Madeline Urbine, CLA '22 was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA, USA. She completed the first year of her degree at Temple Rome before moving back to Philadelphia and finishing her studies at Temple's Main Campus. Maddie is a Political Science major with a Spanish minor. 

Q&A with Maddie

Q: Why did you originally choose the Rome Entry Year Program?

Since I had spent my whole life in Philly, I wanted to experience something else before coming back to finish my degree. While I've returned to the same city, [my year in Rome] allowed me to transition and grow from a high schooler to a university student, so I have a different perspective now than before.

Q: In what ways did you grow in Rome?

In Rome, I became very conversational in Italian which was my main goal. In addition, I found a passion for Art History and am considering getting my Masters as a result of “The History of Art in Rome” class that I took. We were constantly going on on-site trips which made our lectures extremely engaging. I began my time in Rome as a shy Freshman who thought speaking to upperclassmen was extremely nerve wracking, but ended up more confident and capable in those kinds of situations.

Q: What do you wish you had known before coming to Rome? 

I wish I had known that Covid was going to cut my time short. I’m not quite sure how that knowledge would’ve changed my experience, but I think I would have been more accepting of more opportunities sooner.

Q: What's an underrated place that everyone has to see when coming to Rome? 

Go to the Botanical Gardens and Palazzo dell’Oratorio, which is between la Fontana di Trevi and the Pantheon.

Q: How would you compare your experience in Rome to your experience in Philadelphia so far?

Studying in Rome and Philly are eerily similar experiences. You go to class, do your work, and commute, but in Rome, you are surrounded by lavish architecture and awe-inspiring art. Studying in Rome is full of experiential learning, making friends, learning about yourself outside of the comfort of your home country, and personal growth. Studying in Philly feels like a much more traditional American experience, but you still are in a huge, global city with restaurants, art museums, beautiful architecture, and history. Either way, both are great experiences with many activities outside of the campuses themselves available.

Q: What are some of your future goals?

While I’m not quite sure what I want to do in the future, I am leaning towards working in sustainable development in a variety of fields such as transportation, education, or healthcare through a non-profit. If not that, I would like to go abroad and potentially teach English or maybe pursue a Masters in Art History.

Q: Do you have some advice you would give to students starting their degree in Rome?

Have fun! You chose Rome for the unique experience and perspective as opposed to beginning [your degree] in Philadelphia. Lean into that original decision and be open to new experiences. Also, do not be afraid to make mistakes which will inevitably happen when you are learning about a new culture.