Upon arriving in Rome in January, I remember unpacking the various books and informative papers given to me to prepare me for my time abroad. When my eyes skimmed over the map of the expansive city of Rome that my mom had gifted me, I noticed a small box with the words, “Roma, non basta una vita.” The box explained that the common saying translates to, “Rome, one lifetime is not enough,” meant to represent how much time one person would need to truly experience all of the history, art, and culture the city contains. After getting to call Rome home for four months, I have seen how much this saying rings true. I have experienced so much but still crave a lifetime in this beautiful city.

Me with a couple of the study abroad friends I made through SAI, enjoying a picnic at a park in Trastevere. These girls soon became my travel buddies and best friends on this journey.

When I began my journey, I thought I knew the extent of what Rome has to offer: stunning architectural feats, history at every corner, deliciously fresh food, cappuccinos to start every morning and gelato to end every evening. Though these things are undeniably characteristic of Rome, having the opportunity to live here has shown me that there is so much more to this city than what I ever could have imagined. There is an abundance of natural beauty, a strong community of locals, and tons of unique, artistic, young people that shape Rome’s modern culture. Throughout the semester, so many hidden corners of magic revealed themselves to me and made me fall more in love with life in Rome and life in full.

The sunset view from one of my favorite outlooks in Rome. I came here when I needed to get fresh air and soak in the views of the expansive city.

Though it took me quite some time to find my footing abroad, establishing a routine in my neighborhood of Trastevere and engaging with the local culture eventually helped me find true belonging in Rome. In February, I began participating in weekly community service opportunities offered through JCU, and these activities quickly became the highlight of each week. I occasionally volunteered in the mornings handing out food to those in need and spent a couple afternoons packaging fresh meals for distribution, but my volunteer time was mostly spent having English conversations with Italian speakers at Casa Internazionale delle Donne, a cultural center in Trastevere. Through this experience, I was able to hear stories from local Italians, discuss cultural and global issues with them, and be inspired by their commitment to learning English. It did not take many sessions for Wednesday afternoons with my fellow volunteers and adult Italian friends to become my favorite time of the week.

Some of the degree-seeking students I met at JCU and me, spending time on the rocks in Cinque Terre. These amazing people completely shaped my experience in Rome!

My life in Rome became fuller over the course of the semester through SAI day trips and activities, yoga classes in Italian at a nearby studio, and perhaps most of all, through my friendships with full-time JCU students and fellow study abroad students. Befriending degree-seeking students who live in Rome gave me a unique study abroad experience that I will cherish forever. They inspired me with their adventurous spirits, introduced me to their routines, and welcomed me so generously into their homes. I can say with certainty that these spontaneous, outgoing, and courageous friends have changed me and my study abroad experience for the better. Aside from the degree-seekers, the study abroad friends I made through SAI also completely shaped my experience. Through traveling and spending the early days together, these friends became family and the most comforting people to lean on throughout the semester.

Me with two of my best friends in a hammock at Park Pamphili. We spent hours there, enjoying the sweetness of doing nothing.

This semester, I visited places I never would have expected I’d travel to. I explored Florence, Naples, Cinque Terre, and various small towns in Italy. I traveled to Budapest, London, Athens, Paris, and the country of Malta. I found unexpected adventure in each place and gained a deep appreciation for travel, specifically the perspective that comes from it. Each time I returned after a weekend trip, I felt more confident calling Rome home. Every adventure this semester, whether within Rome or outside of it, further reflected the sentiment that one lifetime is not enough. My study abroad experience gave me this perspective and has helped me appreciate the gifts of this diverse world in such a deeper way.

Street musicians in Rome. They always created such a lively and unique atmosphere.

I don’t have the words to fully express the beauty of my time abroad. It was messy, challenging, growth-filled, and soul-nourishing. I got lost so many times, but I am returning to the United States feeling more found than ever before. It’s crazy to think that I almost decided against studying abroad – I am so grateful I took this leap of faith and so grateful for the community SAI builds and sustains, which gave me a true home abroad. It all will live in my heart forever. Roma, non basta una vita! One lifetime could never be enough but I will forever be grateful for four months. Ciao for now!

Written by: Phoebe, Spring 2025 Rome student, from Belmont University