Ciao!
Wow, where do I even begin? Rome — I will be back. Studying abroad has enriched my life in ways that are hard to put into words, but I’m going to try. This semester was truly life-changing. As someone who loves to travel and thrives on experiencing new things, studying abroad has completely transformed my perspective and my life.

Taking you back to January — I had just gotten out of a long-term relationship that had lasted since my freshman year. It was a tough and emotional time, and moving on wasn’t easy. Honestly, I was nervous about studying abroad, but taking that leap turned out to be the best decision I could have made for myself. When I arrived in January, I had no idea what to expect. I was living with four other roommates, one of whom also goes to my home university, the University of Alabama. We had actually requested to room together, but we didn’t really become close until this semester. I’m so incredibly grateful we did, because I know she’ll be a part of my life forever.

Taking you back- January was an amazing month, During this time, I started classes and began volunteering through John Cabot University, where I attend school. I got involved with Tutto Blu, a program where we meet in the mornings to hand out breakfast to people in need throughout Rome. I participated nearly every week of my study abroad experience. At the time, I didn’t realize how much I would grow to love it. I also bought a yoga pass at a local studio just a three-minute walk from my apartment. Practicing yoga daily helped me connect with locals, and since every class was in Italian, I even began to pick up some of the language. One of my favorite discoveries that month was a neighborhood restaurant called Hostaria da Corrado. The staff got to know me, and I quickly built a meaningful relationship with them. In this first month, I truly dove into building a new home for myself in Rome.

As February began, I kicked off my travels with an unforgettable trip to Budapest, Hungary, alongside three of my roommates. I had an incredible time exploring the city and soaking in the experience. Throughout the month, I started to feel more settled—getting to know my surroundings better and building a daily routine here. February was full of adventure: I traveled to Prague with my roommate Lauren from Alabama, which was unbelievably fun, and also made trips to Dublin and even Switzerland as the month transitioned into March. It was a whirlwind of new places and memories—a travel-packed month that truly felt like something out of a movie.

Now moving into March—what a month it was. I kicked it off in Interlaken, Switzerland, which truly felt like a dream come true. By this point, I was well into the semester and had really found my rhythm here. I started to feel at home: buying fresh flowers for my room each week, becoming a regular at a local restaurant where they know my usual order and save me my favorite table. March was another whirlwind of travel, especially with spring break in the middle. In addition to Switzerland, I explored Germany, Austria, Amsterdam, Slovakia, and Barcelona. It was a packed month, full of unforgettable experiences—one that felt both empowering and magical. A chapter of my life I’ll always carry with me.

April—you meant so much to me. As the month began, I started to feel the weight of how little time I have left living here. Determined to make the most of every moment, I kept working through my goal list and finally made it to Venice, a place I had never been before. Beyond traveling, I focused on giving back—handing out breakfast in the mornings to those in need and teaching English to a small group. These experiences allowed me to form meaningful connections with locals, something that deeply touched me. I also ventured to Croatia, Montenegro, and the Amalfi Coast. One of the most profound experiences of the month was attending Easter Mass at the Vatican and being so close to Pope Francis. I had the honor of witnessing the ceremonies following his passing, from the funeral to the lying in state—a moment that will stay with me forever. This month was powerful. I explored even more of Rome and felt a deep sense of joy and belonging. I’ve come to truly recognize how happy I am here and how much I’ve grown. April was a month of reflection, discovery, and gratitude.

With a little piece of every month and visits to eleven different countries, plus countless meaningful connections with locals around Rome, I can confidently say I made the most of my study abroad experience. Whether it was bonding with the people at my favorite local restaurants (I have quite a few now), running into someone I recognize from yoga on the streets of Trastevere, or visiting the neighborhood cats every single day—this city became my home. There’s something about the rhythm of life here, the warmth of the community, and the charm of this “small town within a city” that reminds me so much of my own hometown, just with a Roman twist. I’m so thankful I chose to come here with SAI. Every experience—big and small—has brought me closer to the community. Through SAI programs, I found not only lifelong friends and a support system, but also access to meaningful volunteer opportunities that enriched my time here in ways I never expected. I’m proud of myself for taking the leap to study abroad. I truly feel like I lived the best semester possible, in the best place possible. And as I’ve said before—Rome, I will be back.

Written by: Hannah, Spring 2025 Rome student from University of Alabama