During spring break 2025, two familiar faces from the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) swapped their Temple University Main Campus routines for a week of cappuccinos, ancient landmarks and an up-close look at the Temple Rome experience. Shani Beaufort, senior academic advisor and adjunct instructor, and Jennifer Johnson, associate dean of student success, traveled to Italy as part of a university initiative aimed at strengthening support for study abroad and helping more Temple students see themselves as global learners.
“It was incredible to step into the shoes of a student for a week,” said Beaufort. “Not just culturally, but structurally. In the U.S., Temple campuses spread across Philadelphia. In Rome, everything happens in one building, but students are constantly learning throughout the city. It was a dream come true for me.”
Johnson added, “The goal was to give us firsthand experience of what students encounter abroad so we can better support and encourage them. We want our students to know that this is possible and that it’s for them.”
The weeklong visit, organized by Temple’s Education Abroad and Overseas Campuses, brought together a small group of advisors and study abroad professionals from across the university and beyond. The group observed classes, joined excursions around Rome, met with students and faculty, and soaked in the day-to-day rhythm of Temple Rome life. The result? A renewed commitment to helping Temple students access global learning experiences and a growing list of ideas to make that happen.
To Beaufort, the visit was more than just a professional development opportunity; it was personal. “As an academic advisor and even going back to when I was a student, I’ve always wanted to study abroad,” Beaufort shared. “But for financial and personal reasons, I never had the opportunity. So now, I’m a huge advocate for students who want to go abroad. I always tell them, ‘Go for me, make me jealous, enjoy it for me.’”
Reflecting on her role as associate dean, Johnson shared, “In my position, I’m focused on making sure our CEHD students, including those in teacher education programs with tighter course requirements, have study abroad opportunities that align with their academic paths. It’s about connecting students to existing options and building new ones.”
Johnson is exploring ways to expand programming beyond the long standing first-year experience, Temple Rome Entry Year (TREY). That includes potential opportunities for high school students and working professionals. “We’re developing a new summer study abroad program specifically for educators,” she said. “Something that takes place after the school year ends. It would give educators the chance to immerse themselves in global learning.”
The CEHD is also working to grow what’s available in Temple Japan, exploring more specialized course offerings for both undergraduate and graduate students. “We already have strong partnerships and programs with our international campuses,” Johnson noted. “Now it’s about helping students see themselves in these spaces and encouraging them to plan early.”
Beaufort echoed that theme of early planning. “When students express interest in studying abroad, we start the conversation right away, even during [new student] orientation,” she said. “We talk about what it would mean for their academic timeline and how to make it work. Just yesterday, all three first-year students I met with said they wanted to study abroad.”
Johnson and Beaufort have been putting their Rome experience to work. Beaufort has been sharing stories from her visit with advisees, “I tell them about the excursions, who they should talk to and how to prepare.”
One of Beaufort’s takeaways is how transformative studying abroad can be. “It builds character,” she said. “Studying abroad teaches autonomy and self-discovery. Some students think they’re not good at languages, for example, but then they study Italian in Rome and surprise themselves. They realize they can adapt and explore new interests. It also teaches flexibility. We take a lot for granted in the U.S., like air conditioning or elevator access. In Rome, it’s different. That adjustment is a valuable life skill.”
Johnson emphasized the long-term impact. “When else in life will you get to spend 15 or 16 weeks in another country, immersed in a new culture, while also taking college courses?” She asked. “Students often say, ‘I wish I had done this sooner.’ It can feel intimidating, whether it’s due to cost, distance or uncertainty, but it’s worth it.”
One common concern? Affordability. “Many students come to Temple because it’s affordable,” Johnson said. “As a result, when they hear ‘study abroad,’ they assume it’s out of reach. We’re working to change that mindset and make these experiences more accessible, including seeking out donors to support dedicated scholarships.”
And while the academic side was front and center during Johnson and Beaufort’s trip to Rome, there were plenty of memorable moments. “Cappuccino vending machines on every floor, that was great,” Johnson said, laughing. “They were just one euro, and they were actually good.”
“I’m big on coffee, so that was hilarious to me,” Beaufort added. “In Italy, I went to Starbucks, ordered a Venti, and when they handed it to me, I was like, ‘This is so small. It’s not the Venti I’m used to.’ It was such a funny cultural difference.”
Other highlights included visits to the Colosseum and what was referred to as the “cat sanctuary” by many tourists, only to learn it was the site where Julius Caesar, a Roman general and statesman who expanded the empire’s territory and laid the foundation for its imperial system, passed away. “That was a humbling moment,” Beaufort said. “Just realizing how much history is embedded in every corner of Rome.”
The dean of Temple Rome, Emilia Zankina, manager of finance and operations, Sean Flender, and their host, associate dean Mary Conran, made sure the experience was thoughtful and well-rounded. Each evening, the group gathered for dinner at a local restaurant, joined by faculty or staff members from Temple Rome. “It wasn’t just the two of us,” Johnson explained. “There were also advisors and staff members from Tyler School of Art, Fox School of Business and study abroad directors from other universities. In total, there were nine of us.”
“That, to me, was very memorable,” Johnson added. “Having the opportunity to connect across departments and institutions, share meals and reflect on the experience, it made learning personal and communal.”
Johnson and Beaufort are committed to keeping the momentum for study abroad going. “We’re trying to be more visible in having students share their stories,” Johnson said. “I want to feature students who have gone or are about to go abroad. It helps demystify who goes and what it’s like.”
Beaufort will incorporate global learning into the First-Year Seminar course. “All three undergraduate CEHD advisors are teaching this fall, and we invite the Education Abroad office to take over a class,” she said. “They talk about the different types of programs, how to get involved, as well as the timelines. That usually sparks a lot of interest.”
Beaufort also hosts student panels. “We can talk all day, but when students hear from a peer who went and loved it, it really clicks,” she shared.
Representation is top of mind. Johnson emphasized, “We want to make sure first-generation students and students of color see themselves reflected in these experiences.”
The CEHD is keeping an eye on graduate study abroad opportunities. “Temple Rome is developing a summer program geared toward adults, and that could include graduate students or educators,” Johnson said. “We’re looking at ways to customize it with content like educational policy and leadership.”
Beaufort summed it up simply: “Students learn so much about themselves when they go abroad. If the opportunity is there, take it.”
Whether it’s for a semester in Rome, a summer in Japan, or a brand-new program still in development, the CEHD is making global learning a more visible and accessible part of the student experience. With early planning, strong advising and growing opportunities, more CEHD students can start to see themselves anywhere in the world.
Interested in studying abroad? Reach out to CEHD Undergraduate Student Advising or Graduate Student Advising.