By Frank Bruno '17

Assumption College offers a variety of opportunities for students to enhance their undergraduate experience by traveling to different cities and countries throughout the course of the year. Studying abroad, or embarking on service immersion SEND trips during winter or spring break, are just a few of the options students are encouraged to take advantage of  to obtain  new experiences outside of the classroom.

For students in Assumption’s SOPHIA program (SOPHomore Initiative at Assumption College), a two-week trip to the College’s Rome Campus, serves as an optional capstone experience in their vocational journey. SOPHIA is a College program for Assumption sophomores, and is specially designed to help students discover a deeper connection between their spiritual, personal and professional lives. This year, from May 22 through June 2, a group of sophomores, accompanied by College President Francesco C. Cesareo, Ph.D., traveled to Rome and explored various parts of the city, visiting and learning about historic landmarks, which included the Coliseum, Roman Forum, Spanish Steps and Saint Peter’s Basilica. On site, Fr. John Franck, AA, former Vice-President for Student Affairs at Assumption and chairman of the Board of Trustees, currently assistant general of the Assumptionists, served as the group's chaplain.