Cybersecurity in Global Context: Hands-On Learning Experience in St. John’s Rome

What is the Cybersecurity in a Global Context program?

The Cybersecurity in a Global Context program is a short-term study abroad program at St. John’s University’s Rome, Italy, campus. It is scheduled during spring break and offers hands-on cybersecurity experience to St. John’s students. It was launched by Suzanna Schmeelk, D.P.S., Ed.D., Assistant Professor of Cybersecurity and Director of M.S. in Cyber and Information Security, The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies, and Denise M. Dragos, Associate Professor, Division of Computer Science, Mathematics, and Science. 

With the world becoming ever more connected via the internet on the heels of the pandemic, Spring 2024 marked the first opportunity students, 17 in total, could join Dr. Schmeelk and Professor Dragos in Rome to learn about cybersecurity through a global lens while also appreciating Rome’s rich history.

My Reflection in Rome  

Exactly one week ago, after writing this blog, I would have been enjoying dinner in Naples, Italy, as part of the day trip a few friends and I took during our free day during the Cybersecurity in a Global Context program. The week-long embedded program in Rome, Italy, was one of my life’s best experiences as I visited Europe for the first time and looked at cybersecurity through a global lens.

Hands-On Cybersecurity Experience While Studying Abroad 

Overall, the trip holds personal and professional importance to me. After interning with EY as a Cybersecurity Consultant during the Summer of 2023, I realized how important it is to consider other world regions’ cybersecurity practices and measures, as the United States can always be inspired and adopt successful principles or learn from their mistakes. While I always knew how global an issue cybersecurity was, the internship and this trip emphasized this fact.

Of course, Italy, the place I got to call home for a week, is part of the European Union. During this program, I had the privilege of deep-diving into some of the proactive measures taken by the EU, especially regarding artificial intelligence (AI). Throughout the trip, I took notice of the data privacy principles when visiting websites in Italy and how their regulations and legislation affect internet use, as opposed to just reading about these differences while sitting in the United States. 

A Unique Look at the Program 

However, beyond just using the internet and taking note of the active legislation employed in the EU, we got to bring the beauty of the Cyber Security Systems program at St. John’s to the Rome campus and engage in some fantastic hands-on labs, including accessing the dark web and setting up wireless networks. These labs opened my eyes to how attached the internet is globally, how cybercrime could be committed anywhere, and how to configure a wireless router, which could double as a VPN server. They were an excellent addition that I will be proud to add to my résumé, discuss during an interview, and showcase to other cybersecurity experts.

The program also featured a wide variety of activities, such as speakers representing the Federal Bureau of Investigation stationed at the US Embassy and a local cybersecurity firm, and fabulous tours of the city center of Rome and within the Vatican, including a trip to the Swiss Guard Barracks, the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Radio Museum. The speaking engagements and tours created an unforgettable experience that enhanced the program and produced an excellent, unique learning experience that I would recommend to any student.

Final Thoughts  

This short-term study abroad program was a fantastic avenue to learn about global cybersecurity practices and to create new personal memories with close friends. The week in Rome has generated long-term friendships and memories that give me even more reasons to return to Rome and make new memories.

Additional St. John’s University Resources 

• Cyber MS program 
• Fast Track program page
• Cybersecurity in a Global Context Webpage. 
• Read another St. John’s blog post on how “Students Benefit from Hands-On Learning at the Sanford Family Cyber Security Lab.” 
• Cyber Security Systems, Bachelor of Science