Author: Ruby Holland | Major: Nursing | Semester: Summer 2025

My roommates and I on our trip to Budapest, Hungary

For my study abroad, I have been fortunate enough to spend 10 weeks in Rome, Italy with the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing (EMSON). I have always been interested in studying abroad, but frankly thought I would never have the opportunity as my major can be quite difficult to receive credits externally. My parents have always emphasized the importance of going abroad, whether it’s through education or simply backpacking for a summer. My parents met and lived abroad in Japan for 20 years and always encouraged experiencing a new culture as the best decision for growth and adventure, so I knew I too would love to immerse myself in a country I wasn’t familiar with. I chose Rome as I loved its historical and cultural significance. From major landmarks like the Colosseum to its beautiful architecture displayed in the Vatican, I was eager toexperience its culture for not just a vacation, but an extended time. For my 10 weeks spent in a summer in Rome, I received 9 credit hours towards my major: Community Didactic lecture, Community Clinical, and an Elementary Italian I class. The culture shock from experiencing a foreign country where English is not the first language, is something I knew to expect, however it was still a difficult adjustment. I am grateful to have been enrolled in our italian class, as this class served as a great stepping stone to familiarizing myself with italian culture, from littlest things like learning greetings to how to order a meal at a restaurant. Our Italian class also prepared us for Italian medical terminology, which was greatly appreciated during our clinical time.

As receiving clinical hours internationally is rare and quite tedious to transfer back to the U.S., I am incredibly grateful for the experience to learn and immerse myself in the Italian healthcare system. For our first clinical, we were able to visit Agostino Gemelli University Hospital, the largest public hospital in Rome. We were given a tour of the oncology unit by Leonardo, the unit’s nursing coordinator and manager of multiple research studies, who was incredibly passionate about the unit’s emphasis on how psychological support can be beneficial towards physical health. It was inspiring to see how the nurses support their patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation through compassion and respect. It was interesting to witness a public healthcare system, as we were able to visit and compare UPMC Salvator Mundi International Hospital, a private hospital. The differences of private and public healthcare were significant, as Salvator Mundi was a much smaller facility creating a more intimate environment.It was fascinating to also compare how nursing school differs in Italy rather than the U.S. In Italy, the schooling involves 3 years and usually begins immediately after highschool after submitting entrance exam scores. Gemelli hospital provides a nursing program where students can receive not only academic teaching but immerse themselves in clinical practice at their hospital. This was interesting to contrast with EMSON’s clinical placement involving multiple hospitals and clinics located all around Northwest Arkansas. In our fourth week, we had the opportunity to visit Università Campus Biomedico di Roma, an accredited university and hospital, with undergraduate and masters programs for nursing, engineering, biomedical sciences etc. I was incredibly impressed by the university’s advanced simulation labs, with labs ranging from assessing spinal cord injuries to a home health simulation, that replicates a bedroom where an outpatient nurse may assist their patient. As a simulation lab is an environment where students can practice hands-on skills and make mistakes without judgment, I was impressed by their facilities and am hopeful that American universities may adapt that technology in the future.

In addition to immersing myself in the beautiful city of Rome, I’ve had the amazing opportunity to visit countries such as Hungary, France, Czech Republic, England and am planning to visit Greece. As there is so much to see in Italy, we’ve also been able to visit historical cities such as Milan, Florence, Padova and Venice, all which differ from Rome in their own ways! I would have never thought I would have the opportunity to travel and explore the world. Every week, I continue to remind myself to truly experience every little moment, because I know in a few short months, I’ll be longing to go back.

If you are ever considering studying abroad and have the opportunity, absolutely go for it. Though it may seem daunting, the growth, independence, and memories you make, will change your perspective on how you view the world. From navigating the trains to planning trips with friends, I’ve gained a new sense of confidence in my abilities to travel. Decisions that seemed so scary before, seem thrilling, especially if it’s an unfamiliar experience. I would recommend the University of Arkansas Rome center to any student interested in experiencing Italian culture, however I would recommend familiarizing yourself with the Italian language, as that was and still continues to be a learning curve during my stay. Apps such as Duolingo were very helpful to build my basic knowledge of the language as it is very different from English. I am incrediblygrateful to have had the opportunity to study abroad. It has been such a rewarding experience and I cannot wait to see what the next four weeks have in store.