There's More to Your Roman Semester Than
Just Rome!
One of the most exciting parts of the study abroad experience is
the opportunity to travel beyond the borders of your host city.
With that in mind, we've added several opportunities for our
students to explore the cultural diversity of both the nation of
Italy and the mediterranean region!
First, you'll expand your Italian experience through our weekend
excursion program. Twice during your semester in Rome, you'll
travel with St. John's faculty and staff for sightseeing and
educational exploration around Italy. One of our experienced
faculty members will guide you on a tour through the historical and
cultural landmarks of Florence, Siena and Pompeii, three of
Italy's "must see" cities. You'll gain a greater understanding of
the breadth of the Italian cultural landscape as you take in all
that these beautiful cities have to offer.
Then, at the end of the semester, you'll embark on a five-day
trip to Istanbul, Turkey! You'll be guided by St. John's faculty
and staff as you explore one of the greatest and most significant
cities of the ancient world.
Best of all, these trips are fully included in the program fee
for all St. John's University students!
Weekend Excursion: Florence and
Siena
Long considered one of Italy’s most scenic and historically
relevant cities, Florence embodies the spirit and culture of
Tuscany. Though smaller than Rome, the city is every bit as rich in
its historical import, and its architectural and artistic treasures
are comparable to any of Europe’s great cities. Often referred to
as the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence has been home to
some of Italy’s greatest writers, artists and political figures,
including Dante Alighieri, Michelangelo Buonarroti and Leonardo da
Vinci. You'll also see Siena, a city rich in gothic architecture.
Exploring these two cities together will allow you
to experience the full breadth of Tuscany’s great history.
You’ll be guided by a member of our Rome campus faculty, who will
explain the long and fascinating history of the city’s people,
politics, art and structures from an expert’s point of view,
drawing connections and showing contrasts between the cultures of
Florence, Siena, Rome and other major Italian and European
cities.
Day Excursion: Pompeii
Since its discovery in 1749, Pompeii has been the ultimate
history lover’s dream. This small city just outside of the bustling
metropolis of Naples, frozen in time when it was buried by an
eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, is one of the
best-preserved examples of architecture and life in the Roman
empire. It’s also one of Italy’s most popular destinations for
tourists and students looking for a truly unique experience on
history. Pompeii is one of the few places where roads, houses and
artwork from the ancient world can be seen almost exactly as it was
thousands of years ago, and you’ll have the chance to experience
all of this and more with the guidance of one of our experienced
faculty members.
End of Semester Excursion: Istanbul,
Turkey
Istanbul, the only city in the world situated on two continents,
has been a major crossroads between civilizations throughout its
history. Capital of multiple empires, Istanbul’s status as
cultural, political and financial center of modern Turkey makes it
the quintessential contemporary megacity. The clearly visible
stratification of different historical periods, inherent
multiculturalism and blend of religion and secularism makes this
city a tremendous destination for students, particularly those
interested in connecting Western and Eastern urban cultures,
philosophies and spirituality. Connecting Rome with Istanbul
will create an ideal bridge from which to understand our own
Western culture as the product of multiple influences.
More information about Istanbul, Turkey can be found on the
Lonely Planet Website.