Returning from a quarter in Rome, Italy, the 2015 study abroad group reflects on their trip and gives advice to those traveling to the Eternal City:
You know you’ve been in Rome for a while when…
- You get sick of Italian food
- You miss salad dressing
- You start to mock other tourists
- The hosts in the Campo no longer ask you to come to their restaurants because they recognize you
- You’ve become a regular at a café
- You’re surprised when there is a toilet seat in the bathroom
- You see a painting from 1200 AD and think ‘that’s not that old’
Jasmine Nguon, Senior, Communication major with a minor in Diversity
My favorite part about studying abroad in Rome was… “being able to live in the beautiful country of Italy for ten weeks, which meant that there were new things to explore and learn every day. Gelato is a close second!”
One piece of advice I would give to students studying abroad is… “to explore a city by yourself for a weekend. Take the train, buy a map, and don’t be afraid to get lost. I was nervous before I traveled to Venice alone, but it was a proud moment to realize that I could do it all on my own and make it back with tons of stories and memories.”
The most important thing I learned was… “the value of traveling. Traveling allows you to grow as a person as you will experience and adjust to a different way of life.”
The best part about being back in Seattle is… “reuniting with my family, boyfriend, and friends.”
Wandering around the colorful neighborhood of Burano, Veneto, Italia!
Andrea Rocha, Junior, Communication & Sociology major
My favorite part about studying abroad in Rome was… “being able to call Rome home and all the amazing friendships made along the way.”
One piece of advice I would give to students studying abroad is… “to travel as much as you can on weekends and to create something to remember your experiences by (like a diary or travel book). There are too many great memories made and they deserve to stay remembered.”
The most important thing I learned was… “that there is so much out there in the world to see and experience – people, perspectives, history, culture, etc. Not only are you exposed to all these cool, new things but it really helps you discover what you care about and want to accomplish.”
The best part about being back in Seattle is… “Thai food, coffee, and friends!”
Island Hopping in Italy (Murano, Venice, Italy).
Sophie Roben, Senior, Political Science major with a minor in Law, Societies & Justice and Music
My favorite part about studying abroad in Rome was… “I’ve been asked this question by almost everyone I’ve talked to about my trip – it’s impossible for me to just have ONE favorite part of my study abroad experience! To name a few, I loved spending time with everyone throughout our ten weeks in Rome – we started as students, then became friends, and by the end of the program we were like a little family that really relied on each other. I also loved traveling on the weekends – I was able to visit a lot of different countries and also explore other cities in Italy in just ten weeks!”
One piece of advice I would give to students studying abroad is… “to not hold back! Rome is completely different than Seattle, so it’s important to really push yourself out of your comfort zone. Try to immerse yourself in the culture and talk to the locals as much as you can, and make the most of the experience – believe me, ten weeks goes by a lot faster than you would think!”
The most important thing I learned was… “to not be afraid of stepping out of my comfort zone – by trying new things and really putting myself out there I was able to get so much more out of the experience!”
The best part about being back in Seattle is… “seeing my friends and family, and American food!”
(From left) Danielle, Kathryn, and Sophie enjoying a sunny day at the Spanish Steps.
Annie Araya, Senior, Communication major
My favorite part about studying abroad in Rome was… “Having all the historical landmarks within walking distance.”
One piece of advice I would give to students studying abroad is… “Try to learn the language beforehand.”
The most important thing I learned was… “To be considerate of other cultures (try to learn their language – I mean after all you are visiting their country).”
The best part about being back in Seattle is… “Being home with my family and friends (plus Starbucks).”
Le vita e bella
Alexis Jensen, Junior, Communication major
My favorite part about studying abroad in Rome was… “Taking the train to different Italian cities! I was not anticipating how easy and convenient the train system is in Italy. Whether it’s a day trip to Capri or a weekend-long trip to Florence, the trains run at all hours of the day and night and are very relaxing. I always caught up on my journal entries while on the train.”
One piece of advice I would give to students studying abroad is… “Embrace the fact that you will get lost and not understand the Italian language; these moments will help you understand yourself and the way you handle situations. Sometimes the best parts of the program were due to chance, especially in regards to getting lost! Make the best out of your situations and go with the flow.”
The most important thing I learned was… “Say ‘yes’ to as many humanly things as possible while studying abroad! When will you ever get the chance to live in a foreign country? Take in every site, eat as many different types of food as possible, and enjoy your time with the new friends in your program.”
The best part about being back in Seattle is… “The fresh air and abundance of trees and bodies of water!”
A group of us took a day trip to the island of Capri – we took a ferry to the island and then a chairlift to the very top of the cliffs. (Alexis is second from left).
Emily Mankowski, Junior, Communication and Political Science major
My favorite part about studying abroad in Rome was… “that each day was new and exciting! I loved meeting new people from around the world and immersing myself in unique cultures.”
One piece of advice I would give to students studying abroad is… “have an open mind to new experiences and push yourself out of your comfort zone.”
The most important thing I learned was… “traveling abroad teaches you things about yourself that you didn’t know before.”
The best part about being back in Seattle is… “Mexican food and old friends!”
Danielle and I on a Valentine’s Day wine tasting tour in Tuscany.
Chad Wissing, Senior, Communication major
My favorite part about studying abroad in Rome was… “without a doubt, all of the adventures and experiences I shared with the members of my study abroad group. The copious amounts of free time didn’t hurt either!”
One piece of advice I would give to students studying abroad is… “Spend your money on experiences, not materialistic possessions. Travel as much as you can and experience everything you can. Three months goes by so much faster than you think.”
The most important thing I learned was… “Carry small bills around on you at all times because they will not take your cards and hate when you give them large bills. It’s really annoying.”
The best part about being back in Seattle is… “Chipotle! Actually just food in general! I have not appreciated food variety so much in my entire life until all I ate was pizza and pasta every day for three months of my life.”
Campo de Fiori – waking up to this view never gets old!
Jessica Robles, Instructor
My favorite part about studying teaching abroad in Rome was… “being able to experience a place by living there, not just being a tourist.”
One piece of advice I would give to students studying abroad is… “look out for each other!”
The most important thing I learned was… “Rome is truly a unique, fascinating place with many layers to it. You could live there for years and find there is still more to learn.”
The best part about being back in Seattle is… “my cat.”
Group photo at Villa d’Este
Check out this website that three students created for women traveling to Rome: http://donnaadonna.weebly.com/
The deadline to apply for the Winter 2016 Rome study abroad trip is May 15, 2015. Find more info here.