My name is Amber Barter and I am a student at Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food, and Life Sciences. I am studying Birth through Kindergarten which focuses on being prepared to work in settings that young children, including public schools, early intervention programs, child care and education centers, and residential placement centers. During the 2018 May Intercession I participated in a study abroad experience in Rome, Italy.
Preparing for my trip was exciting! I began applying for scholarships immediately and was able to fully fund the trip through money that I was awarded or raised. Renewing my passport was also something that was top priority. As time for the trip began to inch closer and closer, travel arrangements were finalized and group meetings with the team members filled any spare time that I had. It wasn’t long before the last details were completed and my group and I were on an airplane headed for Rome, Italy.
When we arrived in Rome, my group was broken into smaller groups and led to the apartments that we would call home for the following weeks. My apartment was shared between myself and 7 other U of A students. I was unsure what to expect in the living quarters, but the apartment exceeded my expectations! It was a 3-bedroom, 2-bath apartment with a common room (living room) and a fully functioning kitchen that included a mini washing machine.
Rome was quite the experience! The thing that stood out to me throughout the trip was the massive amounts of people living, working, visiting, studying, and/or exploring Rome. It was not unusual to see swarms of individuals in every section of the city regardless of the day or night. There was also never a lack of entertainment! Musicians playing their instruments or singing on the streets along with merchants selling a variety of merchandise to the most willing tourist could be found in seemingly every area of free space the streets and sidewalks. There is always something to do in Rome!
While the sights and sounds of the city were exciting, the academic side of the trip was truly eye-opening. I learned and experienced an endless array of knowledge that I will be able to apply into my future career. My professors for this trip were extremely approachable and intentional with the work and field trips that were arranged for the group. Each ancient site that we toured or experienced brought a deeper understanding of the work we do with children. We were not required to sit in a classroom for hours on end, but were given multiple hands-on opportunities within the city. We visited the Colosseum, The Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, The Borghese Gallery, and the Loris Malaguzzi International Center in Reggio Emilia, Italy. My roommate and I also took the opportunity in our down time to visit The Vatican, Saint Peters Basilica, the Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps.
I would be doing a disservice if I failed to mention the food! Pizzeria’s and Gelato shops seemed to be on every corner calling your name and inviting you to taste all that Italy had to offer. It was difficult to pass a restaurant without stopping in to quench your hunger; day or night!
If you are considering a study abroad opportunity, then I suggest taking the step out and doing it! You will not regret the experience and will have memories to last a lifetime. Your world view will broaden and you will see the country you are visiting in a more profound and deep way. Perhaps the most noticeable change will be within yourself. You will forever see yourself and the world in a way that will be forever changed!