What to Learn from a Tale of Building a “Campus” and Academic Program in Italy
From Dream Assignment to Administrative Reality
The article recounts the author’s unexpected shift from a long-established teaching career to becoming the founding director of a new study-abroad program in Rome. What initially seemed like an idyllic academic post quickly proved to be a demanding role centered on program development, building renovation, logistics, and nonstop administrative work. The campus opened within a year with a small group of “pioneer” students and very limited resources, requiring improvisation, adaptability, and constant problem-solving.
Rapid Growth and Institutional Impact
Within five years, the program expanded to full capacity and became a signature initiative for the college. It enriched the curriculum, strengthened faculty development, improved institutional visibility, and benefited multiple stakeholders, including the founding religious congregation. These gains demonstrated that, despite the strain and risks, a well-supported international program can deliver significant long-term value.
The Importance of Strategy, Budgeting, and Support
A key lesson is that international expansion demands careful strategic planning, realistic financial forecasting, and a clear sense of return on investment—especially for tuition-dependent institutions. Hidden costs, heavy workloads for faculty and staff, and complex legal and operational requirements can easily exceed expectations. The success of the Rome campus relied on unwavering institutional backing and strong collaboration across all levels of the home institution.
Navigating Italian Bureaucracy and Cultural Differences
Operating in Italy introduced layers of bureaucracy, from residence permits to facilities management, that required patience and flexibility. The author emphasizes the need to accept cultural differences rather than expect familiar systems. Building local relationships, joining professional networks such as AACUPI, and integrating into the local economy proved essential for overcoming obstacles and managing daily operations effectively.
Personal and Professional Transformation
Although the experience was exhausting, it was also deeply rewarding. The author highlights the personal growth that came from on-the-job learning, long-term commitment, and meaningful partnerships with colleagues and local collaborators. The original vision of intellectual exchange in an Italian café eventually became a reality—just in a different, harder-earned form.
A Long-Term Vision for International Programs
For institutions considering similar ventures, the article recommends detailed planning, conservative budgets, stakeholder alignment, and a willingness to think long term. Success is not the result of chance but of sustained collaboration, resilience, and the ability to embrace uncertainty while working toward clear strategic goals.
