www.thomasmorecollege.edu/academics/semester-in-rome/course-descriptions/) This class is always in the city. Students will see the development of Art and Architecture through the history of Rome.
Credit Transfer Issues: No.