UGA in Rome: Reflections on a transformative summer

UGA in Rome, one of the university’s two founding study away programs, is an experiential learning opportunity that truly transforms and inspires. Students get to walk among the city's storied ruins, winding streets, fountains, palaces, and churches to encounter the history of the world’s most famous emperors, saints, and artists first-hand. Experience the Eternal City to the lens of some of the faculty involved and students who attended UGA in Rome: 

Andres Matlock bids a farewell and takes on a new role 

Pictured: current UGA in Rome director Andres Matlock (left) and former UGA in Rome director Elena Bianchelli (right) 

2025 turned out to be quite a historic year for UGA in Rome. We already knew it was going to be a Jubilee year, with all that it means for the city: the pomp, the crowds of pilgrims and onlookers, and the freshly restored monuments. Then, after the death of Pope Francis just weeks before we were set to depart, the election of Pope Leo added another level of excitement for many of our students, who were especially keen to see the first American pope. But, for the history of UGA in Rome, the most significant event of the year was the retirement of Director Elena Bianchelli. Elena served the program in many capacities over the course of nearly 40 years, including 11 years as the director.  

For me, she has been a wonderful guide, thoughtful traveling companion, and dear friend. I know that every student who traveled with her over her long tenure remembers her fondly and appreciates the legacy she leaves behind: her dedication, kindness, and unfailing recommendations for the best “gelaterie” in Rome. We held the final group meal of this summer's program in her honor, and I hope that many of those reading this newsletter will join us in celebrating and congratulating Elena. 

UGA in Rome shaped Katie McGehee college experience 

Pictured: Kate McGehee (right) and friend, Riley Wilder (left) 

My name is Kate McGehee, and I am a third-year English major in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences. This past summer, I participated in the UGA in Rome program, and months later, I can still say it was one of the most rewarding experiences during my time at UGA.  

This unique four-week program gave me the opportunity to immerse myself in a new culture while exploring the historical connections between ancient and modern Rome. The city itself became our classroom as we spent each day visiting iconic landmarks from the Trevi Fountain to the Colosseum.  

The program also provided plenty of free time for me and my classmates to embark on our own adventures, whether that be trying out different Italian restaurants and browsing local shops, or strolling through ancient parks and even attending an Ed Sheeran concert in Rome’s Olympic Stadium!  

Above all else, however, my study abroad experience in Rome has brought me lifelong friendships with other UGA students who continue to shape my college experience back in Athens, GA.  

First-year master’s student, Eli Peacock is still inspired by UGA in Rome 

Pictured: Eli Peacock  

For a month, I woke up next to the Colosseum, a wonder of the ancient world and our modern metro stop. This summer, I was lucky enough to go on the UGA in Rome program with Director Matlock and Director Bianchelli.  

As we experienced the Eternal City, our professors encouraged us to consider the layers of history shaped over thousands of years. I went expecting the ancient world but found myself enthralled by everything between now and then.  

We learned about Renaissance palazzi and Grand Tour collections and modern rediscoveries. Our professors taught us to critically examine the context of creation but also the contexts of preservation that allow us to see slices of the ancient world today. Though any trip to Rome would certainly contain great wonder, there was so very much to gain from the brilliant professors and peers I was able to learn from.  

From ascending Athens’ Akropolis on our first morning to visiting Rome’s Trevi on our last, this program was truly inspiring, and I cannot more highly recommend it.