Lago Braies
Author: Andrew Popp | Major: Architecture | Semester: Fall 2022
My name is Andrew Popp. I’m an architecture student at the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design and I spent the fall 2022 semester abroad in Rome, Italy. I chose this program because it offered me a chance to visit one of the oldest cities in the western world and more importantly, it would also give me access to travel around the rest of the European continent. The ability to experience such a variety of cultures and outlooks over such relatively short distances compared to the United States is one of the better perks this program provides. While abroad I focused on going to cities that held a building or an architect of great interest or importance to me as well those that embraced and merged with its historical architecture. I felt that in doing so this opportunity would allow me to experience an architecture of a time gone by. My experiences traveling through different cities provided me with a greater understanding of an urban context and how that has evolved over the years. These experiences were made possible with the four-day academic calendar for our program giving us ample time to explore with a three-day weekend, but we didn’t stay put in a dusty classroom for those either.
Classes abroad were focused on providing an experience specific to Rome. Each of my classes made sure to address the city in various means, often through on-hand experiences. Nearly every day me and my classmates would go on an excursion to some museum or historical center or local shop and we were able to explore a good portion of the city through this. You walk a lot in Rome so make sure to bring good walking shoes to class. But don’t worry there’s plenty of places to grab gelato along the way.
Which, speaking of, the food in Italy is most definitely different from what we have back home. I think my favorite Italian city when it came to food had to be Napoli (Naples). As the city responsible for the creation of pizza, Neapolitan pizza is an absolute must. Their fried seafood is quite scrumptious as well, but the city is renowned for its pastry dishes as well. Upon the recommendation of my professor, when I rose in the morning I went and found a breakfast pastry called Sfogiliatella. It has to be the most delicious thing I’ve ever tasted and it’s on every street corner around the central station. And while my food advice should be taken with upmost sincerity, the best piece of advice I can give is to speak with as many people as possible. I met a Swedish music producer in Barcelona, an Egyptian author in Berlin, a retired Indian accountant on the train to Milan and each and every one of them had an incredible story to tell. But I think my favorite had to be while in Olang, a little mountain town nestled in the Dolomites. While in a small restaurant I had a conversation in three different languages with the local bar owner and two football club managers. And while my Italian and German aren’t anywhere near conversational, we were able to translate and work with each other to have a phenomenal and insightful chat. Which brings me to my last piece of advice: don’t be afraid to try and learn the language. Many people I found were impressed by the eagerness to learn (I will say those out in the country were far nicer) and would give you the time if you’re trying. Overall, I had a phenomenal experience abroad and would recommend it to any and everyone.