The opportunities provided by Geneva College’s semester in Rome are international in scope—but this study-abroad program began with a simple email. After hearing from members of a fellow Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU) institution that a property was available in Rome for potential study-abroad programs, Geneva staff and officials lept at the chance to develop a humanities-focused program for a campus at the location.

Quickly, this idea became a reality. In fall 2009 students began to attend the Semester in Rome. Since then, more than 125 students have participated in Geneva’s faith-centered humanities program.

While many colleges and universities offer similar study-abroad semester options, Geneva’s program differentiates itself by incorporating faith and learning. “Faith integration is central to Geneva College’s mission and permeates all of our courses,” says Dr. Jeff Cole, director of the Semester in Rome program and professor of history and humanities at Geneva.

“From the beginnings of the Semester in Rome program four years ago,” explains Dr. Cole, “the college has been committed to having a Geneva professor in residence so that the faith integration that occurs in courses on our Beaver Falls campus also occurs in Rome.” Faculty members are assigned for two-year rotations, where they teach and live on-site with their students. Because of this learning/living environment, the non-traditional classroom in Rome provides unique mentor/student relationships.

Students from Geneva along with other colleges and universities are encouraged to live out their faith by volunteering to teach and help with an English as a Second Language program offered by a local Protestant church. Other volunteer and ministry opportunities are available to promote student interaction and engagement with the Italian culture around them. Through another partnered Christian organization, students can help serve meals to refugees living in Rome and minister to the homeless at one of the city’s train stations.

“Geneva has a strong tradition of study in the humanities, and the Semester in Rome builds upon and enhances that tradition by focusing in on one of the areas of the world most crucial to the development of Western culture,” says Dr. Cole.

While in Italy, students not only hear lectures about Renaissance art and architecture, but have opportunities to see everything with their own eyes. “I like to think of the college’s endeavor in Rome as offering participants a classroom without walls,” says Dr. Cole. “Field trips to Pompeii, Florence, Venice, and to sites throughout Rome are at the heart of the program and enhance students’ understanding of the subjects they’re studying. In addition, the formal curriculum spills over into extracurricular activities as students travel throughout Italy and Europe, visiting museums and historic sites on their own during breaks from classes.”

Dr. Sean Doyle, the current resident faculty member for the Semester in Rome program, agrees. “There is nothing quite like studying the architecture of the Colosseum and then catching the local bus downtown to stand in front of this awe-inspiring structure. These explorations add depth and immediacy to the learning experience. In addition to academic enrichment, the program stresses living together in a community of faith. Students and staff eat together, pray together, learn together, and grow together. Conversations both in and out of class often address the impact of Christian faith on our shared cultural heritage and on our individual lives. Students find the overall experience in the Semester in Rome program to be both rewarding and exciting.”

Many of the students from Geneva who take part in the Semester in Rome program come from a Reformed Presbyterian background. Recent RP participants include Kate Gordon, sophomore elementary and special education major; Ethan Joseph, senior biology major; and Lisa Wright, communication sciences and disorders major and alumna.

Kate describes herself as a visual learner who thrived in the firsthand experiences of the Semester in Rome program. “I will never forget the feeling of walking out of the metro station and seeing the Colosseum for the first time, nor will I forget the wonderful joy of experiencing a new culture and famous sights with my professor right beside me answering all my questions or discussing its significance with me,” says Kate.

“It was such a neat experience getting to learn about the history and philosophy behind certain artistic works—paintings, sculptures, architectural styles, mosaics, frescoes—and then get to actually see the work in person a few days later,” comments Ethan Joseph. “Being in Rome gave a new meaning to the humanities studies. It is easy to become detached from the material and not fully appreciate the human history behind our global society. Being in Rome changed all that. The culture is steeped in history, and the city really brings the topics to life.”

“Living with my professor and his wife was a very unique experience,” says Kate. “It can be weird at first to eat breakfast across from your professor in the morning while you cram for his quiz. But he quickly made us feel comfortable with his easygoing and caring nature. I quickly learned to love having my professor around all the time. I could ask him questions while doing homework for his class, or discuss that day’s class discussion at dinner. I will deeply miss this environment, however weird or different it may be.”

Ethan also appreciated that his study of the humanities was grounded by faith. “Throughout the semester our professor would continually bring the course back around to how it relates to us as Christians and how we think today. Christianity is the bedrock of the curriculum, and it was through the lens of a Christian mind-set that we studied the various philosophies and theologies of history.”

During the semester, students have plenty of free time on and off campus. Cooking dinner for all the students, game nights, frequent gelato trips, and late night strolls to historical landmarks are very common. Although the program takes students to sites in Pompeii, Venice, Florence, and other Italian cities, students are also encouraged to travel on their own. Spring or fall break has taken students to Paris, London, the Alps, and even Africa.

Lisa Wright remembers her time traveling with many fond memories. “My favorite memories were the little moments that made that trip my own experience,” she says. “I spent the semester with my roommate and best friend, and it was so fun to share it with her. I remember our first trip out in the city on our own when we turned the corner and practically fell into the Trevi Fountain. I remember eating Nutella crepes in Paris one evening under the brilliantly lit Eiffel Tower. I remember when we went out to dinner and the waiter apologized profusely that he was out of the pasta we had ordered, and asked if we would we mind trying the pasta his mother had made that morning!”

The Semester in Rome program continues to offer a humanities-focused study in the fall and spring semesters every year. The Rome campus is located near the heart of Rome, where students stay at a gated property located above a convent. Students from other universities are welcome to apply.

Information is available at www.geneva.edu/rome.

—Monica Miller is a 2012 graduate of Geneva College who majored in communications. As a student, she participated in the Semester in Rome program, served as vice president of the Geneva College Student Union (GCSU), and worked as an intern for the Office of Marketing and Public Relations.