I have been in Rome for almost two weeks now and I still can’t believe it. What an incredible experience it has been so far. I can’t wait to see what the semester will be like. I personally struggled with airline and luggage issues coming to Rome, but all my worries were set to ease when an SAI staff member greeted me at the airport. SAI has been so helpful throughout this entire process, and especially when I arrived in Rome. After getting checked in and getting welcome bags filled with goodies from SAI, we were transported to our apartments. Driving from the Holiday Inn (where SAI greeted us) to our apartments was incredible. Right off the bat I was in awe of how beautiful and unique Rome was.  The streets, the cars, the people, the buildings, everything was so incredible.

Last week my friends and I attended the SAI welcome day excursion. We were taken to Ostia Antica archaeological site. We took a tour of ancient Roman remains and learned a tremendous amount about how Romans lived. After this tour we were taken to have lunch on a farm. After lunch we were given the opportunity to walk around and explore the farm. This was like anything I have ever seen before. I could have walked around the farm for hours if I had the option. It was so beautiful!

Yesterday, my roommates and I went to volunteer at a soup kitchen in Rome. This soup kitchen serves for 400-500 individuals every day. This experience was so touching. I met so many wonderful families and got a chance to work on my Italian as well! I am so thankful that SAI offered this unique opportunity to us. It has been one of the greatest experiences here so far. I am so excited to see what the rest of the semester holds!

Mariam – Suffolk University