SAI friends & roomates at the Dolomites!

My time studying in Rome has been an absolute dream and everything and more that I hoped for when I decided to go abroad. I learned so much, built lifelong friendships, and got the opportunity to travel to some of my dream destinations. Achieving the Global Leadership Certificate through SAI shaped a considerable part of my time abroad and contributed to my personal development alongside my adventures. This certificate program collaborates cultural learning with community service and has created a more immersive experience for me.

The most beautiful town: Hallstatt, Austria

As part of my community service, I volunteered at a local homeless shelter which was especially eyeopening for me as I got to engage with locals, and gain a greater understanding of the political and social atmosphere in Rome. As I am studying international studies, I am particularly interested in cultural learning and engagement – the opportunity to participate in volunteering is something that I would recommend to any student studying abroad regardless of whether they are achieving a certificate.

In addition to service hours, I got the opportunity to research and write about a passion of mine – global sustainability, while zoning into the conversation of waste management. Living in Rome and seeing improper trash and waste management inspired me to tackle this issue and apply what I had learned firsthand to an incredible field of research. While I got to learn about systemic issues in Rome and internationally through lectures at JCU, the volunteer hours and personal application to global issues enhanced my learning and development.

SAI friends at the Eiffel Tower, Paris!

I am so grateful for the Global Leadership Certificate as I got to experience Rome on a much deeper level and has strengthened my leadership skills and confidence level as I pursue future endeavors in the field of international studies.

Written by: Cassandra, Fall 2024 JCU student, from Emmanuel College