Hi! My name is Maddie Getman and I am a junior at the University of Tennessee studying Marketing and International Business! Currently, I am studying abroad in Rome at John Cabot University. As the semester comes to a close I have been looking back on this experience and doing a lot of reflecting. This semester has truly changed my life.
As I sit here in my last 10 days of my time abroad, I am extremely sad to leave, but I have nothing but complete gratitude for this amazing opportunity I have been living for the last 5 months. These past few months I have flourished into a person I could have only dreamed of becoming before I flew across the world.
I’ve dreamed of coming to Rome for years. Yet, upon my arrival, I have been swept up in the excitement of traveling, making friends (and travel buddies), and seeing new places and cultures, that I have overlooked the wonders around me in this gorgeous city. I was overly ambitious at the beginning of my study abroad, planning trips for every weekend, sneaking in day trips on days off from class.
Studying abroad is often described as a transformative experience, but when you decide to embark on that journey alone, leaving behind the familiar comforts of home in California for the historic streets of Rome, the adventure takes on a whole new dimension. As I reflect on my decision to study abroad in the Eternal City, I can’t help but feel grateful for the incredible experiences and personal growth that have come my way.
Choosing to study abroad, leaving your university to live and study in a foreign country, represents the beginning of not just an adventure but the desire for discoveries. Leaping to embark on an experience full of unknowns, is more than just a want to travel but rather it embodies an aspiration to find the vibrancy of life regardless of the difficulties.
After spending a considerable amount of time over the last few weeks trying to think about what to say in this post, I can honestly say that I’ve been at a complete loss. I considered writing about all the times I was left speechless, in complete awe of the grandeur of Italy, a beauty that’s common occurrence allows it to weave into every corner and alley of the country.
To me, studying abroad is about meeting interesting and exciting people to travel, explore, and have fun with! It’s about studying in a different country, experiencing new cultures, and learning new ways to adapt, improvise, and overcome obstacles and challenges.
I spent the past semester knowing this city; its grand monuments and restaurants along with its graffiti, busted cobblestone, and unreliable buses. It is already December, and my time abroad is rapidly approaching its end. With finals a week away, I’m worried about exclusively studying and hastily packing, without being able to enjoy my final week in Rome. When will I visit my favorite restaurants for the last time?
When looking at countries to study abroad in, I found it very important to be in a place where I was excited about the culture I would be experiencing. I have always been very interested in Italy and the history of the country. When I got to Rome I was very excited to explore the city and see everything that I had only read about.
I want to highlight a very interesting and informative class that I am taking this semester at John Cabot University. This class is Contemporary Italian Society and it is a sociology class. This class has helped me adjust to life in Rome by learning about Italian culture and society. The class started by introducing the history of Italy as a country.
This class is my favorite course abroad, and one of my most challenging. Throughout the semester, we work towards filling a sketchbook with in-class and homework sketches, each week focusing on a different aspect of drawing at a different location. I’ve expanded my knowledge of drawing, Rome, and art in general in Drawing: Rome Sketchbook. For one of our first classes, we met at Capitoline Hill.
During my semester studying in Rome, I struggled with trying to do too much. Even if I checked off all the boxes on my extensive color coded bucket list, how would I know if I completed all the things people say “you just have to do ”, while abroad? Sometimes these thoughts would creep up on me while I was in bed relaxing after a long day.
One of the best parts of Rome, Italy is, in my opinion, the food. There are so many different restaurants and shops that have delicious food. I am a vegetarian and I was a bit worried about finding a variety of foods that I could eat. Luckily, that has not been an issue for me.
Signing up for study abroad alone is more common than one would think! I know, it is a bit nerve racking to go to a brand new country alone for a whole semester. However, it creates a ton of independence and personal growth. I have made great connections and memories that will last lifetimes. Keeping an open mind and willingness to adapt and learn, have made the transition into my new lifestyle seamless.
If I had more time in Rome, here is what I would have done. Learn from my mistakes! Truly, there is no way to do everything you want to do, even just within the city of Rome. Here’s my take: 1. Plan trips sooner. I took lots of great trips during the semester (Berlin, London, Marseille, Florence, Naples, Milan, Venice), but it was very back heavy.
Rome, Italy is sweltering hot during the summer. When I arrived for my semester abroad in late August, I underestimated the difficulty of managing the heat. Since then, I have learned copious strategies for dealing with the temperature. Here are my favorite, and sometimes desperate, ways of staying cool. Water The best way to get water is by filling up a water bottle at one of Rome’s street fountains, called nasone (plural nasoni) in Italian.
Hi! My name is Isabella (Izzy) Young and I studied abroad in Rome, Italy for an academic year at John Cabot. I am from Nashville, Tennessee and attend the University of Knoxville and am majoring in International business with a minor in Italian. Studying abroad in Rome for an entire year has been one of the best decisions I have made for myself.
During my semester abroad I took advantage of pursuing my lifelong dreams of traveling all around Europe. My program was focused in Rome and I knew I wanted to pick a city that had a major airport nearby for the ease of traveling as well as its own history and beauty. Just to say the least, FCO airport and I got to know each other very well.
Ciao! My name is KT Sansing and I am a junior from Point Loma Nazarene University. I have always known that I wanted to travel to new places and studying abroad has always been important to me for that reason. I chose to study abroad in Rome because of the deep history and culture here, as well as the major differences it has from living in San Diego.
Hello everyone! My name is Isabella (Bella) Cervini. My home school is Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, I am majoring in Music Business with a minor in Italian. I spent my Spring 2023 semester of Junior year here in Rome, Italy.
Hi, my name is William Johnson, I am currently a sophomore at the University of South Carolina majoring in elementary education. In the Spring of 2023 I decided to study abroad in Rome Italy at John Cabot University, I have to say that this has probably been one of the best things I have done in my life.
Studying abroad is an incredible experience that gives you opportunities to travel and interact with new cultures, but it is important to remember that you are still in school, and things like your grades can impact you upon returning home. The classes I took while abroad at John Cabot in Rome had very similar course loads and structures to classes I have previously taken at my home school.
Studying abroad is an incredible experience, but that does not mean it will not come without its challenges. It is completely normal to feel overwhelmed by living in a new place, coursework, exam weeks, or anything else that life may bring. Here are three things you can do to de-stress when studying abroad in the wonderful city of Rome. 1. Go for a walk along River Tiber Right by Trastevere, River Tiber meanders through Rome.
My name is Brooke Hornung and I am a junior at the University of Alabama studying abroad in Rome, Italy! While studying abroad in Rome, I was placed to live in the Trastevere neighborhood. It is a unique part of Rome with so much to do. Restaurants and shops of all kinds fill every street. It is always bustling with people. You truly could never get bored here!
Happy Valentine’s Day! We know there is a certain romance about being abroad, but we knew of a couple who decided on studying abroad together and caught up with them about what it has been like studying abroad with your significant other. What is your name, home school, and major? Hello! Our names are Mikah & Shlomo. We are both currently Juniors studying abroad in Rome, Italy at John Cabot University.
To start, I know this sounds like a silly question. If you’re anything like me your conception of the world might be a little, ok a lot, influenced by secondary sources (largely the media–I know–shameful). But that’s why you chose to go study abroad, no? To add to that confession, I have never been to Italy let alone Europe, so I really came into this one blind.
February 1, 2023 Bomarzo is a magical garden filled with statues from Roman mythology. You can visit this serene place and see gods, creatures, temples, and mossy scenery. Civita di Bagnoregio is a small town suspended on cliffs surrounded by beautiful canyons. It can only be reached by foot by a cobblestone path but it is filled with charming houses, little restaurants and small shops.
Christmas season is here and ever since I knew I was studying abroad in Rome, I wanted to see Rome during Christmas. Christmas is my favorite holiday and I was very curious to see how Italians celebrate their Christmas. Rome has so many different attractions and activities that are perfect for seeing the holiday’s magic. Christmas Markets in Rome.
It seems like it was only yesterday that I was arriving in Italy, ready for the semester-long journey ahead of me. From traveling to Barcelona, Switzerland, Germany, France, Greece, United Kingdom, Croatia and Ireland, I can say that my study abroad experience has been the best thing I’ve ever done for myself.
Before coming to Rome to study abroad, I was honestly scared to make this change in my life. Most people would agree that change is uncomfortable and scary. But if there is anything that I have learned from my experience thus far, it is that this uncomfortable change is necessary for growth.
When my best friend and I were creating our respective study abroad plans for Fall ’22, we joked about going early. I would always say we should just head to Europe immediately, although I knew that wasn’t possible. We were just so excited to study abroad. After joking about it a few dozen times, we began to consider the possibility. After some preliminary research, it actually seemed possible.
Studying abroad in Europe is an extremely unique opportunity. Whether you are based in France, Italy, Spain, or another European country, there are endless sights to see and places to explore in your local area. That being said, I would definitely recommend traveling to other countries as well, as each place has something new to offer.
As someone who is chronically indecisive, I never could have imagined I would willingly sign up for a semester abroad. While studying abroad is very enticing, it requires a multitude of decisions on a daily basis which, as I mentioned, is not my strong suit. However, my love for travel and my yearning to immerse myself in a culture entirely different from my own ultimately eclipsed my struggle with indecision.
This Valentine’s Day, we wanted to do something extra special! Two of our previous students, Fareeda and Steven, met while they were studying abroad with SAI in Rome in Spring 2019. They just got engaged (woo!!!) and we wanted to highlight their story, ask them how they maintained a relationship after studying abroad, and if they have any advice for prospective students. Steven and I met during our orientation outing to Ostia.
Just as there is much to do within Rome, there is much more to do outside of Rome. Take a few days to venture out and explore all of the other beautiful and fascinating places Italy has to offer. Monti Monti is a nearby suburb. By simply hopping on the bus, metro, or tram you will quickly arrive in Monti from Rome. In Monti, you will find lots of restaurants, gelaterias, but mostly thrift shops!
Living in Italy has been a dream, but I won’t lie and tell you that I have been caught off guard or confused by a number of things. While at first something was a bit difficult and frustrating, I have now learned to love and appreciate the customs behind them. Rome is a city full of culture and tradition, and I am just grateful to be able to experience it.
Studying abroad is an experience like no other for many reasons; complete immersion in a foreign city, learning a new language, befriending people you would never have crossed paths with otherwise, traveling with ease to neighboring countries, and my personal favorite: the food. Europe is filled to the brim with dozens of cultures, all with rich histories wrapped up in one continent.
I have only been in Rome for three weeks, yet every day I experience lifetimes. Centuries of history emerge around me as I simply walk to class, to the train station, to a café.
Jordan is based in Rome, Italy, and supports students on-site as SAI’s Rome Program Director. Jordan also coordinates many of SAI’s faculty-led programs in Italy. In general, what attracts most students to SAI’s program in Rome? Rome has so much to offer students with its rich history, culture, and cuisine.
Francesca completed a Gap Semester with SAI Programs at John Cabot University in Rome, Fall 2020. What motivated you to pursue a gap semester abroad? COVID was the main reason. I was going to be attending courses online, at home, and I really wanted the college experience especially because it was my first year of college. So I started looking at different options, and I came across SAI Programs.
We asked our Spring 2020 bloggers to reflect on their experience with the global COVID-19 outbreak while they were abroad. I’m a control freak by nature. I’m most comfortable when I am able to exercise control over my surroundings, which means that I plan. And plan. Excessively. The label seems to invoke negative feelings from the vast majority, but I have come to view it as a double-edged sword.
We asked our Spring 2020 bloggers to reflect on their experience with the global COVID-19 outbreak while they were abroad. When I first came to Rome I was full of excitement for the new journey I was about to start. I never thought my journey will end so soon, and how I will learn so much in such little time.
Nineteen years of living in the same place has left me feeling rather claustrophobic. While I love my hometown, there is little to no diversity of thought, culture, and background. And sometimes, I can’t help feeling as if I have been living in a box for the last nineteen years–forced to conform to the ideals of other people.
I’ll be the first to admit it – I’m restless. Nothing is ever quite enough to keep my attention for too long. Don’t get me wrong – I’ve been beautiful places that I’ve loved wholeheartedly. But after a short while, I’m craving something new. I can always go back – but there is still so much I haven’t seen. Going abroad is something I’ve dreamed about for a long time.
The Colosseum is one of the most well-known attractions in the world. It was built back in 72-80 A.D. by multiple emperors of the Ancient Roman Empire. The Colosseum was home to gladiatorial fights, reenactments of famous battles, and dramas of classical mythology. The massive oval-shaped amphitheatre could hold up to 70,000 people in it for its entertainment purposes.
What surprised you most about your study abroad city/culture? I studied abroad in Rome, Italy. This is a city that is very well known to the world. Before my study abroad semester, I thought I knew what to expect about Rome, the fashion/pasta/coffee/history capital of the world.
What was your favorite class abroad and why? My favorite class abroad was “Rome and its Ancient monuments”. This was an on-site class where we would walk to different historical and ancient monuments in Rome and learn about them as they are right in front of us. I gained greater independence and confidence through this class by meeting at our designated location in Rome every week.
What travel tips would you give someone studying abroad? With the ease of access to travel while abroad in Europe, it is tempting to want to visit as many countries as possible. However, you will regret doing this. While I obviously recommend taking advantage of cheap flight prices, I also think that a crucial part of the study abroad experience is getting to know the city you’re living in for a semester.
What travel tips would you give someone studying abroad? Traveling was a major issue for my friends and I when we first started planning trips. We got to Rome and were so excited to explore and travel so we started planning trips right from the start. None of us had ever traveled on our own so nobody necessarily knew what they were doing, which may have been our first issue.
What does your study abroad experience mean to you? When people ask what my study abroad experience means to me, it’s nearly impossible to accurately put it into words. It was truly the first time in my life that I was put into an unknown environment and had to find the tools within myself and around me to figure it out.
What was your favorite thing to do in your host city? As you can imagine, Rome is a city to be awed and enjoyed! Whether it be getting gelato as study breaks or running along the Tiber River to Vatican City, you will never be bored.
What did you learn about yourself when you were abroad? How have you changed? My study abroad experience in Italy posed itself as an eyeopener. It has changed me in ways unimaginable, and it has taught me many things about myself. I believe that although I have had prior experience of acclimating to new environments, this one has been quite different.
I arrived in Rome, Italy back on August 27th for my semester studying abroad. I have never been to Europe before, so it is easy to imagine the nervousness that was built up in me. The first thing that came to my mind was how would my apartment be with some roommates I have never met before. Our apartment is about a 20-25 minute walk from John Cabot University.
Abruzzo is a very mountainous region about 3 hours drive from Rome. There were many small towns and villages along the way. It was refreshing to be in the peace and quiet of the small mountainous town of Pacentro on the first day. Compared to Rome where you hear sirens and cars and a bunch of other sounds, it was almost like a ghost town here.
I’ve been in Rome for nearly three weeks, and so far, they have been some of the best weeks of my life! I’m still pinching myself that I’m really here for the semester. In the weeks leading up to my flight to Italy, I was so nervous and trying to soak up every bit of information I could find.
While only being in Rome for a few weeks now, I already feel like a local. Although, I love exploring new places and traveling elsewhere on the weekends, as I did with SAI this past weekend. Exploring Abruzzo was even more exciting and relaxing than I could have expected. The first day we embarked on our journey and arrived at Pacentro, where we walked around the town square and visited the Caldora Castle.
What is your favorite memory from studying abroad? My favorite memory from studying abroad was experiencing Italian lifestyle. There are many changes that I have witnessed. The biggest difference that I have witnessed was socialization. Italians tend to spend time in socializing with other people. Fact: Eataly considers socialization as a company value according to its Italian cultural values.
What was your favorite thing to do in your host city? My favorite thing to do while I was studying abroad in Rome, Italy was to take a passeggiata, or stroll, in the evenings. I would discover the most charming neighborhoods in Italy and would always find a new gelato shop! What travel tips would you give someone studying abroad?
What did you learn about yourself when you were abroad? How have you changed? While studying abroad, I came to a lot of realizations about myself. You may think of yourself as independent, and someone who wants to study abroad most likely is but being abroad really puts it to the test! I realized that I am much more capable than I originally thought!
What was your favorite class abroad and why? I took an Intercultural Communications class at JCU. This class compared the culture in the U.S. to Italy as well as other parts of the world. In the beginning this class really highlighted the differences in Rome compared to the U.S. which helped when getting comfortable and adjusting. The variety of students in the class expanded the comparison even more, having students from all over the world!
There were many moments when I attempted to blend in with my host country. Italy’s everyday culture is so different from America’s and I never wanted to stick out. I was already at a disadvantage with my blonde hair and tall height, which often made me stick out like a sore thumb while abroad. I wanted to live like the locals live and fully immerse myself in their culture as best I could.
When I first decided to study abroad I knew I wanted to do one thing, travel. Isn’t that everyone’s main goal? To go as many places as you can in the three or four months that you are there, and not go into hundreds of dollars of debt. When I arrived in Rome, I was pleasantly surprised that that was the main goal of all my roommates as well.
Lessons Learned: Avoid making mistakes that can cost you time and money while traveling: 1.) Always check to see where your hostel is located While booking a place to stay in Amsterdam, my friends and I found somewhere that was pretty cheap and what we thought was right near downtown Amsterdam, so of course, we booked it right on the spot. After we paid (and chose the non-refundable option to save €3)
1. Come Prepared One of the biggest pieces of advice I can give is to come prepared. Make sure you call your bank as soon as you know you’re studying abroad and order euros! This is typically the most affordable way to change currency. The most expensive way is in the airport through a currency exchange office, but it’s also really convenient.
Eating out in Italy is nothing like it is in the States. There are many expectations around eating out that we’ve grown up with at home, but those all need to disappear once you move across the ocean, especially if you’re moving to Italy. Italians don’t eat to live; they live to eat. One of the first, and main differences that you’ll notice when eating out in Italy is the service.
If I were to describe myself, “foodie” would certainly be at the top of the list. I really enjoy good food. Growing up, my parents instilled in me a passion for cooking quality homemade meals and indulging in fine dining. My mom’s life motto which has resonated with me is, “While many people will eat to live, I live to eat.
I followed directions from a lot of strangers, got in a van, and was dropped off with a key from the 1800’s. So, the adventure started with me boarding a flight from Minneapolis to Atlanta and then on to Rome. All my flights went really well! My final flight was actually filled with students all going to Rome for the semester.
We caught up with SAI Ambassador Yael, who took time to answer some questions about her semester in the Eternal City. What is your favorite memory from studying abroad? While I had many favorite memories and moments from studying abroad, one of my favorites is the traveling I was able to do. I have always had a travel bug within me and being abroad let that spirit roam free.
My name is Peter and I am currently completing an internship position at MedinAction. I secured this position through a connection via John Cabot University’s Center for Career Services. MedinAction is an on-demand, English-speaking medical service that delivers a qualified doctor to your home, office, or hotel. The service is available seven days a week, 24 hours a day. You can book your licensed physician online, by phone, or the app.
Upon first exploring Rome, I was very much a tourist with tunnel vision, having only a few key things I knew I “had” to see. Thankfully, time went by and I broadened my perspective, which taught me to look at the Eternal City from afar.
Rome is known as the eternal city and for all the right reasons. It has some of the most amazingly preserved ruins around the world. It seems that along every street is another ruin. There’s so much to explore in Rome, I’m not sure if there’s ever truly a way to see it all.
We caught up with SAI Rome Assistant Program Coordinator Alessandra, who talks about a weekend in the Eternal City. Move to Rome in the summer, when the heat almost splits the sidewalks open. Move to Rome without knowing which buses, trams or metros to take. Move to Rome and be confronted with hoards of tourist every single day.
These photos highlight SAI’s excursion to Abruzzo from September 14th to the 16th. This was by far my favorite trip I’ve taken so far–who wouldn’t love horseback riding, eating on the ocean, and taking a self-guided tour through a castle in the mountains? The region of Abruzzo certainly is a hidden gem, with its gorgeous scenery, unforgettable food, and charming historical towns.
It’s so god-like; the way the sun creeps through the details in the gates, the architecture, and the ceilings of various basilicas and cathedrals. The crows sincerely flock amongst the highest pillars, statues, and apartment complexes. Flowers cover terraces and rooftops, as if everyone had a garden. Everything created here seems inspiring enough. Romans cared, and still do, about glorious, gigantic creations.
On a spur of the moment decision, a roommate and I decided to go to the Amalfi Coast for a weekend getaway. We decided to go to Positano, and it was one of the best decisions we made. The views were absolutely breathtaking, the water was the clearest I’ve ever seen, and it became one of my favorite Italian trips. The whole time I was there, I couldn’t stop staring at my surroundings thinking, “I must be in a dream.
SAI caught up with SAI Ambassador Morgan, who answers some questions about her time touring Italy while studying in Rome. What surprised you most about your study abroad city/culture? Something that surprised me most about Rome was how small it felt even though it is the largest city in Italy with a population of over two million.
One of the many perks of going through SAI are their included excursions and trips, which you must take advantage of. So far, we’ve had a welcome day, which included wine tasting and a tour of Frascati, a food tour, and a weekend excursion to Abruzzo. The weekend excursion to Abruzzo is an absolute must.
SAI caught up with Ambassador Amanda, who answered some questions about her time in Rome. My advice for new study abroad students: Start a journal and keep up with it. Take lots of pictures but don’t let that distract you from the moment. Of course, take lots of trips but don’t forget to spend lots of time exploring the city that you are in.
We caught up with SAI Ambassador Kirsten, who took some time to answer questions about her time in Rome. What did you learn about yourself when you were abroad? How have you changed? I have always thought of myself as a shy and reserved person and did not like to branch out much.
We caught up with Ambassador Krystal, who spent some time answering questions about her time in Rome. What felt the most “foreign” to you when you came back to the US? Coming back was strange to me but what felt the most completely different was being able to talk to my family in one room.
We caught up with former SAI Rome student McKenna, who is now an Ambassador. McKenna reflects on her semester abroad. What was your favorite thing to do in your host city? I have many favorite things to do in Rome, but I will narrow it down into two categories: a favorite food and a favorite place.
We caught up with SAI Ambassador Christian, who reflects on his time in Rome. What was your favorite class abroad and why? My on-site urban sociology class was definitely my favorite because we met, mostly, in Rome instead of in the classroom. The professor for this class was Roman, so we learned some fascinating information about the city and saw spots in the city we might not have known about.
SAI caught up with Ambassador Lisa, who looks back at her spring in the Eternal City. What is your favorite memory from studying abroad? It snowed for the first time in six years in Rome, so my friends and I spent hours walking around enjoying the locals’ reactions to the strange weather. Seeing the Trevi Fountain covered in snow was a rare sight.
We caught up with SAI Ambassador Lorraine, who answers some questions about her time in Rome. What travel tips would you give someone studying abroad? One major travel tip I would recommend to people who are going to study abroad is to make sure that you get to travel to a bunch of different places during the semester, but also make time to get to know the new home you are in.
SAI recently caught up with SAI Ambassador Alexis, who took some time to answer questions about her time in Rome. What is your favorite memory from studying abroad? My favorite memory from my time abroad is an odd one. It was my first trip outside my host city, Rome, with three of my roommates from my program (who are now my best friends) and we went to Venice for the annual carnival.
We caught up with SAI Ambassador Bailey, who took a moment to reflect on his time in Rome. Q. How has studying abroad impacted your life goals? A. Studying abroad has taught me to always just try and do what I want. If there was a city I wanted to go to, I would go. If there was a food I wanted to try, I would try it.
SAI caught up with SAI Ambassador Kajal, who took the time to answer some questions about her memorable semester in Rome. What does your study abroad experience mean to you? My study abroad experience was absolutely life-changing in the best ways possible. I learned so much in that one semester alone outside of a classroom than my entire college experience has been able to give me.
Hi all! My name is Kate and I spent my whole sophomore year abroad with SAI in Rome, Italy. It was one of the best experiences of my life and I can’t wait to go back. I’ve answered some of the questions I have gotten asked a lot! What is your favorite memory from studying abroad? It’s hard to choose just one memory out of my year abroad!
We recently caught up with SAI Ambassador Dana, who took some time to answer questions about her semester in Rome. What did you learn about yourself when you were abroad? How have you changed? Being abroad has definitely changed me for the better. However, I did have anxious beginnings.
We recently caught up with SAI Ambassador Antonio. Antonio answers some questions describing his recent semester in Rome. What is your favorite memory from studying abroad? My favorite memory from studying abroad in Rome would have to be all the group dinners my friends would have every week. We discovered so many different “hole in the wall” places and had some of our best memories together over dinner.
At John Cabot University in Rome, students have the opportunity to gain real life experience with real life clients through their projects. Once the students complete the project, they present them and one is selected and used by the client. One of our students, Sam Gleason, took an Advanced Graphic Design course with professor, Sabrina Schmidt, and her designs were chosen for the rebranding of Joanne Bergamin’s blog, TravelAngel.
The Eternal City and the Capital of the World, Rome boasts some of the greatest art and structures from the old world. You will find the Colosseum, the Pantheon, Vatican City, and countless other treasures. If you see any of these attractions, you are standing where ancient Romans once stood; through observation, you are experiencing the legacy of thousands of years that is Rome.
We recently caught up with SAI Custom Programs Coordinator Marco. Marco shares his experience on a spring weekend trip with Muhlenburg College. As Custom Programs Coordinator at SAI I come in contact with several groups of students all over the year. The most exciting part of my job is when, after months of planning, a group arrives and I get to meet and greet the students on site.
Rome is the perfect European capital where art, history, and religion are significant and contribute to Rome’s uniqueness. As a fashion lover and someone who enjoys eating foods that are difficult to pronounce, Rome was the perfect place to gain valuable knowledge and experience new adventures. Here were some of the iconic landmarks I visited so far and the yummy food I got along the way.
We caught up with SAI Rome Custom Programs Coordinator Jordan, who is contributing to our blog this month. Jordan talks about his recent experience joining a Faculty-Led Program in Milan. One of my favorite parts of my job is getting to travel around Europe with our Custom and Faculty-led Programs, learn new things and meet great people along the way.
As my program is sadly coming to an end, I have been reflecting on some of the ways I want to spend my last days in Rome. And I thought to myself, “What other way to spend my last few days in Rome than by eating the great-quality food than I cannot find at home!” Here are some of the ways I have been spending my last few days in Rome.
We asked Sam, SAI Rome student, to show us what a day in her Roman life was like on our Instagram account. This is her day in Rome. Ciao! I’m Sam, a junior at Penn State currently studying at John Cabot University in Rome. I’m taking over SAI’s account today to show you my typical day in the Eternal City.
Last summer when I studied abroad in Rome, I got the chance not only to see, but to eat my way through some of the best cities in the world – not just in Italy but all over Europe! I traveled all around Italy, then up to London, Ireland, Scotland, Spain and France.. It was the ultimate summer filled with the most amazing experiences.
I will be discussing a day excursion I went on through SAI to San Gimignano. It is a small hilltop city in Siena, Tuscany surrounded by ancient walls and known for its medieval towers. When I walked through on of the gates leading into the city, I could feel the history in the walls as our tour guide walked us down the street towards the Piazza della Cisterna.
The last year of high school, I remember my government professor sat the entire class down and read to us, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go.” Who would have thought that three years later, I would be traveling through Europe, discovering the different cultures and familiarizing myself with local traditions? Being able to explore other people’s customs has been a blessing that never seemed real until I found out about SAI and John Cabot University.
My name is Lauren and I am a senior at St. Mary’s College of California. I was a study abroad student in Rome, Italy my senior fall semester of 2017. My experience with SAI and being abroad was unforgettable. The memories I made, the people I met, the food I ate, the places I traveled… it was four months of being in constant awe of where I was and what I was doing.
We caught up with SAI Rome Assistant Program Coordinator Arianna, who is contributing to our blog this month. In her entry, Arianna describes a recent SAI excursion to the beautiful Abruzzo region of Italy. In September 2017, SAI Rome took over 50 American university students on an inaugural weekend excursion throughout the region of Abruzzo.
A majority of Romans’ diets consist of pasta and wine. For those of you who enjoy these listed items, your day will consist of a never-ending food coma cycle in Rome, Italy. But there must be more to Italy that pizza, pasta, and wine, right? Of course! Today, we will be ROME-ing around Rome as a local.
This is my list of the five best places to eat at in Rome: Suppli In Rome, what you are looking for are diamonds in the rough. This place I tried on the Roman Food Tour, an event sponsored by SAI. We went around the neighborhood and tried different foods. This place named Suppli has become my favorite place to eat something quick in Rome.
This Valentine’s Day, we wanted to do something special. We interviewed two SAI alumni, Stephen and Katherine, who met while they were studying abroad with SAI in Rome, in Fall 2011. We asked them some questions about their love story and they also gave some really great advice for those studying abroad! Stephen and Katherine got married last month (YAY)
When people say, “time flies when you’re having fun,” they weren’t kidding. I have been in Rome almost one month and it still feels like a brand-new place. Everywhere I turn I “accidentally” stumble upon something incredible. Last week, we were walking to dinner one night and we turned the corner and oops, there was the Trevi Fountain. That’s so casual, right? Shoot took a wrong turn—wait that’s the Colosseum.
When coming to a new country, there are things that stick out to you right away. One of them happened to be the beautiful and historic buildings that surround me everywhere I go. I had imagined what Rome would be like, but I didn’t realize that wherever you go, there is a story of each old beauty you pass.
Do: Bring comfortable and casual sneakers. In Rome, all everyone does is walk so please be prepared to walk. Shoes such as Adidas, Vans, and Converse are best. All of the iconic monuments in Rome are all so close together so it is best to be comfortable and stylish at the same time in order to properly appreciate the history in front of you, instead of just thinking about how much your feet hurt.
Ciao! Wow, is it nice to only have classes two days a week! This semester I only have classes on Monday and Wednesdays from 8:30-3:45 and it might be the greatest decision I’ve ever made. Yes, I have to wake up pretty early for my classes, but the feeling at 4pm on Wednesdays afternoon makes it all worth it. Imagine this—having a four-day weekend EVERY WEEK! Well guess what?
When I decided to study abroad in Rome, I knew I wanted to learn about the expansive history of the city and spend as much time as possible exploring ancient ruins. To my surprise I found exactly what I was looking for: a history of ancient Rome class offered by John Cabot University.
As I sit here on my plane ride home across the Atlantic and reflect upon my time abroad, I think about all the great times, the adventures and the many new friends I have made from across the globe. It dawned upon me that the value I have gained by studying abroad isn’t encompassed by the country or city I chose, but rather the people and experiences I have encountered along the way.
This fall was my first time visiting Rome and I’ve had the privilege to be able to study a whole semester here at John Cabot University. Coming here, I didn’t know any Italian. The best decision I made to immerse myself into the Italian culture and becoming more familiar with the language was signing up for community service through JCU’s program.
Hi! My name is Rafa Reyes, a student from Saint Mary’s College of California and currently studying in John Cabot University in Rome, Italy. This blog post is about my volunteering experience in Rome, Italy working together with John Cabot University to serve unprivileged people around the city with our heartwarming smiles and unwavering kindness.
Hello!! For this month’s blog post, I have decided to tackle the all-consuming question that most study abroad students have when packing for their adventures in a new country… What, exactly, to PACK! Based on my own personal experiences while studying abroad in Rome, I’d say the top ten items to ensure make it into your luggage are: 1. More than one winter coat!
10 Ways to Discover Rome See the sites at night. The Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Colosseum are close to each other. During the day, these monuments are swarmed by tourists. But at night, when the streets are quiet, there is nothing to do but be in awe. Visit the Vatican at night or dusk when St. Peters is lit up – also beautiful. Get lost.
We asked SAI alumna Christina to tell us about her SAI Moment, a defining moment in her study abroad experience. I had my “SAI Moment” when I visited Ireland while studying abroad this past summer. This trip was particularly special to me because I feel like I really got immersed in the Irish culture, which is so unique and interesting.
Rome, Italy has so many amazing things to do! However, I am here to tell you my personal top ten things to do and to see: FIRST! My all-time favorite place to go in Rome is the Tiber River. I like to walk alongside the river and think about all the places it’s been. Did you know that the Tiber River is the third-longest river in Italy?
Everyone chooses their location to study abroad for their own reasons. Some choose a location based on its culture, the nightlife or maybe even their genealogy. However, I picked Rome for a much different reason than most. Sure, I knew I was going to grow as a person and explore parts of the world I have never seen, but that can be done from any city abroad.
Two weekends ago I took a train to Marino, Italy for the 93rd Sagra dell‘Uva (Grape Festival). This train held passengers beyond the, ‘impatiently waiting to get from point A to point B’ mindset. My friend and I sat next to a group of young Italians who were fully feasting on the train. By feast I mean wine, sandwiches, chips, and beer.
About a month before I boarded the plane to BELLA ROMA I went through major denial that I was actually leaving the country. The last three days I spent in Colorado were uneventful as I treated each like any ordinary day – like a crazy person I even worked the day before I boarded my plane! How I had time to pack I’m not sure.
As soon as I arrived in Rome, Italy, I was amazed by the thrum of life pulsing all around me. People from all walks of life, coming from drastically different countries, who spoke different languages—all of us were here, living in the same ancient city like so many people before us. Thriving together, existing alongside so many variations of humans. And all of us were… EATING!
Traveling alone or through an agency, possibly the most important question we have in our lives today. Here is my story of traveling through an agency. A friend of mine was offered the chance for a full-package trip to Split, Croatia at a discount price, approximately 80 euro less. Seems like a no brainer to just take the deal and run which my four friends and I did.
Since December 2016, I have been lucky to experience studying abroad in different places. My first experience was through a student exchange program at my university’s home campus in Evanston, IL for six months. I started my second study abroad experience to Rome, Italy with SAI to study Italian.
We are excited to announce a brand new program geared toward students who have completed high school and are looking to explore their passions abroad. The SAI Gap Semester Program grants students the opportunity to develop a sense of self, their interests, and passions, as well as plan for their future during an immersive four months.
Before leaving to study abroad in Rome, I remember talking to my friend who had studied abroad a year before me. She told me that it would be, without a doubt, the best time of my life. I am so excited for anyone that has made the choice to study abroad. Here are some tips to make your experience the best it can be. 1. Learn a little about your new city before getting there.
Because you’re traveling to western Europe, you have probably heard more similarities between the United States and Italy than differences. I understand. It can get a little frustrating when you’re trying to prepare yourself for what to expect when you have literally no idea what to expect. Before I studied abroad I barely thought about any of the differences because all of my relatives said there was little to no difference.
We handed over our Instagram account to Ami for the day. This is her day in Rome. CIAO CIAO FROM ROME! My name is Ami(Girl) and I’m studying abroad at John Cabot University in Rome this semester! I’m an education major with a minor in history so basically I’ve been in heaven the past four months!
So after my four months in Rome, naturally, I’ve found my favorite grocery store, favorite study spot, cafe, restaurant, etc. It’s insanely easy to gravitate towards the more tourist-y attractions that are scattered all around Rome. But that’s the total opposite of what you want to do! You’re studying abroad to delve into the culture full-force and to NOT do what the average person would do. You’re beyond that.
Do you remember that childhood dream you always had? The one where you would explore every treasure the world has to offer? Well you’ve set yourself up to accomplish this very dream. Be sure to take full advantage of everything this experience has to offer. Say yes to everything. Every travel opportunity, every event, every photo op. Even if you think you would absolutely hate it, do it.
In the United States, I usually celebrate Thanksgiving by eating turkey, mashed potatoes, and so forth with my family. This year, Thanksgiving was very different. First, this was my first thanksgiving away from home. So you can imagine the feelings of missing being with your loved ones, especially since now it has been about three months since not seeing all of them. However, there were also feelings of gratefulness, of course, and happiness too.
After living in Rome for three months, I realized Italian women always look put together. Even on quick runs to the nearby grocery store, Italians always look their best. The “athleisure” trend that we all love in the US – leggings, tennis shoes, and athletic tops or t-shirts – has not made its way to Italy. Here are some ways to dress like a local in Rome: 1. When in doubt, wear black.
1. Go with the Flow. Be flexible and enjoy your time! Embrace that there will be good days and bad days and you’ll have the time of your life. Promise. If you’re offered an impromptu trip out of the country, do it. 2. Practice your Italian. Immerse yourself in your host country. You will be more comfortable and you will feel more at home if you can understand basic Italian!
Some friends from home are visiting me in Rome for a few days, and they asked me to make a list of things to do in Rome over a weekend. With so much to do in Rome, it is so hard to make a short list! However, after spending almost two months in Rome now, there are definitely a few things that have stood out.
We handed over our Instagram account to Kordai for the day. This is her day in Rome (February 16, 2017). 🌞 Buon giorno! My name is Kordai and I’m a sophomore at Saint Mary’s College of California @stmarysca in Moraga, CA studying abroad at JCU Rome. Today I’ll be sharing my normal Thursday with you. I usually have to take public transportation to get to my classes.
My study abroad experience as a whole was unexpected and definitely one I will cherish the rest of my life. What I mean by unexpected is that I never really thought about studying abroad when I started college. It wasn’t until one of my friends encouraged me to consider it, that it seemed to be a possibility for me.
After exploring the city that will be my “home away from home” for the next four months, I have realized a few things that really helped or would have helped make my packing, arrival, and first week a lot easier. While some of these things may seem like common sense, it’s important to stress how helpful they may be!
After months of preparing to study abroad, I finally arrived in Rome! The flight getting here was a bit stressful. Of course, with my luck, my suitcase weighed more than fifty pounds and I got to the airport later than I had hoped. By the time I arrived in Rome, I was ready to get to my apartment, unpack, and take a shower.
SAI students now have the opportunity to study cutting-edge fashion in the Eternal City! Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti (NABA) of Milan has recently opened a new campus in Rome, providing world-class design education in the heart of one of Europe’s great capital cities. NABA was founded in Milan, Italy in 1980 and offers undergraduate and graduate level programs accredited by the Italian Ministry of Education.
Establishing yourself as a young adult in the professional world can be challenging, especially now that the pool of of applicants is bigger than ever before. More people are traveling abroad to study, work or just discover themselves, and even more people say they would like to do those things but they manage to come up with a reason not to.
Being able to attend college as a first generation college student has been such a blessing, but to be able to study abroad has been such a privilege. There was some guidance and resources that helped me choose where I wanted to study abroad, but it took a lot of researching on my own to figure out that SAI at JCU was the best fit for me academically and financially.
It wasn’t until Thanksgiving was a week away that I realized I probably wasn’t going to enjoy the usual Thanksgiving dinner. A lot of my classmates were taking advantage of the long weekend to travel, however, I was staying in town. So, instead of waiting around and watching my mom make the turkey and mashed potatoes I had to actually look up some recipes and make some type of big dinner.
Being in Europe is absolutely incredible. You get to experience cultures different than your own, eat AMAZING food, and travel to places that you’ve only ever imagined (or seen on Pinterest). Living over here is wonderful, but they don’t call it “Studying Abroad” for nothing. As much as you don’t want to believe it, you will have to take classes abroad. You will have homework to do, essays to write, and tests to take.
We handed over our Instagram account to Nicole for the day. This is her day in Rome (December 1, 2016). Hello everyone! My name is Nicole Pexa and I will be taking over SAI’s Instagram account today to show you what a #dayinthelife looks like in Rome! I am a senior Mathematics major and Computer Science minor from Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota, but am currently studying at John Cabot University in Rome.
Doing good for the world is something I have always thought was important and is an obligation. In fact, after I graduate I would love to pursue a career in social justice by working at a non-profit. I believe we must continuously act against oppressive structures in our society, especially my generation.
Time is Money. This is an expression I have heard back home way too often. The U.S is a country dedicated to time efficiency and productivity. I don’t think I ever thought I would come to use this phrase other than to express how it is we Americans perceive time.
When I pictured the apartment I would be living in before I arrived in Rome I imagined it to be small and outside of the city. To my surprise, it is the complete opposite and I love it. I’ve never lived in a big city so it has been quite the experience. I live on Via di Francesco a Ripa, the street that never sleeps.
I can’t believe it’s already October. When I first got to Rome it was 95 degrees and I was sweating constantly. Now I am able to wear a sweater and jeans comfortably. I love fall! Since my last blog post, I have gone to 12 more cities in Italy, 8 of which were visited this past weekend with SAI.
Living in Rome for the past three weeks has been one of the best experiences of my life, and two Sundays ago made it even better because I was able to witness the canonization of Mother Teresa. I had never been to the Vatican before, but it was always a place I wanted to visit. Now living in Rome it’s only a 30-minute walk from me!
A lot will happen during your first week here in Rome, especially if it’s barely your second time ever leaving your home country. The flight will be very long. In fact, you might get a cold because of the flight, like I did. Orientation week will be draining because there are so many things going on to better prepare you for the semester.
After having worked for SAI for almost three years, I have had the chance to plan and organize, as well as participate in an array of different activities and excursions for our students studying in Rome. This is definitely the best part of my job! There is one excursion in particular, however, that I really love: our weekend trip to the verdant region of Umbria, also known as “the green heart of Italy.
I’ve never been to Europe. So when I started packing and then repacking another five times before actually deciding which clothes I would be bringing, the thought of packing for yet another summer didn’t come to mind. I was leaving the California heat expecting anything but an Italian summer. Needless to say, sweatshirts, long sleeves, and pants would be the cause of my overweight bag.
Studying abroad at an Italian school, there are many similarities and differences within my academics and classes. First off, a major similarity is the fact all of my teachers and other students speak English. Though almost everyone that goes to school at John Cabot University speaks Italian as their first language, they also fluently speak English. This makes it much easier to learn. Another major similarity is the grading policies.
Choosing a few things I like about my host country is definitely a challenge, considering I love so many things. One of my absolute favorite things about living in Italy is the food culture. Italian food is one of my favorite types of food, even before coming to Italy. The Italian food here is so much more authentic and has unbelievable flavors. I also like the different courses in an Italian meal.
I have bitter-sweet feelings about heading back home because I know how much I’m going to miss this beautiful city of Rome..really though, I’m going to miss the gelato and cappuccino’s so much! I also know I’m going to miss traveling a few hours in any direction and landing in a new country with a different language and culture! What a life! Rome. What to say? Che bella citta!
This experience studying abroad in Rome so far has been extraordinary and I couldn’t ask for a better host country in Italy and for the adventures I’ve had in other areas like Ireland, Austria, France, Spain and Romania! I don’t know if I could begin to choose one moment in particular as my most memorable, but definitely at the top of the list sits the trip with my family to the Rock of Gibraltar.
I have experienced so many different things since coming to Rome. There are times I still need to pinch myself to believe it is real. My time in Rome has been amazing and I can’t believe it is already halfway done! Just like every student, I’ve had my challenging moments of studying abroad.
I have experienced so many different things since coming to Rome. There are times I still need to pinch myself to believe it is real. My time in Rome has been amazing and I can’t believe it is already halfway done! Just like every student, I’ve had my challenging moments of studying abroad.
We handed over our Instagram to a few students this month and asked them to take us through their day in their host city. This is Melissa’s day in Rome (March 23, 2016). Ciao! My name is Melissa Stel. I am a junior at St. Norbert College in Wisconsin, studying History and Political Science.
We handed over our Instagram to a few students this month and asked them to take us through their day in their host city. This is Layah’s day in Rome (March 16, 2016). Ciao! My name is Layah and I’m a Junior at Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, CA studying abroad at JCU in Rome! Today I’ll be sharing my normal Wednesday with you in this “bella città” :)
Disclaimer: Alcohol consumption in Europe is NOT the same as it is in America. Italians simply drink wine, etc. to enjoy it or be social, so any suggestions for beer or wine here are simply for encouragement of enjoying a cultural luxury! Dar Poeta: Great pizza and authentic feel from the people and the food! If you go and you don’t try the Nutella calzone you’re not living!
Italians are very personable, loud and enthusiastic by nature. Don’t be shocked when they seem like they’re screaming in anger. They’re probably just being theatrical storytellers. Slow Down: Italians love socializing and being out and about. Getting an iced coffee to go is not the best way to immerse yourself in the Italian culture. My all- time- favorite thing to do is enjoy a coffee at a bar in the morning.
Ciao Amici! It has been an amazing, fast-paced, wonderful first week living in Rome, Italy! I arrived on Tuesday morning, and it’s been non-stop excitement and activities since I stepped off the plane. My favorite part of orientation week was Thursday because we explored the ancient city of Ostia Antica and learned about the history of Rome! Having a love for architecture and history, this excursion was a perfect blend of my favorite things!
I’ve been in Rome for three full days. During these three days I have been on a constant travel high. I am so consumed by the history around me and the people I am meeting. Being immersed in a new culture is such an amazing feeling. The Roman culture is very different from Wisconsin, yet I still find some similarities here and there. First off, the driving and walking is crazy.
I can’t believe how fast the semester went! (I was done with my finals pretty early in the week – just enough time to enjoy the next several days without homework and say some goodbyes before leaving. But, as usual, finals wore me out and I was sick with the flu for most of the week. I still managed to do some last minute shopping and pack without too much difficulty.)
Layah was selected as an SAI scholarship recipient and blogger for the Spring 2016 term. She is a current student at Point Loma Nazarene University studying at John Cabot University in Rome, Italy during the Spring 2016 term. 10 FUN FACTS ABOUT LAYAH I am a dual citizen of the U.S.A. and Canada. I’ve played classical and Spanish flamenco guitar for 11 years and it’s one of my favorite things to do.
Three weeks ago my parents were able to come and visit me in Rome! It was so exciting and comforting to see them for a week and show them around Trastevere, though the time went by fast. They seemed to enjoy themselves in that short, busy week. It was their first time abroad and it was fun to watch them experience everything I once experienced a few months ago for the first time.
The SAI Rome program offers a variety of included excursions during the semester that have helped enrich my experience being abroad. These excursions provide cultural events that I may normally not have had the opportunity to participate in. I have thoroughly enjoyed every SAI activity that I have been a part of. This week I had the wonderful opportunity to participate in an Italian Cooking Lesson through the SAI program.
We handed over our Instagram to a few students this month and asked them to take us through their day in their host city. This is Kelsey’s day in Rome (October 28, 2015). Ciao, good morning! My name is Kelsey and I am studying at John Cabot University in Rome this semester. This picture was taken a few weeks ago from one of the many times I have visited the Colosseum.
Well, for Chicago being the largest city I ever visited before, I’m happy to say that I love life in Rome. After two months I feel like I’ve settled in enough where I no longer feel like an outsider. There are still many moments that catch me off guard, but overall, I know what to expect when I leave my apartment. Thankfully, navigating my way around Rome has gotten a lot easier.
I have been here for a month! My time abroad has been flying by and I have loved every minute of it! I feel the biggest change from last month is the fact that I now call Rome home. After doing some traveling, it is always nice to be back home in Rome and sleep in my own bed. This feeling of home away from home is very comforting.
Studying abroad in Rome comes with a guilt-free pass to gain up to 15 pounds from all the delicious Italian cuisine offered on every street; however, the day will come when you find yourself skipping an aperitivo to search for a burger joint or paying upwards of 6 euro for a jar of peanut butter just to have a simple PB&J.
I didn’t know what to expect when I told my friends and family back home that I was going abroad. Everyone was surprised and encouraging and now I understand why. Going to a different country and going to Europe for the first time— is a really, really (really) big thing. I seemed to convince myself that there would be familiarities to home that I could rely on and everything new would slowly sink in.
I survived my first week in Rome! It has been an exciting, adventurous, challenging, and tiring first week. I have had the chance to explore some of the city, however, there is still so much to see and do! Top 10 tips for surviving the first week abroad: 1. I want to start off by providing a tip at the airport. You should make a friend.
Kelsey was selected as an SAI scholarship recipient and blogger for the Fall 2015 term. She is a current student at Gustavus Adolphus College studying at John Cabot University (JCU) in Rome, Italy during the Fall 2015 term. GET TO KNOW KELSEY Tell us why you chose to study abroad.
Allison was selected as an SAI scholarship recipient and blogger for the Fall 2015 term. She is a current student at St. Norbert College studying at John Cabot University (JCU) in Rome, Italy during the Fall 2015 term. GET TO KNOW ALLISON Tell us why you chose to study abroad. I’ve always wanted to travel, so studying abroad seemed like a great opportunity to take advantage of. When I started college the idea of going abroad was mostly a fun, gutsy idea.
“You’re off to Great Places! Today is your day!” -Dr. Seuss 1. Never feel guilty for the amount of gelato you consume in a week, day, or hour. Seriously, eat all of it. 2. Missing your loved ones at home is totally normal AND definitely okay.
It’s Wednesday Morning, my favorite day. I only have class Monday – Wednesday, so this is the last day of my workweek and it’s the most exciting day. I’m out the door on my way to class by 10:00 AM, but not before a stop at the local shop right around the corner of my apartment. It’s a bakery/pizza place, family owned. As I walk in, the Mom and Dad greet me with “Ciao!
It’s hard to believe this is my last week in Rome. Living in the Eternal City and traveling around Europe has been an incredible experience, and I wouldn’t change it for the world. Here are the 15 best things about Rome (and the things I will miss the most). In no particular order: Italian Coffee: Nothing is better than walking into a bar and ordering a caffé or a cappuccino.
I had the pleasure of going on an amazing all exclusive weekend excursion through SAI and it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. From Tuscan food to beautiful hikes to meeting new friends, it was a weekend to be remembered forever. One of my favorite parts of the weekend was going on tours of some of the little towns of Tuscany.
At the end of February, SAI Programs organized a trip to the Umbria and Tuscany regions for all of its students studying in Rome. It was great because this weekend everything was planned and taken care of, and the only thing we had to pay for ourselves was anything extra we wanted. We left from Piazza Trilussa at 10 am on Friday morning, and had two motor coaches for our group.
Aside from my newfound appreciation for English taught classes, I have been able to get in some great sightseeing/exploration over the past few months. I have been able to visit multiple places throughout Europe, but of course my favorites have been right here in the beautiful Eternal City.
I was one of the few to be lucky enough to attend not just one, but two Italian cooking classes with Chef Andrea. There, we were taught how to make amazing four course meals with dishes that were just easy enough to make on our own for every day dinner. Everything that we cooked with was very fresh and cooking with all your friends is a whole different experience.
Nicholas was selected as an SAI scholarship recipient and blogger for the Spring 2015 term. Below he talked about his top 10 favorite spots in Rome. Passeggiata del Gianicolo: Right before you reach the Vatican from Trastevere, you walk along this amazing park filled with old monuments, and even a lighthouse. The best part though is the view. From multiple vantage points and ledges you can look over into the center of Rome.
The couple days before I left for Rome I frantically started asking friends who had studied abroad what to expect. My dear friend Lexi gave me two tips of advice that have been extremely helpful. The first was to buy rain boots when I got to Italy because if you pack them they take up too much room in your suitcase, but you will DEFINITELY want them.
As I near the end of my second month in Rome, it’s interesting to step back and examine the differences between American and Italian culture. The first difference I have noticed is the varied approaches to customer service in a retail setting. Whereas in America there is a large focus on providing excellent customer service, in Italy it can be hard to get help when shopping.
Arriving in Rome was an experience like no other. This is the first time that I have been to Europe, so everything from the new language to different food was a shock. I flew in with my friend from school, Stefanie, and we got lost together a few times before finally realizing that we just had to walk directly to the hotel and check in.
As I quickly walk to my second day of classes at John Cabot I walked past one of many souvenir shops and I saw a shirt that said “Rome Was Not Built in a Day”. I couldn’t help but reflect on that phrase as I made my way to campus. As I reflected I was taken back to a week earlier when I had just arrived in Rome.
Ciao (Hello)!! I am here…in my apartment…in Rome…in Italy…in Europe. Honestly, I haven’t even really been able to comprehend that statement yet. Even though I walk out onto cobblestone streets each morning and trek through the maze that is Trastevere, it has yet to truly sink in that I’m in Rome. But nonetheless…it is true.
This experience has been the craziest, most independent times of my life. I’ve been so challenged, yet have grown so tremendously in my confidence and in my faith. It’s truly amazing to be taken away from everything that’s comfortable and to be so completely vulnerable, knowing that things could potentially go so horribly wrong.
I am down to the final weeks of studying abroad in Rome, and I have mixed feelings. I am so excited to go back home and share my experiences with my family and friends, but I am sad to leave Rome at the same time. I have learned so much studying abroad both about myself and about their culture.
Andrew was selected as an SAI scholarship recipient and blogger for the Spring 2015 term. He is a current student at the University of Alabama studying at John Cabot University (JCU) in Rome, Italy during the Spring 2015 term. Tell us why you chose to study abroad. I want to study abroad to further explore the world, learn about other cultures, and to retrace my Italian heritage.
Kenneth was selected as an SAI scholarship recipient and blogger for the Spring 2015 term. He is a current student at the University of Missouri studying at John Cabot University (JCU) in Rome, Italy during the Spring 2015 term. Tell us why you chose to study abroad. For starters, my name is Kenny Cygeirt. Just a simple, 21 year-old small-town (1,640 people) guy here searching for my next great adventure.
Jasmyn was selected as an SAI scholarship recipient and blogger for the Spring 2015 term. She is a current student at St. Norbert College studying at John Cabot University (JCU) in Rome, Italy during the Spring 2015 term. Tell us why you chose to study abroad. I chose to study abroad because I am fascinated by cultures which are different than my own. I believe life is about new experiences and broadening one’s horizons.
Nicholas was selected as an SAI scholarship recipient and blogger for the Spring 2015 term. He is a current student at Pace University studying at John cabot University (JCU) in Rome, Italy during the Spring 2015 term. Tell us why you chose to study abroad. The opportunity to study in another country is something I won’t have for a long time after college and I feel it’ll be a great learning experience personally & academically.
Rome is full of bustling cafes, hole-in-the-wall restaurants, and beautiful churches. I’ve been very thankful to have the resources of John Cabot University (my school) and SAI (the program with whom I’m studying) to show me great places in Rome! Here are a few of them. Piazza di San Cosimato Market – Every day, except Sunday, there’s a market that goes till a little past noon.
It’s amazing how time flies by when you’re having fun in Rome! I have to admit it has been stressful with midterms these past two weeks, but once the weekend comes, I am always looking forward to trying new things and finding hidden treasures in Rome or Italy. This month I got to travel to the Amalfi Coast, Umbria (the Green Hart of Italy), and Cinque Terre!
I’m originally from Chicago, and grew up in the Mid-West all my life. I go to college in Texas, which I love, but it’s a different world all in its own. And now I’m in Rome. Over the past few years I’ve been introduced to so many different cultures and ways of life. That being said, Rome and Italy are extremely different than both cultures I’ve experienced thus far.
Hard to believe I’ve been living in Rome for a month! It’s been an incredible experience already, and I cannot wait to see what the remaining of the semester has to offer! Being here has been difficult to adjust to, mostly the language barrier. During my sophomore year of college, I studied Italian for two semesters.
After twelve hours of travel, a few hours of sleep in a not-so-comfortable airplane seat, and the same pair of clothes since the previous morning, I was beyond happy to finally be in Rome. The whole summer I had never fully processed that I would be spending my fall semester in Rome, however the feeling of intimidation and jet-lag quickly caught up with me. My first twenty four hours were full of nerves and anxiety.
I got here a day before the move in date, August 25. It was a seven hour flight from the JFK Airport to the FCO Airport. Even though I saw the signs written in Italian everywhere at the airport, I still felt like I wasn’t in Rome. The next day was move in day, and the nerves were setting in. I was very anxious to move into my apartment and more importantly, meet my roommates.
Ellie is a current student at Baylor University studying at John Cabot University in Italy during the Fall 2014 term. Tell us why you chose to study abroad. I chose to study abroad because I have always fantasized about traveling Europe.
Amber is a current student at Pace University studying at John Cabot University in Italy during the Fall 2014 term. Tell us why you chose to study abroad. I chose to study abroad because I want to get the chance to discover the culture of Italy and all of Europe.
For this last blog, I’m supposed to write my thoughts on leaving. My thoughts on leaving? Well, when I was still in Rome, I didn’t want to leave. Now that I’m back, I hate that I did.
There’s no rush, for anything, ever. Enjoy the little things in life and you will see beauty everywhere. Music truly is the universal language. Old is beautiful. Some things need no translation, and for other things, a translation simply isn’t possible.
I seriously can’t believe we are talking about leaving. I feel like it was just yesterday I was getting dropped off at my apartment. My friends who have studied aboard before me warned me that it would go by fast but I was not expecting it to fly by. I am excited to go home and see my family but I am also sad about leaving Rome. I love the city.
I cannot believe my adventure in Rome ends in less than three weeks! The semester flew by, and I’m scurrying to complete everything on my to-do list. I’ve learned many things while studying abroad, and most of these things I’ve learned outside of the classroom. I’ve learned how to be independent, how to spend and save money, and I’ve learned how to balance work with play.
Just as a preface to this list, it’s really hard to pick only 10 places in Rome as my favorites – everything here is stunning and unique in its own way. Nevertheless, I compiled my list. I left out a lot of the big monuments that are obviously amazing and put in a few of my other favorite local places to go.
Torre Argentina – The Cat Sanctuary – How can you not like this place? Besides those who are allergic to cats or people who truly hate them, the Cat Sanctuary is a place that many people enjoy and go to when they need their animal fix. There are all different breeds of cats housed here, and many of them have disabilities.
With the nice weather and beautiful scenery in Italy, people are naturally flocking outside at local favorites. I’ve located some of my favorite spots by seeing other people go there or by stumbling upon the place by chance. Here is a list of my top 10 favorite places in Rome! 1. Carlo Menta– This is a Restaurant that is extremely affordable and it’s very close to the Tiber Campus at JCU.
Trevi Fountain – This is my number one place because I think it is absolutely stunning. The fountain itself is so beautiful and the water rushing through drowns out everything around you. There is also really good gelato place around the Trevi. Tip: go at 3 in the morning; there is no one there and you can take awesome night pictures. Gianicolo Hill – The stairs gong up to Gianicolo are right by my apartment.
America and Italy are two different countries completely. I love America, I do, but Italy is slowly stealing my heart. I mean how can it not? Italy is home to the most beautiful and historical landmarks, the food here is the freshest I have ever eaten, and everyone seems to be so happy with their laid back personalities.
Coming to Italy I had no idea what to expect. I knew that the people would speak Italian and that’s about it. The Italian culture is much more than just a different language. It is so rich in history and tradition. Italians can trace their history literally about 2000 thousand plus years, it’s insane. In the early years of Rome, the people were very easy going and enjoyed their naps and their art.
I love Italy. I love America too, I mean it’s my home and all, but I do really love the Italian culture. Comparing America and Italia I wouldn’t say that one is necessarily better than the other, just that they are different. But after 19 years of the same old same old, the change is welcome. Number one thing I noticed about Italy: traffic laws are more like guidelines than actual rules.
After experiencing Rome for over a month, I feel like I’ve gotten a little bit of a grasp on the Italian culture. The culture took me by surprise at first, but I’ve grown accustomed to it. The biggest difference between Italy and America is probably the attitude of the people. Italians enjoy life. It’s very common for shops to close in the afternoon so that the workers can take a break, maybe take a nap.
How can I describe Rome? Breathtaking. Romantic. Timeless. Congested. Expensive. Enchanting. The people? Sophisticated. Smart. Driven. Relaxed. Happy. Helpful. The food? Fresh. Mouth-watering. Simple. TO DIE FOR! Carbs. It is only day seven and I am already in love with all things Rome. Coming into the study abroad experience I wasn’t really nervous; I was just anxious during the four long months I had to wait in order to get here already.
After months and months of anticipation I finally made it to Rome – luggage and all – exhausted, but in one piece. We were shuttled off to our apartments and after a small fiasco of being given the wrong apartment number, I found the quaint little apartment I would be living in for the semester. The other two girls were already there, although my roommate was missing her luggage.
Prior to studying abroad, I had never been to Rome, or anywhere else in Europe. The fact that I traveled to a completely different, beautiful place didn’t really kick in until the transport to my apartment. The first thing I noticed was the healthy-looking, green plant life. Coming from -40°F weather in Minnesota, I was not used to things actually being able to live outside.
ROME, ITALY. I still can’t believe I am actually in Rome, Italy. I need someone to pinch me because it still feels like a dream! Rome is absolutely wonderful. Everywhere I turn there is something different and new. No two roads look the same (which doesn’t help when I am trying to find my way home). The history here is mind blowing.
The three and a half months I spent abroad ended up being the best time of my life. I learned so much by meeting people from all over the world and adjusting to a new culture. The first major challenge that I had was dealing with anxiety. I was just so nervous because I didn’t know what to expect. The second challenge was adjusting to Italian culture and learning their language.
When I first arrived in Rome I had no idea what to expect from this experience abroad. The Rome SAI program made the stress of traveling to a different country for the very first time a breeze! I felt very welcome when I arrived off the plane and I knew that all my worries would be put to ease.
I thought that there was no way the month of November could go by as fast as October went but boy was I wrong! I have been reminiscing often this month about my first few weeks in Rome.
This month I was all about traveling. For the first three weekends of the month I traveled to a different city in Italy. First was Venice. I went to Venice with my roommate Priscilla for two days. We did not do much because when we got there it was extremely cold and we weren’t really prepared for the weather. We walked around the first day and got dinner.
I cannot believe how fast the month of October flew by! I am terrified that the month of November will go by just as fast or even faster! I am having an amazing experience so far here in Rome.
So far studying abroad in Rome, Italy has been an amazing experience. I booked some trips alone which was extremely frightening for me to go on a trip not knowing anyone. I am grateful that I took a leap of faith and tried something out of my comfort zone. I have met so many amazing people from all over the world by traveling alone.
The first thing people think about when talking about Italy is the food. Well, I can say for sure that the food is definitely something worth talking about. The food is absolutely INCREDIBLE!
So I have only been here for five days but I have seen so much. I arrived in Roma, Italia on August 27. I was the first of my apartment-mates to arrive in the apartment. I walked into the apartment, put my things down and just sat down for 30 minutes. Then I called home to let everyone know that I was okay and safe.
After arriving in Rome soaking wet and exhausted I quickly unpacked. After unpacking I laid on my bed talking to my new roommate. Once everyone in my apartment had arrived we decided to go out to eat for the very first time together! While I was sitting outside enjoying my amazing meal I could not wrap my mind around the fact that I was now in Rome.
This program has impacted my study abroad experience dramatically. It is just such an amazing program that prepares you and guides you through this experience to make it the best semester abroad. The prep material that we received prior to arrival made everything so much easier, one of the best things that the program could have done was providing us with transportation to our house on our arrival day.
My experience with SAI in Rome was incredible. Rome itself was amazing and the staff of SAI and the program itself helped further my experience that much more. Before I came, I felt like I was prepared. Or at least as much as I could be, since I was going somewhere completely unknown without any familiar friends.
This was my last full month abroad, and I made sure to squeeze everything in that I could! I finished up all my papers and presentations, which was a huge relief, and now I just have to survive finals week. A few weekends ago I met up with my mom in London, which was great. We saw Lion King from the second row, road the London Eye, and took a tour of the London Tower.
Time to go back :( I am very sad that this semester has come to its end. Studying abroad has been one of the best decisions I have made in my life. I cannot express how much I have enjoyed this semester abroad, I truly recommend every university student to do the same.
This month I begin to see everything around me with even more appreciation, since I know that soon my study abroad experience will come to an end. I really feel a lot of gratitude towards the SAI program which has made this study abroad experience an unforgettable and unique time of my life.
The highlight of this month, and probably the entire trip, was getting to see the election of a new Pope. I was there the very first night for the black smoke and then again on my way the following night when the white smoke went up, and the city raced to the Vatican.
I am starting my last month in Rome and I cannot believe it. Rome is starting to get warm and the sun is starting to shine more and more which makes it that much more beautiful. I did not think it could be better, but it sure is. However, the tourists are coming now.
I’ve almost hit the two-month mark on my time in Rome. That is just crazy to me. All of the cool things that I have been able to see and experience make me never want to go home. I seriously feel like I’m living in a dream world. For example, I had the opportunity of hearing the Pope’s resignation speech yesterday.
Where did the month of February go? One more month that has gone through, which means that I have less time in Rome and I do not like that. This month I traveled to Venice and Florence and I have also spent a lot of time studying and doing school work. I went to Venice the first weekend of February for carnavale and I absolutely loved the city.
This month in Rome has been crazy and filled with travel. SAI took us to Tuscany to visit some wonderful small Italian towns such as Orvieto. The church in Orvieto was the most breathtaking church I’ve been to in Europe. The towns looked just how I’ve always imagined Italy, small back alley streets with looming buildings and vines crawling up all the ledges of windows.
Until this point I cannot believe that I am living here in this wonderful city. Everyday I learn something different such as an Italian word, expression, habit, and everyday I discover something new and amazing. When I first arrived in the airport I felt something that I will never forget in my life and that has changed me forever.
The Italian life has been treating me well this first month. It only took a few bumps in the road to settle in here in Trastevere, Rome. I traveled alone from Charlotte all the way to Rome and even made it smoothly to the door of my apartment and into the elevator, until I reached my floor.
Rome, Italy: The Eternal City. I live there and have been living there for 3 weeks now. That thought still blows my mind. I am starting to feel at home here, but for some reason it still does not seem real. It’s not some vacation that I am here for, but for school and for a good 3 ½ months.
The last month has gone by so quickly! I’ve been to Venice and Florence, and even Paris. In December, I’m taking one last trip to Milan. It’s had its ups and its downs and it’s been a great learning experience. There is a lot that I’ve learned about myself and my friends – I’ve made new friends, and drifted away from others.
All good things must come to an end. Or do they? With only a few weeks left in my study abroad experience, it’s hard to believe that it is almost time to head back home. While we will no longer be in Rome, I know that the end of this journey is the beginning of many more adventures to come. This past month has consisted of a lot of traveling and exploring.
This past month has been one to remember. October was filled with midterms, unforgettable adventures and my birthday. At times I was really stressed out and homesick but I knew I still have so much more to see and experience. Midterms week was horrible, just like back at home. But to make matters worse, everyone was sick, including me! It seemed as if everyone at John Cabot was passing on the flu or something.
After my second month in Rome I can honestly say they weren’t kidding about the stages of homesickness. But it’s pretty easy to distract yourself with all there is to do here. Within the past month I have made a couple more trips and managed to survive midterm week. One night we went to the ballet through SAI. We saw Romeo and Juliet in an incredible theater and had a great excuse to dress up.
For the past couple weeks since midterms, I have been very stressed and overwhelmed, so much so that I have absolutely no desire to do anything. I have research papers and presentations to prepare for and I have graduate schools to consider, with application deadlines right around the corner. I have my last semester of undergrad coming up and graduation is just another block away.
It has been two months since I have been in Rome! Time is going by so fast and it is a constant reminder to enjoy as much as possible! A few weeks ago, I participated in SAI’s cooking class. It was my first Italian cooking class and it was unbelievable! We made a three course meal.
I have been in Rome now for a little over a month and it has been nothing but one adventure after another. This is my first time out of the United States and it was quite the culture shock before I even got out of Fiumicino. I was lucky enough to travel with my good friend back home so all the challenges we came across we faced together.
