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For many visitors, Rome means "only" the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, splendid Baroque fountains, St. Peter's, and the bustling nation's capital. LdM students discover it is much more. Courses at LdM Rome explore such aspects of the city as the business world, distinctive neighborhood, international organizations like the FAO, Rome's place in cinema history -- and the environment. Not only are there three courses in Environmental Studies, the program continues a special Green Policy adopted two years ago.
The evolving Green Policy relates to the LdM Mission and Core Values, since it is meant to lead student to relate to others with civility and consider a sustainable lifestyle. But it has been successful because it is based on small, simple, daily actions within everybody's reach, building awareness of a way of living in which technology is "a means and not an end". To achieve Policy Goals, LdM Rome has put in place steps to cut down energy consumption, reduce waste, diminish excessive printing, recycle paper, and differentiate refuse. Small steps include encouraging students to reuse bottles and use the water available through Rome's public taps. Most of Rome's water is conveyed by historical acqueducts, and it is pure, regularly tested, and delicious. LdM Rome feels that study abroad is a natural place for young people to think about the ethical issues these activities represent. Rather than encouraging waste, why not build good habits and student creativity into the experience, using the school as a model for organizations?
A case in point is the Slow Down! Day, now a regular site event. A set of activities including talks by LdM instructors invite students to disengage a little from the "virtual" world of the internet and explore the real world of the place and people around them. Spending time to evaluate the "Slow Food" approach to Italy's cuisine treasures (such as balanced meals with seasonal foods), students also discover personal wellness, a way to socialize responsibly, and a lasting connection with their adoptive city, Rome.
LdM Rome is a small, friendly campus in a big city. LdM staff and faculty nurture students through their academic and extra-curricular program by close, individualized attention. The site mission is to give students a quality academic experience that will open their minds through their exposure to the city.
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