Thoughts on studying abroad in Rome?

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brougham1987

I just got done a study abroad in Rome with the Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies (it's actually about 2 blocks from the American University of Rome). The city is incredible, especially from my point of view since I study Roman history.

Most of the attractions of the city include the ancient ruins. Rome is the largest archaeological site in the world. The Forum, the Colosseum, the Theatre of Pompey are just a few famous sites. However, the Renaissance, Baroque and Roccoco periods brought incredible growth to the city. The arts came under the patronage of the pope. This brought such masters as Michaelangelo, Bernini and Carvaggio to Rome. You can see their works in the Vatican, St. John in the Lateran and the Piazza del Popolo.

The clubs and bars are less enticing. Although there are areas that cater to American style drinking (Campo dei Fiori), you will only meet English speakers there and usually only creepy guys looking for American girls studying abroad. I suggest that you avoid this area if you truly want to get immersed in the culture. The Italians don't drink to get drunk, they usually don't drink mixed drinks: they drink wine and sometimes beer. Go to wine bars with friends, the atmosphere is usually relaxed and the wine is good so long as you buy something at least 9 euro in price. The clubs aren't that enticing either. I guess they just don't party like that.

I suggest going for the experience. With the exception of ICCS (the program I went on) and graduate schools in Rome, most people aren't there to learn or for an academic experience. Your schedule will probably allow you ample free time to travel and explore. But do it right. Try to pick up the language. Don't go to places that are only frequented by Americans. Use the train system to go to places in Italy - I suggest Florence, Siena and Venice (though I've never been to Venice I heard that it's wonderful). The south is largely agricultural and very traditional, so going there would be a different experience from the north. Sicily is also a very different and even exotic place. There's also a regional bus system in Lazio (the region that Rome is in) that promotes tourism in the small towns around Rome. Take that bus line to go hiking in the hills or to see some Italian farms and farming villages. Drink Italian drinks, eat Italian food - food is probably the most apparent product of their culture.

Sorry that my answer was quite long winded, but if you have more questions, email me at brougham1987@yahoo.com

fast_elena

You want to see information?
To see go at those web pages:
http://www.gowithcea.com/programs/italy/rome.html
http://www.studyabroad.com/rome.html
http://www.eselondon.ac.uk/european_school_of_economics/study_abroad.php?prbt

samsnedecker

Rome is big city so there is lots to do - music, clubs, museums, shopping. It's in central Italy so you will have a good base for trips to other cities and the day trip possibilities are endless. It will also be convenient for friends and family to come visit you during your stay.

However if you are not used to a big city it can be a bit much. If learning the language is a goal you may be better off in a smaller town. There are so many places where English is spoken that you can easily get by without the language. That can be a pro or a con, depending on how you look at it.

If you have the opportunity to spend 4 months studying abroad definately do it! The experience will be wonderful and will change your perspective on life!

No I haven't either.

fearsome_gibbon

It is quite expensive, and Italians can be difficult to 'gel' with in their groups as they aften spend a lot of time with their families etc. also you will find that people socialise with the people they go to university with, making life a bit tedious. However Rome is beautiful and there is lots of amazing countryside an things to do and see. But as most of them are tourist attractions, your interest may wane after 6 months or so!

Erica N

Please check out The American Univerisity of Rome. Its all in English there but you get to live in Rome.

Warrior

GO FOR IT!

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