Sunset over Scarlino, Italy

Author: Sydney Kraus | Major: Landscape Architecture | Semester: Summer 2025

During the summer of 2025, I attended a landscape architecture study abroad program in Rome, Italy for ten weeks. I was very excited and interested in studying in Italy because of its immensely rich and long-running history. I was also very curious to learn about Italy’s ecological and societal differences compared to the United States. Rome represents an incredibly old civilization with millenniums of history comprising its city. Walking on the same cobblestones people have traveled on for thousands of years was an unfathomable concept. The Colosseum is almost 2,000 years old, being built from 72 to 80 AD. Though it is said to be a ruin, I was lucky enough to see this wonder of the world stand valiant and grand before me three times! On my way to and from school, I trekked across Ponte Sant’Angelo – an ancient bridge
that has stood over the Tiber River since its completion in 134 AD. It is lined with stunning
statues of angels, designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini himself. Though I crossed this bridge many,
many times throughout the summer, it left me in awe each time. The Tiber River itself is special
for being the reason Rome is located where it is and for being its life force for ages. At the end of
Ponte Sant’Angelo stands a stately and imposing monument – Castel Sant’Angelo. Being built in
135 AD, I wish its walls could talk. It was a way-finding landmark for me during my exploration
Kraus 2 of Rome and even brought a sense of “home” when it would enter my view, realizing I was
familiar with my location.
While Rome was my temporary residence, I felt like local in Italy, eating their food and
adopting their culture. I made friends with locals in Rome such as shop owners, restaurant
employees, and cafe workers that I visited often. I was always met with kindness and welcoming
by these people and they benefitted my experience of being in a foreign country by being a
friendly face. In Rome, I even picked up some of the Italian language that I hope I will continue
developing.
As an artist, I felt incredibly inspired in Italy because of their exceedingly ornate style of
art and architecture from the Renaissance and Baroque eras. The high level of craftsmanship is
unbelievable, whether shown in sculpture, painting, architecture, tapestry weaving, stained glass,
and many other art forms. I enjoy painting and create stained glass in my free time, and seeing
the mastery of these art forms was awe-inspiring. I particularly enjoyed the representation of
Acanthus leaves in architecture and ornamental art, which has been around for about 2,500 years.
As a landscape architecture student, Acanthus ornamentation reminds me of the timeless
appreciation for nature and the importance of incorporating it into our everyday lives.
During my academic courses, I learned about urban form, urban theory, and landscape
architecture and design, all in the context of a foreign environment and community. Being from a
small rural town in Texas, I learned a lot about urban design and function in a big city such as
Rome, especially it being a foreign city. I explored piazzas and how locals and travelers utilize
these public open spaces. I studied how these piazzas are used at different times of day and at
various days of the week. I experienced the critical importance of parks and green spaces in
cities, where these areas are often rare. I recognized parks like Villa Ada and Villa Borghese to
Kraus 3
be important outdoor parks for the people of Rome and animals, both pets and wildlife. I
appreciated the parks of Rome and their “wild” vegetation that represented that native
ecosystems of the area, juxtaposing with the hardscapes of the city. Our studio design project
required us to design a public park within Villa Ada and include an established entrance along its
walls. This project allowed me to learn about Rome’s natural compositions such as its soils and
rocks, vegetation, animals, and its hydrologic patterns. I learned more about sociological
connections within landscape architecture and how to design spaces that are best fit for their
audiences. This project also improved my design skills and continued to refine my graphic
abilities to communicate my design ideas.
I had the opportunity to travel to the Amalfi coast with friends during my summer abroad.
We went on a boat excursion along the coast that involved snorkeling and swimming in the
Tyrrhenian Sea. It was the most fun I have ever had! Swimming in the sea was refreshing, and
the waves were relaxing. Enormous cliffs towered over the vibrant blue water. I explored
beaches only accessible by water and found lots of sea glass. I saw marine wildlife and admired
the unreal views with awe. The entire adventure was enchanting and a day I will never forget.
My study abroad trip was the most enriching experience of my life this far. I got to see so
much of Italy including the Dolomites, Tuscany, Rome, the Amalfi Coast, and even Sicily. I
completely fell in love with the stunning landscapes and breathtaking views throughout the entire
country. I met wonderful people and enjoyed delectable cuisine. I learned so much in school and
through my own adventures and my experiences will stay with me forever. My gratitude and
appreciation for this summer trip is endless.