View of the Alps from within the Lumen Museum on top of Kronplatz. We visited the top of the infamous skiing mountain during a biking trip in the Dolomites.
Author: Noah Berg | Major: Architecture | Semester: Fall 2022
As a requirement for graduation, the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design mandates that its students engage in a study abroad experience. Initially, I was uncertain as to the motivation behind this requirement, speculating that it may have been a means of attracting prospective students to the school. However, upon completion of my study abroad semester in Rome, I have come to appreciate the profound impact of such an experience on one’s education in architecture and design. Through my travels to various regions of the world, I have gained a newfound appreciation for the diverse approaches to architecture, leading to a significant shift in my perspective on the subject.
During my time abroad, I had the opportunity to travel to different regions and gain a new appreciation for diverse approaches to architecture. Seeing the ancient buildings of Rome in person, rather than just learning about them in a classroom, was a truly transformative experience. The Rome architecture program focused on analyzing and understanding these ancient structures, and then using that knowledge in our own designs within the city. One class that stands out amongst the rest in the Rome Architecture program is “Architecture of the City.” Unlike the typical classroom experience at the U of A, “Architecture of the City” is an experiential class that focuses on studying the ancient architecture from a first-person point of view. Being immersed within the very object of your studies is a life-changing experience. There is a sense of surrealism seeing first hand what has been preached in lectures.
In addition to the unique coursework, living in Rome and immersing myself in a different culture was also extremely educational. From the strong presence of religion to the food culture, living in Rome was very different from what I was used to in Fayetteville. I was able to indulge in the abundance of delicious coffee, pizza, and pasta, and I even discovered that many of the dishes I thought were quintessentially Italian, like Alfredo sauce and chicken parmesan, were not actually found in Italy. Instead, I learned that simple combinations of fresh ingredients made for truly delicious pasta dishes.
As I look back on my semester abroad, there are a few pieces of advice I would like to share with future study abroaders. First, it’s important to be open-minded and remember that things are done differently in different countries. Don’t expect things to be done the same way they are done back home. Second, be patient as you adjust to your new environment – it takes time to get comfortable. When moving anywhere new, it takes some time to adapt. And last but not least, make the most of your time abroad – the staff will do everything they can to help you have a good time, but it’s up to you to make the most of every situation and experience. Overall, studying abroad has had a profound impact on my education and future as an architect, and I highly recommend it to anyone in the field.