Author: Hallee Sobin | Major: International Studies – History – Spanish | Semester: Summer 2025

Visiting the Colosseum with Hog pride!

This summer, I had the opportunity to return to the University of Arkansas Rome Center for a second five-week period abroad. I went to the Rome Center alongside eight other classmates to complete a History program with our professor, Dr. Brogi. When Dr. Brogi, one of my current History professors during the Spring semester announced he would be instructing this program in Italy, I knew it was an opportunity I could not miss. To be able to further your academic journey while immersed in a foreign country builds skills not everyone has, navigating a new country in a new country teaches you not only adaptability but also perseverance. Throughout the five weeks, we studied Italian History and Transatlantic Relations. These two classes worked hand in hand as they gave context to one another and went more in-depth on what occurred depending on the topic. Dr. Brogi took us on multiple excursions to different museums and historical sites. By doing so, we could put our knowledge to the test by applying what we had learned in the classroom to a broader timeline and studying first-hand historical documents, etc. One of my most memorable excursions as a class was visiting the Jewish Ghetto in Rome. Our day in the Jewish Ghetto was very special to me as I come from a strong Jewish heritage and my great-grandfather was a member of the United States Army, which liberated the concentration camp, Dachau. Walking around the Jewish Ghetto was a sentimental experience as you encounter gold cobblestones outside of apartments. These gold cobblestones serve as memorials to those who were taken from their homes and sent to concentration camps across Germany. The cobblestone indicates the individual, the date they were taken, the concentration camp they were sent to, and their date of death. Serving as a constant reminder of what happened and to never forget. During one of the last weeks of our time abroad, we attended the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. During our time there, we learned about the FAO, a UN agency focused on defeating hunger and food insecurity. The guide taught us their motto, which they strive toachieve and also pride themselves on, Fiat panis, a Latin saying which translates to “let there be bread.” The FAO coordinates with the UN to draw further attention to these nations’ enduring food insecurity, whether due to their agricultural shortage or even resources such as water. My time abroad is undoubtedly second to none. Throughout the five weeks, I have become great friends with fellow Arkansas students whom I probably would not have had the opportunity to encounter back in Fayetteville. Aside from the history program, communication and marketing programs were also included. Three of my then roommates, who are now best friends, are marketing students, an opportunity I would not have had back in Fayetteville due to the large-scale campus of the University of Arkansas in comparison to the intimate and small campus of the University of Arkansas Rome Center. Despite being in different classrooms throughout the school day, we spent the weekend exploring Rome’s surrounding towns, such as the beautiful beach of Sperlonga and the serene views at Lago di Bracciano. These two destinations were my favorites as we were one of the only tourists there and truly got an authentic experience. I am grateful to Dr. Brogi and the University of Arkansas Rome Center for arranging this summer’s program and to the Honors College for providing the funding to send me to Rome. Studying in a foreign country and living as the Romans have been a blessing