An after biking photo

Author: Kerrigan Servati | Major: Architecture | Semester: Fall 2023

I am halfway through my time studying abroad at The University of Arkansas Rome Center. That phrase that time passes quickly when you are having fun has never seemed more true!

Since this is a requirement for those within the architecture program here at the university, I have been looking forward to this semester since the day I decided to attend the U of A. This also means that you hear stories from those returning from Rome each semester and jot down recommendations from other students regarding places to eat, must-sees, and weekend trips. One of those I can distinctly remember hearing from those who studied abroad a year ago was to sign up for the optional trip to the Dolomites offered through the school. The school provides multiple weekend trips to travel across Italy with staff from the university, who plan and organize every detail of the weekend. This allows those who want to pay an additional sum on top of course money to go to more places than is included in the program. The ones offered this year were a weekend to Naples/Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre, Sicily, and the one I chose, the Dolomites.

After multiple weekends of traveling with a large group of my classmates, it was nice to have everything organized and planned for a change. I initially chose this trip because it would be tricky to make it out to the Dolomites in Northern Italy and back to Rome within a weekend, especially without familiarity with the area. This was also a biking trip, meaning on my own, I would have needed to figure out more details than I thought was feasible. These trips are best for those who want to travel but need planning assistance. The biking trip portion consisted of a 45-mile bike ride on electric bikes up the mountain. I will never forget the memory of reaching the top of the mountain and experiencing one of the prettiest views I have ever seen.

My tip for students studying abroad is to talk to those who have already attended a program or, even better, the specific location you are going to. For those within Fay Jones, there is an entire group of upperclassmen each year that has more than likely already gone through this process before – and, at one point, probably had the same questions you currently do. This is also the best way to get recommendations for must-sees and especially must-eats! I have a list on my phone of advice specifically regarding food that those in the grade above me have passed along – I must say that they are recommendations for a reason! Talking to those in my shoes before going made me more excited about what would come. I hope that when I return to Fayetteville next semester, I can pass along my own findings as well as what was passed along to me.