Author: Mary Beth Barr Major: Architecture
Fontana del Porcellino (fountain of a boar) in Florence. Woo Pig!
Academics A study abroad semester is required by my major, but I had the choice between studying in Mexico City or Rome. I chose Rome because of its immense architectural history that I had already learned about in my years of studying architecture and architectural history. Everywhere you look in Rome there is some sort of history in the buildings, streets, and urban design. Whether it’s a history you’ve heard stories about or one you have to research yourself, there is something to uncover about every corner of the ancient city. My experience studying in Rome was different than studying in America in that just walking to class every day was a lesson. We also were provided with walking and driving tours throughout the city, region, and country, which provided us with a glimpse into what seemed like a completely different world than we grew up in. We were also given a small education in the Italian language and Italian culture, which was invaluable to the experience of living and studying in a different country. This allowed us to understand where we were living and studying on a more intimate level and I feel that I learn so much more from the experience than I would have if I had not had this language education and cultural introduction. We also took a course called “Architecture of the City” which allowed us to take a closer look at some hidden gems of history around Rome that we might not have seen otherwise and look at them through a lens specified by architects and architectural educators. This was another invaluable part of my time studying in Rome because it forced me to look at the city through an analytical lens, sketch, draw, and research specific architecture around the city and both its aesthetic and urban history.
Culture One evening, we were lucky enough to participate in a cooking class in the Palazzo Taverna. It was provided by Fabiolous Day Cooking company, but a wonderful man who has his business right downstairs at the Palazzo Taverna (where the University of Arkansas Rome Center is located). It was provided with the WLLC (language and culture) class, and it was such a great experience! We learned how to make pasta from scratch, which was surprisingly more simple than I thought it would be. We made gnocchi, fettucine, ravioli, and tiramisu. All of the dishes were delicious, and I look forward to recreating them when I arrive back in America! The most fun part of the experience was when we rolled out the pasta. We had to form a line and all work together to hold it when it was rolled out. We almost had to open the door and step outside! I enjoy cooking, but I have never made something quite as “from scratch” as homemade pasta! I have bought the prepackaged fresh pasta from the supermarket in Rome a few times, and I think it tastes much better than the dried pasta in America. I think it will be interesting to try cooking the authentic Italian pasta recipe with the ingredients from America and see if it tastes as good!
Advice I would recommend this program to anyone I get the chance to! It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I wouldn’t trade for anything. One thing that I would recommend to students coming in the future is not to worry so much about wardrobe. One thing I was concerned about when arriving was “standing out” as an American and therefore being sought out by pick-pocketers, etc., but I didn’t feel much of a concern once I got there. Italians do dress fashionably, so no athletic wear or sweatpants outside the house, but it is not necessary to only wear plain colors and styles. Italians often wear quite out-of-the-box things, so have fun with fashion while you are there! Another thing I would suggest is bringing a small over-the-shoulder bag that can be zipped. For architecture or design students, I suggest bringing one that is big enough to carry a sketchbook in, but not as bulky as a backpack. This will allow you to have a lighter weight carry-all for days that you don’t need a backpack, with a lot less strain on your back! Generally, I would suggest getting out of your comfort zone when studying abroad. Try to say “yes” to as many opportunities as you can. Remember that these are opportunities you may never have again! If you get out there and try things, you will surprise yourself and be proud of yourself and have even more fun and stories to tell when you return.