Johnson Discovers New Ways of Learning Through Rome Center Experience

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Jordan Johnson in front of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.

Jordan Johnson, a fourth-year marketing major from Harrison, had always wanted to travel the world and explore new cultures. But when she pursued a study abroad opportunity through the Rome Center, she didn't anticipate it would also change the way she learned. 

Johnson studied in Rome during the summer semester, taking various classes for her degree such as Global Changemakers and an internship in International Studies. The Sam M. Walton College of Business student saw the opportunity as a way to explore the world while also learning new skills she could apply to her education.

"When I heard about the Rome Center and Global Studies program from a friend who studied abroad, it sounded like a perfect match for me," she said.

Studying abroad allowed Johnson to take classes that are only available at the Rome Center. Beyond the classes for her marketing degree, she took classes such as Italian Language and Culture, Global Studies, and The History of Women in Art and Architecture. The classroom excursions gave her the experience of seeing the content being covered in class in a real-world setting.

The study abroad experience broadened her perspective — not just in her personal life, but in her studies as well. She found that her education was enriched by the experience of learning in one of the most "culturally and historically rich cities in the world."

"My study abroad experience has changed the way I learn forever. The Rome Center creates an interactive learning environment that pushes students to always ask questions and dive deeper into the course content taught in the classroom," she said. "Now, I will always think about how the things I learn in my home country would apply on a global scale or in different cultures." 

Johnson holds many "amazing" memories from her experience abroad, with her favorite being the Global Changemakers course excursion where she was able to visit organizations committed to rehabilitation and second chances. 

"I never thought that for a school field trip I would get to visit a juvenile prison, a buffalo mozzarella farm, and a co-op working to give disadvantaged individuals a chance to learn skills that will allow them to re-enter society and not be defined by their obstacles," she said. "It made me feel truly immersed in parts of Italian culture that I never thought I would get to. Plus, we got to meet some amazing people and eat insanely good food." 

In her free time, Johnson explored Rome and beyond, visiting 27 cities across six different countries. Much of her travels were within Italy to explore the vast culture of the country. 

"My favorite things to do in Rome were finding the best cafes, getting gelato, visiting museums, and just walking around or taking public transport to admire the beauty of the city," she said. "My favorite Rome landmark is Largo di Torre Argentina, a plaza featuring ancient ruins that house a cat sanctuary in the middle of the city." 

"Studying abroad has given me more unforgettable experiences than I can count and many new friendships that I will keep well beyond returning home," she continued. "It has also allowed me to experience different ways of life from my own and expanded my perspective of the world. Rome will hold a special place in my heart for the rest of my life, and I encourage anyone who is considering studying abroad even just a little bit to go for it."