Author: Madison Wallace | Major: Nursing | Semester: Summer 2025
Our first Italian panini after our medical Italian class!
I had the opportunity to study abroad in Rome, Italy, at the University of Arkansas Rome Center as part of the Nursing Across the Lifespan program. I chose this program because it offered a unique chance to complete clinical hours in Italy while gaining exposure to world-renowned hospitals, including the prestigious Gemelli Hospital. As someone who has always been fascinated by Roman history and the presence of Vatican City, the timing of this trip during a Jubilee Year made the experience even more special. My classmates and I were fortunate to witness the inauguration of Pope Leo, a truly once in a lifetime moment. Italy has drawn me in with its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and architectural beauty. From the hills to the blue waters, every aspect of the country felt like a living piece of history. Studying abroad in Rome allowed me to expand my perspective on healthcare and dive deeper into the role of community health in a global setting. The ten week summer program began with a two week intensive Medical Italian course, followed by eight weeks of lectures and clinical work focused on community nursing. Throughout the program, I had the privilege of learning from outstanding professors, including Ilaria and Dr. Balentine, who supported our group of ten nursing students as we adapted to studying in a foreign country. One of the most meaningful parts of the experience was our nursing communities course, where I explored neighborhoods like Trastevere and Prati. These projects helped me understand how community health challenges such as pollution from traffic and over-tourism impact daily life in a major city like Rome compared to more rural areas. As part of our coursework, we identified specific health issues in these communities, presented them to our peers, and proposed practical solutions. A highlight of the trip was traveling to Padua and Venice with our class and professor. It was an unforgettable bonding experience and an eye-opening glimpse into Northern Italian culture. Padua, in particular, stood out as home to the University of Padua, known for being the first university in the world to graduate a woman and the site of the world’s first permanent anatomical theater. Rome served as the perfect home base, full of history and endless opportunities to explore. After classes, we immersed ourselves in local shopping at neighborhood markets, trying new foods, visiting the Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica, and even passing through the Holy Doors. Despiteits ancient roots, Rome offered a surprising variety of international cuisine, from Italian and French to Chinese and Spanish. Living abroad introduced me to lifelong friends and allowed me to explore five other European countries including Hungary, France, Spain, Croatia, and Greece. This was truly the experience of a lifetime filled with personal growth, unforgettable memories, and invaluable lessons in global healthcare. If given the chance, I would do it a million times over again. The friendships formed and knowledge gained during this journey have helped shape me into the nurse and person I’ve always aspired to become