Author: Addison Pummill | Major: Computer Information Systems

Hello! My name is Addison Pummill, and I am a Computer Information Systems major with a minor in Global Studies. In Spring 2022, I was one of the first Sam M. Walton College of Business students to ever study abroad at the University of Arkansas Rome Center in Rome, Italy!  If you have the opportunity to attend the Rome Center, I recommend it over any third-party programs. I chose this program because the Rome Center is so closely tied to the University of Arkansas, which makes the entire process so easy. You still have the same email, use the same Blackboard account, and don’t have to deal with the hassle of transfer classes. However, our class schedule was very different from Fayetteville so that we had ample time to travel and explore our city. We only had classes Monday through Thursday, and each class was once a week for three hours. I was able to attend class for a few hours each morning and have the entire rest of the day and three-day weekend to fully experience Europe. Throughout the semester, I learned skills that I will use for the rest of my life, such as cultural appreciation and independence. However, the most important skill I have gained is the ability to problem-solve and be resourceful. When going abroad, you only hear the amazing, picture-perfect parts, but no one tells you the nitty gritty real parts of everyday life in a foreign country. Problems came up every single day, from a public transportation strike causing me to be late to class, to completely missing a flight. However, these experiences have better prepared me to be independent and make things happen for myself when I graduate next year. While abroad, you will meet so many interesting people, from college students at universities across the United States, to old Italian women that barely speak English. My biggest advice is to fully immerse yourself in the culture and (try to) talk to as many people as possible, even if you can hardly communicate. After an entire semester abroad, there are so many tips I could give to people studying abroad, and many things I wish I knew beforehand. Most importantly, pack light. Bring only the basics and things that you can’t get while abroad. If you’re anything like me, you will double your closet throughout the semester, and it is impossible to get everything back home. I also suggest that people should take advantage of all of their program’s activities while abroad. The Rome Center has a program called SLAM, which plans activities for students every week for a small fee. SLAM was an awesome way to experience Rome from a local point of view, while interacting with other students in the program. No matter how much you love Italian food, you will gte tired of pasta and pizza after 5 months of eating them for every meal. The first thing I am going to do when I get back to the United States is go get a full Chick-fil-a meal.