Author: Catherine Hammer | Major: Finance | Semester: Spring 2024
Studying abroad at the Arkansas Rome Center was the best decision I have ever made. I chose to study abroad in Rome because I knew that I wanted to experience life in a major Italian city. Rome ended up being the perfect launching point and had every amenity I could possibly imagine. As a history enthusiast, I loved that everywhere I went, there was another part of history to observe. The Rome Center itself exuded historical charm. Walking in on the first day extremely jetlagged, my tired eyes were revitalized as I marveled at its splendor.
The Trevi at night!
During my time there, the Rome Center organized a tour of the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel. Our tour guide was exceptional, making it one of the best tours I have ever experienced. My other favorite highlights from Rome were the Colosseum, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, and Piazza Navona. Of course, the food was also incredible. I indulged in all four Roman pastas—cacio e pepe, amatriciana, gricia, and carbonara—and I found it impossible to pick a favorite.
Academically, the Rome Center offered the ideal business program to complement my major. Enrolling in the Entrepreneurship and New Venture Development program for the 2024 spring semester enriched my understanding of the business world in the international sense. I advanced my understanding of global factors impacting business, global supply chain issues, and Italian business culture. My professors each offered a unique perspective on global business and encouraged us to use Rome and the world as our classroom. They were extremely supportive of our extracurricular travels and eagerly listened to our adventures upon our return.
Studying abroad not only allowed me to thrive academically, but also fostered significant personal growth. I learned so much about myself and gained a greater sense of independence. I was lucky enough to be able to travel to 11 different countries while I was abroad. One of my favorite trips was to Budapest, Hungary. Being 25% Hungarian and having grown up listening to my grandfather’s stories of his home country, I knew it was a place that I always wanted to visit. I was able to tour the Hungarian Parliament building where he used to live, take a boat tour on the Danube, and see landmarks like Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, St. Stephen’s Cathedral. It was surreal to finally be in the country that I had always heard so much about as a child and it was such a memorable trip.
Ava Dugan and I at the Eiffel Tower
Another trip that I absolutely adored was our trip to Paris. Our schedule was jam packed, but that’s the only way to do Paris in 4 days right? We were able to see sights such as the Eiffel Tower, the Dior Gallery, Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, L’Orangerie, Musee d’Orsay, Versailles, cruise the Seine, and enjoy hot chocolate at Angelina’s. Seeing the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night satisfied my inner child, and every pastry I tasted was a delight. Although we were able to experience so much in Paris, we did not get to everything, so I look forward to returning to explore more in the future.
Camel ride through the Sahara!
The most unique trip that I took was to Morocco, adding another continent to my travels. Our trip got off to a bumpy start, with a dense fog enveloping the Rome airport and causing us to sit on the tarmac for three hours. After an hour stint in the customs line, we were finally able to embark on our tour. We saw some beautiful sights traversing through the Sahara Desert with our guide Mbarak. We rode ATVs on the dunes, went sandboarding, and rode camels to our overnight desert camp. For our last couple of days, Marrakech enchanted us with its vast markets and vibrant culture.
Reflecting on my time at the Arkansas Rome Center, I am filled with immense gratitude and a sense of fulfillment. Despite our extensive travels, at the end of every weekend trip, returning to Rome always felt like coming home, which was a testament to the profound connection we developed with the city. Studying abroad in Rome was not just an academic venture, but a transformative journey that broadened my horizons and deepened my understanding of the world. The experiences I gained, the friendships I forged, and the knowledge I acquired have all left a lasting impression on me. As I move forward, I carry with me the lessons learned and the memories cherished, knowing that this chapter of my life has shaped who I am. Studying abroad was truly the best decision I have ever made, and its impact will resonate with me for years to come.