This April, we spoke to University of Massachusetts students Mackenzie Lewis, Leah Kearney, Laura Schmitt, and Grace Kenney, all who studied at Pantheon Institute this Spring 2026 as part of our General Studies program. While touring the Largo Argentina archeological site, we asked them about their experience here in Rome this semester and how study abroad has impacted them.
Watch the full interview on our YouTube.
Mackenzie Lewis.
Mackenzie, a Sophomore majoring in Speech, Languages, and Hearing Sciences, said that, “One of the reasons I wanted to study in Rome is for all the history here and now I walk through history on my way to classes”. Pantheon Institute’s central location allows students immediate access to major archeological sites and historical monuments. For example, Largo di Torre Argentina, where we filmed, is where Caesar was famously stabbed in 44 BC and is on route during students’ daily commute from the Pantheon Institute residence to our main office and studio space.
“Because it’s such a close-knit program, you really get the chance to get to know so many people really closely, including your professors, all the staff, all the people in your program, and I think that’s a real opportunity.” – Leah
Grace, a Junior and Communications major, explained that experiential learning in Rome makes every class feel like a guided tour, explaining that Pantheon Institute’s small class sizes allows for the program to curate the courses to students’ individual interests. Grace also explained that the Pantheon Institute provided plenty of administrative support to ensure that their time outside of the classroom was also a rewarding learning opportunity, saying, “You feel so comfortable and welcome. … You know there is a really great support system for whatever you need”. When thinking back on the appeal of studying in Rome, Grace said, “I love how walkable the city is. Walking around, you get the history of the city.”
Grace Kenney.
Laura Schmitt.
Laura, a Sophomore and Kinesiology major, talked about the transformative value of study abroad, saying, “Exposure to a different language, a different culture, is super important. It changes your worldview”. Living and studying abroad will push you out of your daily habits and challenge your assumptions, compelling you to try new things and consider possibilities you didn’t even know existed. And even though study abroad can seem overwhelming, Rome still can feel like a home away from home. Laura explains that, “Even though it’s a big city, it still feels small and less daunting”. As a major European capital city, Rome is home to so many cultures, languages, foods, and traditions, which allows everyone to find something engaging and meaningful to them.
“It’s important to step out of your comfort zone and be willing to learn new things and try new things.” – Laura
(Clockwise top left to bottom left): Field trip in Florence; Field Trip in Pasetum; Walking Tour in Rome; Class Visit to the Vittorio Emanuelle Monument; Visit to Paestum Museum; Nutrition Class Pizza Making.
Leah, a Junior majoring in Operations Management, said that the General Studies program option at Pantheon Institute allows you to, “pick and choose what you want to do,” including both gen. ed. courses and major-qualifying course. Leah went on to explain that, “the course catalog [at Pantheon Institute] is so varied and so wide, you can really choose whatever you like to do here and I love that freedom”.
Leah Kearney.
We loved having Mackenzie, Leah, Laura, and Grace here with us this semester! From soccer games to site visits, field trips through Italy to making pizza during Nutrition class, we hope all our students discovered something new about themselves and the world around them. Like Leah said, “It’s so easy to get your bearings once you’re in it. The people are so kind and open and they want you to try and speak the language, even if you don’t do it well.” Let your road to Rome start with the Pantheon Institute!
Mackenzie, Leah, and Laura showing off their MiC card. As part of Pantheon Institute programming, all students are issued a MiC (Musei in Comune) card that allows for free entry into the Rome Capital Museum System, which includes major attractions like the Capitoline, Trajan’s Market, the Ara Pacis, and of course the Torre di Largo Argentina archeological park.
