My name is Eliza Bevill and I studied abroad in Rome for 5 weeks. This was not my first international travel, but it was my first long term stay. During this time I became a very independent person because I was responsible for doing everything on my own. I learned how the metro, bus, trams, trains, and even how airports worked. I had so much fun and wish I could go back! Monday through Friday I had class from 9-12. This allowed me to get up, start my day, and walk the 20 min to class. My walk to class took me right through the Vatican. This was really neat because you got to see all the tourist who were wanting to go inside the Vatican, all of the people wanting to sell you tickets to the Vatican for much cheaper prices ( so they said ) and then there were the locals who were on their way to work. Every day I was constantly having to tell people that I was not interested in whatever they were selling!
I always felt very safe where I lived and where I had to walk to go to class because there was security everywhere because of the Vatican. This was very reassuring to me because I am a 19 year old girl and had only girl roommates.
Something that I found very interesting was the driving. Vehicles were crazy and would drive very fast and wouldn’t stop for pedestrians unless you literally walked out in front of them and made them stop because you had the right away. Another thing that was unique was that you have to pay for water at restaurants and if you order a coke you get one coke. no refills. It was definitely a culture difference. The food, however, was great! Every meal I ordered was so good.
Almost every night a group of about 20 of us would go out and visit the local bars and pubs and learn the culture and hang out with the locals. We met some really great people and it was so much fun. The Italians like to go out late and stay out late. They are not early risers either. Most places didn’t open until 8:30 or 9.
All in all my study abroad was so much fun and I could tell stories for hours about my experience. This was a trip of a lifetime and I would recommend it to anyone!
