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This summer, nine Widener University Commonwealth Law School students traded their Harrisburg classrooms for centuries-old piazzas, cobblestone streets, and a taste of Italian life. For four weeks, they participated in a study abroad program in Rome, earning five credits in international civil litigation, advising the Multinational company  on global legal issues, and global legal perspectives. 

For rising second-year law student Haley Nelson, a student ambassador at Widener Law Commonwealth, the decision to study in Italy was an easy one. 

“Italy was my number one bucket list country, and both of my grandfathers were Italian immigrants, so it felt like an invaluable opportunity,” she said. 

Nelson found herself most drawn to the advising a multinational company course, which used simulations of real-world issues. Students role-played members of Congress, judges, and the executive branch, debating new tariffs and exploring the consequences. “The class was incredibly interesting,” Nelson said.

But it wasn’t all about lectures and legal theory. The group took in the rich history of Rome, including a moving visit to the Fosse Ardeatine, the site of a World War II massacre. “We stood where more than 300 people were killed, visited their graves, and read their stories,” Nelson recalled. “The daughter of the leader who resisted the Nazis was (buried) there  with her own daughter, and she shared her memories. It’s hard to put into words how impactful that moment was.”

Classmate Thea Homan, a second-year law student interested in pursuing sports law or a related area of employment law or government law, also counted the Fosse Ardeatine visit among her most meaningful experiences. For her, the global legal perspectives course was a highlight because it blended legal instruction with cultural immersion. “We had multiple speakers and field trips that showed us not only how Italian law differs from our own but also gave us a deeper understanding of Italian culture and history,” she said. “As a history nerd, I loved it.”

Homan’s class trips included a tour of Vatican City, where the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica left a lasting impression. She also recalled the powerful moment when the daughter and granddaughter of one of the men killed at Fosse Ardeatine spoke to the class. “It was truly an experience that not many get to have, and it was a privilege to be able to speak to her and pay my respects to those good men who were taken too soon,” Homan said.

Both students agreed that the academic benefits of studying abroad extended well beyond the classroom. Homan said learning a completely different legal system helped her better analyze U.S. law and ask deeper questions about why procedures exist as they do. She even completed an internship with the Italian Human Rights International Corner, exploring areas of law she had never considered before.

Nelson says the experience gave her a new perspective, both personally and professionally. She learned how Americans are perceived abroad, the courtesies to extend to foreign business partners, and the importance of adapting to different school policies and procedures.

Their advice for other Widener Law Commonwealth students was the same: take the leap.

“My advice would be to do it,” Homan said. “Plan ahead so you can maximize your month there—book tours in English, decide what restaurants and sites you want to visit, and leave some space for spontaneous adventures with new friends.”

Nelson added, “Don’t let fear or doubt stop you. It can seem overwhelming to complete all the steps, but it’s so worth it. This truly is a once-in-a-lifetime chance, so take advantage while you can.”

Living in Rome also taught Nelson to slow down. “No one is in a hurry in Rome. Their law school education is free, and if you fail, you can go back and try again. Obviously, things are different here, but it doesn’t hurt to stop and appreciate what’s around you instead of burying yourself in work all the time,” she said.

Nelson and Homan were joined by students Stephany Borges, Cory Lightfoot, Sophie Earwood, Jacky Mouafo, Peyton Balaban, Aleigha Heimbach, and Lelah Tehmeh. Together, they not only expanded their legal education but also collected memories that will last a lifetime.

For students who are inspired by their stories and want to take part in the Rome study abroad program, planning for 2026 is already underway. The program will run from May 25 to June 19, with an information session Oct. 16 at 1 p.m.

The program is made available to Widener Law Commonwealth students under a special arrangement with Temple University Beasley School of Law, which administers it. The application is short, online, and free for Widener Law Commonwealth students. Financial aid is available, and published tuition and housing costs are around $8,500, depending on the housing option chosen. Participants can earn up to five transferrable credits and must have a GPA of at least 2.30 to participate.

To learn more, visit:
Widener Law Commonwealth - Study Abroad