Studying abroad enhances understanding of diverse cultures and perspectives, helping students to examine issues more thoroughly, think critically, and advocate effectively. This invaluable experience fosters a deeper awareness of the interconnectedness of our world, empowering students to become more empathetic and insightful legal professionals.
This summer, four dedicated students were granted the opportunity through the financial support of donors to embark on a transformative journey through the Temple Law Rome Summer Study Abroad Program. Their experiences serve as a testament to the power of exploration and learning, as they delved into the rich legal landscape of Rome.
Miguel Angel Gonzalez (LAW ’28)
“My time in Rome gave me a much more concrete understanding of how law is shaped by history, culture, and the institutions around it. One of the most memorable parts of the program was studying the legal history and sovereignty of the Vatican while living only a few minutes away from it. Being able to walk through Rome and see places we were discussing in class made subjects that can sometimes feel abstract much more tangible. Outside of class, I tried to take full advantage of being in Italy by visiting places such as the Colosseum, Capitoline Museums, Ara Pacis, Palazzo Altemps, San Pietro in Vincoli, Tivoli, Naples, and Sorrento. As someone who has always been interested in Roman history and Renaissance art, having those experiences alongside my legal studies made the program especially meaningful to me.
The program also broadened the way I think about legal systems beyond the United States. Through courses that compared American, European, and international approaches to subjects such as employment law, sports law, negotiation, mediation, and sovereignty, I became much more interested in how lawyers navigate differences between jurisdictions and legal cultures. I also had the opportunity to work closely with other Temple students, professors, and guest speakers in a smaller and more collaborative environment than a typical semester. The scholarship I was awarded made this experience significantly more accessible by helping reduce the financial burden of studying and living abroad, and it allowed me to take fuller advantage of both the academic program and everything Rome had to offer outside the classroom. I am extremely grateful for that support and for the opportunity to participate in the Rome program.”
Kelly Miller (LAW ’27)
“I am extremely thankful for the gift I received, which helped me broaden my global and legal perspectives while traveling across Italy and Europe. I had the privilege of learning about the Italian legal system and how it differs from our own. Learning about other legal systems across Europe gave me a new appreciation of the uniqueness of the U.S. legal system and trial advocacy.
Through several networking opportunities, I connected with legal professionals and fellow students. As a transfer student, the program allowed me to build close connections with professors and fellow students that I otherwise would not have had the opportunity to make. The program’s activities helped me meet great friends with whom I traveled to Florence and Torvaianica Beach, went to concerts, and shared countless lunches and dinners.”
Noemie Peou (LAW ’27)
“My time in Rome was an incredible opportunity to broaden my perspectives about the law. Through meeting lawyers in numerous fields, from sports law to data privacy law to constitutional law, I was able to expand my legal community, learn about new areas of international law, and see the ways in which the American law system is unique, as well as its similarities to Italian law. In addition to meeting leaders in their legal fields, my classes prompted me to consider all of the ways that law impacts our lives while traveling, whether it be regulations surrounding a World Cup match, protections for Roman bus drivers on strike, or privacy protections while working within the EU. The scholarship I received allowed me to get to know Italy in a way that I would not have been able to otherwise.”
Elizabeth Van Laeken (LAW ’28)
“The Temple Rome program is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. The coursework was interesting and truly unique to a legal study abroad program. The professors were excellent, the field trips were phenomenal, and the opportunity to create genuine connections with Temple professors, Italian professionals, and my peers was unforgettable. I would not have been able to attend without the generous donors that create scholarships for this program.”
As they return with newfound insights, each student is better equipped to navigate the complexities of law in the U.S. and abroad. Temple Law’s study abroad program truly transforms the world into a vibrant classroom, inviting students to explore legal concepts through a global lens.
With the support of generous donors, we continue to ignite the passions and ambitions of our students, preparing them to face the challenges of the future with resilience, creativity, and compassion. Their stories remind us that in the pursuit of knowledge, we also discover the profound connections that unite us all.
