Author: Jacob Fotenopulos | Major: Industrial Engineering | Semester: Summer 2025
Me in St. Peter’s Basilica
This past summer, I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad in Rome, Italy, as part of the Engineering Economic Analysis program. As an Industrial Engineering major in the College of Engineering, I’ve always been drawn to how systems function and improve—but what drew me to Rome was something more personal. Rome’s deep historical roots, its role as a center of early engineering, and its significance in Christianity—my faith—made it the perfect destination. The fact that it was a Jubilee Year in 2025 made this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity even more meaningful. I spent five weeks immersed in the rich cultural, academic, and spiritual heritage of Italy.
Academic Highlights While in Rome, I took two courses: Engineering Economic Analysis and Project Management. These weren’t just classroom-based lessons—they were integrated with immersive site visits that brought engineering principles to life in the real world.
In Engineering Economic Analysis, I learned essential financial tools used for decision-making in engineering—evaluating costs, trade-offs, and investments. One of the most memorable parts of this course was our visit to Hitachi Rail, where we saw the inner workings of high-speed train production. Seeing the operational challenges and innovations up close transformed abstract classroom concepts into tangible knowledge. It was fascinating to witness how economic analysis supports such massive, fast-paced infrastructure projects.
In Project Management, we explored the intricacies of planning and executing engineering projects. This course was brought to life by our visit to Enel, a global leader in sustainable energy. There, we learned how they manage large-scale energy projects while balancing environmental and economic constraints. Their dedication to clean, efficient energy solutions was inspiring and showed just how vital strong project management is to our global future.
These experiences allowed me to connect what I’ve learned in the classroom to real-world industrial applications, and I left Rome with a much more holistic understanding of the global engineering landscape.
Weekend Adventures & Cultural Exploration Outside the classroom, I was fortunate to explore Italy’s beauty and culture. Each weekend brought new adventures that deepened my connection with the country and my peers.
One of the most unforgettable trips was to Cinque Terre, where a few friends and I stayed in Vernazza. Hiking the coastline, swimming in the sea, and wandering the charming village streets gave me a sense of peace and appreciation for Italy’s natural beauty. Cinque Terre was easily my favorite destination—it reminded me to slow down and simply enjoy the moment.
Another highlight was a fast-paced but unforgettable journey to Naples, Pompeii, and Sorrento. Each destination had something unique to offer: Naples’ food and views, Pompeii’s haunting ruins, and Sorrento’s stunning coastlines. Our boat tour in Sorrento and the quiet time on the beach offered a much-needed reset during a packed academic schedule.
Our final group trip took us to Florence, Bologna, and Pisa. In Florence, we explored the art and architecture that have made it a cultural treasure. We revisited Hitachi to further explore their train systems, and in Bologna, we visited Interporto and the Ferrari Museum, diving deep into logistics, supply chains, and automotive innovation. Finally, our quick stop in Pisa gave us time to marvel at the iconic Leaning Tower and enjoy one last incredible Italian meal with friends.
Living Rome: Faith, History, and Daily Life Rome itself was an experience like no other. From visiting the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica to standing in awe beneath the Sistine Chapel, I felt deeply connected to my faith and its origins. Witnessing these spiritual landmarks during a Jubilee Year made the experience even more powerful.
We also celebrated Festa della Repubblica, Italy’s Republic Day, and for a moment, I felt like a true Roman. Experiencing national pride firsthand gave me a better understanding of the culture I was living in. Rome’s streets became a classroom of their own—every corner seemed to whisper stories of ancient civilizations, revolutionary innovations, and cultural evolution.
Walking through the Colosseum and Roman Forum, I could sense the echoes of Rome’s complex society—its political structures, its engineering marvels, and its enduring cultural legacy. Even trips to sites like the travertine quarries revealed the depth of Roman influence in architecture and construction. Each moment gave me a deeper appreciation for how much our modern world owes to this ancient city.
Final Thoughts Looking back on this experience, I’m filled with gratitude. My time in Rome was not just a study abroad program—it was a transformative journey. I grew academically through challenging coursework and engaging site visits, professionally through exposure to industry leaders, and personally through friendships, faith, and unforgettable travels.
Rome taught me how to blend history with progress, tradition with innovation, and reflection with ambition. As I return to my studies, I carry with me not just knowledge and skills, but perspective—a clearer view of the world, of engineering, and of myself.