Carla Wiegers is the Residence Director of the St. John’s Rome
Campus. Originally from Mendon, Massachusetts, Carla studied
Theater, Italian studies and Art History at Fairfield University.
After graduating, Carla spent 5 years working in the field of
international education before joining the St. John’s Rome team in
2010. Her responsibilities include overseeing all of the Resident
Assistants on the Rome campus and making sure that the campus life
experience for all of our students in Rome is a good one.
Carla says that she loves the sense of community that she’s been
able to develop with the resident students on the Rome campus,
which she attributes to the frequent positive interactions that she
has with them. “I’m able to see them relaxing and enjoying their
time abroad,” she explains. “It really helps to boost my
relationship with the students.” Carla also loves living in Rome,
especially for its wealth of artistic attractions. “My appetite for
performances and exhibitions is continually fueled by all the
museums and theaters in Rome and throughout Italy,” she says. And
as a trained opera singer, Carla’s been able to sing in
professional productions throughout Tuscany and Rome.
To newcomers, Carla recommends the Pantheon and the catacombs near
the famous Appian Way as must-see attractions. She also recommends
that first-time travelers come prepared. “Get a guide book!” she
suggests (Let’s Go is her personal preference), “And
remember, you are a guest in someone else’s country. Be kind and
courteous. At the same time, remember that you will stand-out as a
tourist. Keep your wits about you.”