The Spanish Steps

Author: Anna Beck | Major: Nursing

Ciao! My name is Anna Beck, and I am a Senior Nursing Major in the College of Health Education and Professionals (COHEP). Last semester for my junior year, I was honored to take a semester abroad in Rome, Italy, while still taking nursing classes and even rotations in the distinguished Gemelli Hospital through the Nursing Across Lifespans program.

Academics

I was so eager on my first day of class because, as dorky as it sounds, I love school and I love learning. Not to mention, I was going to college in a renovated castle. Since my childhood obsessed days of Harry Potter, the thought of going to class in such an environment has been a dream. Almost a month in, I still could not believe it! My five-year-old self is just giddy inside. Classes were engaging with only 13 of us, so discussion always occurred, and we all were able to learn so much more from each other. Every Thursday, we would put on our scrubs and take the train to the hospital to rotate through various pediatric units. This was when I felt the most benefit from studying abroad. I was not only able to see the differences, specifically the universal health care, but also the beautiful similarities. Despite the Italian/English language barrier, most of the medical language was all the same or incredibly similar. That was how we were able to communicate most effectively.

Culture

Anna Beck’s Italian Adventure

To best explain the culture, I will describe how I spent a day around town. My favorite way to begin was to have a café, or an espresso, at my local bar. Then, I head off into the streets of Rome. I always ended up in the Spanish Steps district, where I walked past my favorite stores of Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Hermes. Then, I do some actual shopping at H&M and Zara. After, I would watch the sunset at Trevi Fountain with some delicious gelato. I slowly walk back home where I make a nice, warm dinner (my favorite was the famous Roman dish called, carbonara) with a glass of red wine and relax with a favorite movie. Even sitting in my apartment and listening to my Roman neighborhood will be one of my favorite memories. The night always ended with all my roommates in the living room, laughing and talking until about 1 am. And this was exactly how the Italian culture is defined-leisurely, with amazing food, wine and friendly conversations.

As a student, I will bring back the memories of studying and taking classes in a renovated castle with walls that are decorated in beautiful art works and the walls detailed with beautiful borders. By studying in the hospitals, I will absolutely take away the beautiful structure of universal healthcare and the structure of working as a nurse. Now as a tourist, the memories of walking alone through the Vatican in the early morning with the sun rising and church bells ringing, getting coffee about five times a day without judgement, walking home whit the sun setting and illuminating the beautiful architecture that fills the city streets, and simply hearing my Italian neighbors chatter through my window while getting ready will be the best memories I take away back home.

Advice

This was easily the most memorable semester in my college career. I learned more about myself in the world than I ever thought I would have. Because of this growth, my parents have made it mandatory for my younger siblings to have a semester abroad and I have recommended it to every single one of my friends. A big thing to mention is how incredibly lucky I am, as a nursing student, that I was able to study abroad. I thought I was going to have to throw out all plans for a semester abroad, but when this was offered to me, I jumped at the chance, and I am ever grateful for it. If I were to do it again, the biggest piece of advice is to take an Italian class and save as much money as you can! One of the best parts of living abroad is how easy it was to travel to different countries (play your cards right and a weekend flight to Paris is five euros)! One of the highlights for me was spending my fall break in Dublin, Ireland! This was an experience of a lifetime, and I will relive so many memories for the rest of my life.