As the familiar chill of autumn sweeps across Villanova’s campus, there is so much excitement. Basketball season is just around the corner, the new holiday Starbucks menu is arriving and it’s finally cold enough for hoodies and sweatpants. However, a notable absence can be felt among the student body. It is common knowledge that every semester, hundreds of students make the decision to study abroad, but what makes these programs so special?
Studying abroad is a rite of passage for many Villanova students, and is often regarded as transformative. Junior Shay McDowell is a computer science major and French minor currently studying in Rome as a part of the Computer Science Department’s Vatican and Rome Internship Program. McDowell was drawn to the program because it aligned perfectly with her interests. She has found that her academic pursuits blend well with daily life in Rome.
“On a typical day, I go to work just outside Vatican City at Radio Vaticana, where me and my fellow Villanova intern Christina Alyskewycz are working on making improvements to a virtual tour of St. Peter’s Basilica,” McDowell said. “Around lunch time, I leave and go to classes. I take sociology, upper level theology and Italian. Usually after class, I’ll do something with friends like aperitivo or dinner or just walking around. Gelato is always an option, too.”
Villanova’s programs are tailored specifically to students’ interests, boasting large ranges of relevant and interesting courses to choose from. Outside of the classroom, programs incorporate incredible and unique opportunities that further enhance students’ experiences.
“One of my favorite parts of my experience happened this past Wednesday when I was able to attend the papal audience,” McDowell said. “It was absolutely surreal. I was in the front row in the uppermost section, and at one point the Pope was so close that I could have reached out and touched him. It was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
It’s definitely not every day that you’re face to face with the Pope. Furthermore, amazing experiences like these are not available through every university. Liz Campanella, Director of Villanova’s Office of Education Abroad, has spent almost 20 years sharing her enthusiasm for travel and learning with Villanova students.
“A lot of our Villanova programs that we offer are in locations that are off of the traditional tourist paths,” Campanella said. “This includes Galway, Ireland, Cadiz, Spain, Urbino, Italy and Lille, France – these are our main semester program locations, though we also offer programs in London, Singapore and Sydney.”
Another unique aspect of Villanova’s study abroad options is that there is truly something for everyone who is interested.
“Students aren’t limited to just Villanova-run programs,” Campanella said. “Students also have the opportunity to study with any of our partner programs all over the world.”
For example, Natalia Garcia Luna is a junior biology major studying in Copenhagen, Denmark, on a program run by DIS. DIS is one of the organizations Villanova partners with to broaden options for students.
“I love my program because they take us to other countries,” Garcia Luna said. “I am in the Medical Practice and Policy program and in two weeks, my class is going to Prague and Krakow to learn more about their healthcare systems.”
Studying abroad can also help broaden one’s worldview and expose one to new cultures. Garcia Luna has enjoyed the independence and freedom she has gained on her program.
“I can usually relax during the weekends and go to new museums or restaurants,” she said. “I’ve learned that doing things alone can be just as fun as doing stuff with friends. I love wandering and getting lost in the streets. I have discovered so many local bakeries and stores by doing this.”
Some students may look at their friends abroad and feel inspired, jealous or even a sense of admiration. While studying abroad is not everyone’s path, any student interested should do further research. It could turn out to be one of the best times of your life.
“This experience has really helped me grow in my independence, and I have learned a lot about what I want my post-grad life to look like,” McDowell said. “Throughout my time here, me and my friends often find ourselves asking, ‘How is this real life?’ There are also a lot of Villanova students on my program with me who I had never met before coming to Rome, but now we are great friends and travel together on the weekends.”
Campanella had a similar sentiment in her advice to students considering studying abroad.
“Go into it with an open mind, be flexible, things will change, experiences will surprise you, you will surprise you and not everything will turn out the way you envisioned,” she said. “Push yourself outside your comfort zone. Take a class that you can’t take here at Villanova. Don’t come home with the same friends you left with.”
