Standing in front of St. Peter’s Basilica
Author: Emmarie Gates | Major: Biology
In my first semester of freshmen year, I decided to take an architecture course to satisfy my fine arts requirement. I expected to spend the semester studying modern buildings made of glass and steel; instead, I studied Rome. The professor’s love of Rome was contagious. It was after taking this course I decided I wanted to study abroad in Rome. I discovered the University of Arkansas Rome Center and, after much deliberation (due to my complete lack of knowledge of how the process worked or if I could even do it), decided to apply. I signed up for the art history and economics courses, which were required for my degree plan.
My courses in Rome were absolutely fantastic. My art history class occurred maybe two total times in a classroom. The rest of the class was out and about in Rome, looking at the original art while studying it. It was a perspective-changing course for me. To be transparent, I didn’t understand people’s fascination with art before this course. It was boring and didn’t move or do anything; it just sat there. After this course, I actively seek out art and understand the fascination and appreciation for it. It is no longer a still object hanging on a wall but something full of life; it tells its own unique story.
Similar to my art history course, my economics course was nothing like I expected. Instead of staring at a book full of graphs, I experienced Italian economics like I could never have dreamed of. I met an Italian CEO, who later reviewed my final project (creating a business proposal). I talked to the only Italian female chef with a Michelin star. I even got to visit her restaurant and try her food. This course gave me so much respect for Italy’s rich culture and kind, talented people. Everyone I met in this course was willing and excited to help me and tell me about their journey.
I thought Rome would be a city of old. To be fair, you only hear talk about ancient Rome and the Colosseum. Little did I know, I was entering a place full of life. Living in Rome was surreal because you were walking and studying in buildings older than America itself. I lived in the street right below Vatican City and walked by St. Peter’s Basilica every single day. It quickly became my favorite part of Rome. I know everyone expects it to be the ancient Roman ruins or the Colosseum or even the pasta, but for me, it was St. Peter’s Basilica lit up at night. It’s the most peaceful and beautiful sight. I never got over the awe of it. Every time I saw it lit up, I would stop and stare and feel so at home. It is so beautiful.
Living in Rome was a dream. Public transportation is the thing I miss most. From my apartment, I could not only get anywhere in the city but anywhere in Italy. Everywhere you go, there is something to do. I would get lost and end up on a street full of beautiful antique stores. I could visit anywhere in Italy in a weekend. On the way to class, I could stop and get the most delicious pastry and espresso for 2 €. I met amazing people, one of them being a member of the Swiss guard who guards the pope and the Vatican City. It was definitely surreal talking to someone who guards one of the most important people in today’s world.
I highly recommend the University of Arkansas Rome Center if you are even considering studying abroad. I especially recommend it if it is your first time studying abroad, traveling alone, or leaving the U.S. because it is faculty-led, and they are great at walking you through the steps. The courses are all incredible and serve to enrich the experience of living in Rome. It is truly a life-changing experience, but one accessible to students like me who had no experience traveling outside the U.S.
As wonderful as this experience was, there were, of course, stressors. A few things I wish I had known beforehand are how international cell phone plans actually work, that getting Wi-Fi isn’t as easy as you think it is, and KNOW SOME ITALIAN! Everyone kept telling me you don’t need to know Italian to go to Rome. This may be true if you are only visiting and simply existing in the tourist world, but when you are living there, knowing some basic Italian is so helpful! Despite the stress of being in a place where I didn’t speak any of the language and had no internet service for a week, I still would do it all over again. That is how amazing it is. Whether you study abroad or not, the most valuable lesson I learned in Rome is that nothing happens the way you think it will, but look around and appreciate the world’s beauty anyway. No amount of stress can take away the beauty of looking at San Pietro (St. Peter’s) at night, and no amount of stress can take away your experiences and the strength in knowing that you made it to wherever you are, despite the challenges.