Gareth Bohn, ’19

What made you want to study abroad?

I have travelled abroad to Rome before but I really wanted to live in Rome and experience a different rhythm to life away from America.

What do you like most about your classes at Temple University Rome?

The off-site excursions with the professors. The ability to experience Rome and Italy with someone knowledgeable really enriches your experience and gives you access to Italy that as an English speaker or foreigner can be very difficult to see.

What are you most excited to learn about while abroad?

I am most excited about learning about the mafia in Professor Smith’s class Sociology of the Mafia, as a psychology major is it important to learn not only about individuals but also about the larger community which they live in and how that influences them.

What do you hope to get out of this experience and how will it help you with your professional goals?

Whether or not this experience is professional development is subjective. To only see the world through the lens of professional development is too limiting. I did not come here to check off a box or add another line to my resume but to experience Rome. However this experience will affect my future job prospects, I don’t know, but living in another country exposes you to things you never expected.

What is the coolest thing that you’ve done so far while abroad?

Going on an overnight class trip to Naples with Professor Anna Tuck-Scala. Going with someone who had such a deep knowledge of Naples and of the art there gives a whole new perspective to the city and its history.

What advice would you give to students thinking about attending Temple University Rome in the future?

Temple Rome is a great base to explore the rest of Europe and Italy, but don’t forget to experience Rome. There are many amazing parts of Rome that aren’t part of the tourist circuit. Ask your professors if they have any suggestions!