May 13, 2025
St. John’s University’s Office of Global Programs and The School of Education (SOE) partnered with local teachers from the I.C. Claudio Abbado Giovanni XXIII Middle School and the I.C. Claudio Abbado Ermenegildo Pistelli Elementary School in Rome, Italy, to offer a study abroad program during the Spring 2025 semester.
The participating public school and SOE faculty mentored the undergraduate education majors’ weekly student teaching in local schools. The experience contributed to shared learning about Italian and American educational philosophies and teaching English as a foreign language.
“Every time our students study abroad, they learn so much,” said James D. Wolfinger, Ph.D., Dean, The School of Education. “This experience makes them worldlier, as well as better teachers and global citizens. I’m thrilled they were able to take advantage of this opportunity.”
During the spring semester, students at The School of Education fully engaged in their coursework, benefiting from a dynamic learning experience. They attended classes in person at the vibrant Rome campus while also accessing the enriching online courses offered through the Queens campus. This dual-format approach not only expanded their knowledge but also provided them with the flexibility to thrive in their education.
Participants (from left to right):
Valeria Asquini, teacher; Elisa Bracalente, Assistant Director, Rome location; Simona Ciavolella, Coordinator of Academics and Program Development, Rome location; Samuel Rivera, SOE student; Daneiela Bermudez, SOE student; Gwyneth Boccio, SOE student; Amelia Wojtkowski, SOE student; Kaitlyn F. Messina, SOE student; Caterina Visocchi, teacher; Sophie Liu, SOE student; Cristina D’Amico, teacher; and Mary Ann Maslak, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, The School of Education).
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