Author: Ayden Carmack | Major: Advertising and Public Relations | Semester: Spring 2024
I studied abroad during the spring semester of my junior year in Rome, Italy with the University of Arkansas Rome Center. The idea of living in another country for a short time always interested me, but I decided the Rome Center program was right because of the classes offered that directly counted toward my journalism major.
Ayden looking for Harry Styles’ house in Bagnoregio
One of my most favorite aspects of studying abroad at the Rome Center was the SLAM program. Once a week, the students involved in the program had the opportunity to choose one of the two activities provided that week. The options were usually between a sporty activity or a cultural immersion activity. While there were activities such as food tours, ice cream making, and thrift shopping, I always chose to do the sporty activities with staff member Chris, who was one of the SLAM leads. My personal favorite activities throughout the semester were volleyball, ice skating, and padel, which is a European twist on pickleball where players are able to use the walls. SLAM was one of the major ways I got to meet and become friends with other study abroad students within the Rome Center, especially people outside of my major and university, since the University of Arkansas welcomes other schools into the Rome Center architecture program.
Ayden horseback riding in Ovindoli
My other favorite part of the program was going on two of the trips that the Rome Center staff planned and led for its students. I participated in both the trip to Ovindoli and the trip to Naples, Pompeii, and Caserta. While I enjoyed horseback riding and a spa day in Ovindoli and surrounding areas for the weekend, the Rome Center trip to Naples, Pompeii, and Caserta was the trip that stood out to me. The two trip leaders, staff members Fabio and Ilaria, created the perfect environment to have an exceptional time and learn interesting historical facts. I had no idea that a grand, breathtaking palace and garden existed in the small town of Caserta, but I will forever recommend that to anyone who travels to Italy. Also having heard that the city of Naples can be sketchy, going as part of a group led by two confident Italians really brought ease of mind and allowed me to enjoy myself instead of having to stress. I also have no words for how devastating, yet at the same time moving and inspiring it was, to stand in the ancient city of Pompeii. Getting to grow closer to the other students while on these trips was also great, and some of the close friendships I made throughout the semester started during these trips and excursions. The Rome Center offering opportunities to learn about Italy and connect with other students were the biggest highlights of my study abroad experience.
Two of the classes I took at the Rome Center counted directly toward my major, and they were also incredibly interesting and enjoyable. I learned a lot about the fascist dictatorship under Benito Mussolini, including how propaganda was utilized and how many pieces of propaganda still remain standing today. We went on a field trip every week that directly correlated with the weekly lecture. Actually going to the places where we learned these concepts allowed me to become more critically minded and better aware of how I can practice ethical journalism. These classes also opened my eyes to the impact of the words I use, and how my actions as a journalist truly can benefit or harm society. In addition to this class, I also took an online research methods class to fulfill my requirement toward writing my thesis for the Honors College. I also took a class called To Rome With Love, helping me better understand the language and culture within Italy. This class helped me deconstruct Italian stereotypes that I didn’t even realize I came to Rome with, such as thinking that every Italian talked loudly and used their hands dramatically. I also grew in my appreciation for the diversity found in different regions within the country of Italy.
Advice I would give to students thinking about studying abroad would be to start saving their money as soon as possible. Studying abroad is definitely not cheap, but it is something I will look back on the rest of my life grateful that I got to take part in it. The University of Arkansas recognizes the importance of seeing and immersing into a new culture, and they offer many scholarship opportunities for students, especially honors students. While the scholarship was helpful and honestly was the deciding factor of whether or not I could study abroad, I still had to save a lot of money to do experiences in Italy and other countries. One of the coolest parts of living in Europe was how easy and cheap it was to other European countries, compared to traveling from the United States. I didn’t realize just how much I wanted to do and see until I arrived, so I’m glad that I had saved extra money to be able to experience many cities that Italy had to offer. Studying in a different country is truly a life altering and worldview changing experience, and I encourage anyone with curiosity about studying abroad to fully dive in.