Featuring the Castel Sant’Angelo.

Author: Anna Mathis | Major: Agriculture Communications, Agriculture Leadership | Semester: Fall 2023

Ciao da Roma– Hello from Rome! I’m excited to write my first of four blogs while studying in Rome, Italy. I’m Anna, double majoring in agriculture communications and agriculture leadership, and I’m adding a minor in global studies at the University of Arkansas Rome Center. I’ve only been here a couple weeks, and my worldview is already quite different– having already had multiple highs and lows. Over the course of the next few blogs, I’ll break down what attending class is like, the culture of The Eternal City, tips and tricks for weekend travel, and share stories from my internship. However, on the first blog, I think it’s paramount to speak to the transition of moving abroad– the before, during, and after. So buckle up for equal parts tips and transparency.

Before travel:

If you’re preparing to study abroad (or just here for the details, that’s fine too) you will most likely want to tell everyone and their extended family about your upcoming trip, both to inform and because it’s so incredibly exciting. First, people will act surprised and delighted. They will then give you advice, which is sometimes helpful and other times not at all. Keep in mind, most people are giving advice through the lens of a two-week vacation, which is very different from putting down roots in a foreign country. Through all the advice, what you will most likely NOT hear, and perhaps the most important, is advice on the emotional, mental, and physical challenges you will soon overcome in the early stages of your experience. Mine started the week before I left for Italy. I experienced serious nerves, sadness, and just a rollercoaster of emotions that toggled as quickly as a flickering lightbulb. My advice is to be honest with your family about what you’re feeling, even if they don’t understand. Then, find ways to soak up things you love about home! Take a break from packing and hit your local coffee shop, spend time outdoors, and call a friend. Then board your flight.

The first week:

You’ve arrived in your new home! The bus ride to your new apartment is quiet as everyone is looking out the windows of the bus, drinking in the different sights of the city. Naturally I was excited to finally make it, and adrenaline kept me going through the initial tours. But the advice of well-meaning friends and family stops short of adapting to such a different environment. Even if you’re a world traveler, even if, like me, you’ve lived in different cities with different people before, the transition will be unlike anything you’ve experienced. Friend to friend, here are some things to consider:

Physical exhaustion. Americans are typically more sedentary than European commuters, so expect some growing pains in the first few days due to walking more than usual. Also, jet lag, experiencing different food, drinking different water, and perhaps some intense heat, don’t always make a fun combination. Take it from me as I was puking my guts up on day two (on the side of the road) thanks to no public restrooms.

Complicated emotions. If your emotions are all over the place, that’s normal! Many of my friends have shared how guilty they feel over feeling sad and stressed when they’re in the city of their dreams. No need to gaslight yourself. If you’re feeling elated over seeing a breathtaking view then crying two minutes later, you’re not going crazy; rather, processing complex emotions about adjusting to a foreign environment, missing home, being tossed out of your comfort zone, living with new people, and a plethora of other (valid) feelings.

Moving forward:

Have I totally freaked you out yet? No need to fear. I wanted to be really honest about what I experienced to let you know you’re not alone and that it is worth it. These feelings will eventually subside, the intensity of mine within a week, replaced with the magic and splendor of your new home. You’ve tackled public transportation, the scary grocery store, had a few wacky experiences under your belt, and maybe even puked in the street, and now you’re ready to have the ride of a lifetime. When that time comes, it will be worth it, friend.