Rome Blogs
1. August 22nd, “From the Big Apple to the Big... Tomato?”
I’m writing this introductory blog post from the sofa in what my friends lovingly refer to as the Skybox. I’ve spent my last month in New York City here, cat-sitting for a Fordham pal, living in her beautiful apartment overlooking the Hudson River and savoring this city I’ve come to love so much over the last three years. It has been everything I imagined it would be and more. The constant stimulation and interaction excites me, but finding familiarity was no simple task. But after three years of school, improv classes, and collaboration, I’ve somehow made a home for myself in this metropolis, the most populated in the country. All my life, I’ve been excited to find my place in NYC and to call it home.
In a way, I’ve always felt the same about Rome. We’ve always had a romcom-esque “Will They, Won’t They” dynamic. My mom spent her junior year of college in Rome and, having never been far from her small town in Ohio, it was as if she had traveled to another planet. Reading the journals and scrapbooks from her trip, it is remarkable to witness her growing emotionally, culturally, and personally during her adventure. My mother's mother, my Nonna Tina, was born in Isernia, Italy, just a few hours south of Rome and came to America in 1955 as a young girl; the family’s immigration was prompted largely by the destruction that World War II had wrought on their small town.
When my mother went to Rome, she connected with our family history in a very profound way. I’ve traveled to Italy before both as a tourist and to visit family in Isernia, but not for a while, never for this long, and never alone. My mother’s study abroad experience was life-changing and I always wanted to follow in her footsteps. At family reunions, I feel a glowing pride towards being Italian, if only half. The food, the music, the Bocce tournaments and pinched cheeks. On my short trips to the motherland, I have glimpsed at the culture, lifestyle, and language that I long to understand. The way history is scattered through the urban center enchants me. I feel enamored with the city, reflecting on its beauty like a dude in a romcom musing about the one who got away.
Moving from a Pennsylvania suburb to attend college in Manhattan was a leap similar to moving abroad. New York feels separate from America, an endless variety of humans and experiences tossed in a magical salad. As I got to know the city and found my place in it, I became reluctant to leave; I was performing weekly on an improv team with some dear friends and had inclinations towards an entertainment career. I feared a loss of momentum and that my FOMO would be too much to bear. My improv friends graduated college years ago and, surrounded by them and their career ambitions, my academic experience wasn’t my top priority. Junior year came and went, many of my Fordham friends went abroad, and I stayed put. For a moment, it seemed that Rome and I would never have the ceremonious meeting, the satisfying ending that every good “Will They, Won’t They” needs. I was Rachel Green on a plane at Newark Airport, Rome was Ross at JFK.
As I witnessed the experiences of my peers abroad, saw the post-grad world on the horizon closer than ever, and made progress in my Italian language classes, I realized that I was silly to pass up this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I can worry about momentum after I graduate. For now, I’m in a position to pick up my life and study abroad. College is all about these experiences, ones that teach you so much about the world and yourself but with the safeguard of peers, parents, professors, and school staff. I’ve realized my mistake, I’m running through the airport to Rome’s apartment, praying it’s not too late to declare my devotion. The music swells, the studio audience cheers.
Both the Fordham and IES Abroad staff have helped me tackle the overwhelming amount of preparation and planning that it takes to study abroad. The process was daunting. However, I’m now certain that the stress and clerical chaos of this summer will pay off tenfold when I spend the fall in Rome. Just typing that out is so exciting. It’s really happening! I can’t wait to dive into this experience and document it. Because I’ll be going abroad my senior year, IES Abroad allows me to take a fall semester of classes abroad that line up with the American academic calendar. I’m on track for graduation and I’m so grateful everything worked out. I’m participating in the Film and Media Studies program, so I’m sure I’ll be at no loss for creative inspiration. Perhaps I’ll examine the Roman comedy scene. I wonder if I could perform improv in Italian? Just the thought makes me nervous, but facing those fears is what will lead to the connections, discoveries, and lessons that studying abroad is about. I expect to be overwhelmed by change when I arrive in Rome. However, once I get my bearings, I’ll build up my language skills and confidence better than before. This summer, I’ve been capturing the metropolis of NYC on my Canon Rebel T7I and iPhoneto create a short film comparing it to the footage I'll get in Rome. I’ll also be using this footage to elevate the video blogs that will be embedded into my future posts here. I hope you’ll enjoy experiencing Rome through my eyes!
2. September 14th, “Orientation Week: Finding my Footing on These Cobblestones!”
Ciao a tutti! This week has been an absolute whirlwind in the most rewarding way possible. My excitement has never dwindled, and each day, I feel so lucky to embark on this journey. The IES Abroad orientation schedule has been unrelenting but very informative. The excellent staff here has given us all the tools we need to stay safe while having the most fun possible. Even within the confines of our acclimation to the city, my peers and I have had some amazing experiences already.
Orientation consists of some long presentations, of course, but we’ve also explored the city accompanied by the IES Abroad Rome staff, our Italian student companions, and tour guides. Everyone is so generous with their knowledge about the city and ensures we all feel comfortable enough to throw ourselves into this life-changing experience. The history has been striking me the most; this city is older than my entire country, and there is so much to learn and beauty to appreciate around every corner. If you watch the video embedded in this post, you’ll see some clips of what the week entailed. With the intention to make these videos in mind, I have been seeing Rome through a creative eye and feeling inspired by the art, architecture, and culture.
Adjusting to life here in the IES Abroad Rome program has been surprisingly simple. Coming off of three years in NYC, I’m only adjusting to being in Italy, not to being in a big city. I can focus my efforts on the language, making new friends, and making the most of my time rather than adapting to urban life. The crowded streets and buses, along with the rats and pigeons, make me feel at home. I keep my family updated through photos and occasional phone calls; I always have so much to gush about when we talk.
Referencing my travel journal, here are some of the highlights of orientation week. Many of these activities can be seen in the vlog embedded in this post. You can also check it out at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhKryDaALUc
Castel Gandolfo and Lake Albano. What a beautiful place! This first week has been sweltering, so a swim is just what we needed. We then had orientation presentations at a stunning 17th-century villa with a magnificent view of the water. I spent time enjoying the view and chatting with new friends. All of the conversations were the same and somewhat melted together (Where are you from? Where do you go to school? Where are you living in Rome?), but I was immediately comforted by the kindness and openness of all my peers. It takes a particular type of person to study in Rome for a semester, so we all have something in common already.
Guided tours of the historical area surrounding the IES Rome center. I loved learning the history behind the ruins, monuments, and churches throughout Rome. The location of IES is perfect for adventures, learning about the city, and making the most of a semester here. The Trevi Fountain is breathtaking, and the cat colony at Largo di Torre Argentina was so wholesome and adorable. It will be wonderful to spend a break between classes at Piazza Navona or stroll to the Pantheon for some fresh air.
Unguided strolls around Rome! I’ve been exploring the area around my apartment, Prati, and around the Center, Ponte. It’s magnificent to walk the winding streets and find surprising beauty at every turn. Quaint shops, inviting restaurants, evidence everywhere of “la dolce vita.” It’s strange to be acclimating to the city, feeling like a tourist, but then remembering that I’ll be here for months. I’m thrilled to have the time to check out hidden gems, find my favorite local spots, and begin to understand the city. The NYC grid system spoils me, and these little Roman streets can be confusing, but I haven’t gotten lost yet. And when I successfully navigate my walk or bus ride, I feel a strong sense of pride. Look at me go!
Outings with our Italian Student Companions. This awesome bunch of Italian college kids has given us tours of our neighborhoods, taken us on field trips, answered our questions, and even taught us some local slang. My favorite adventure was a hike to the Giardino degli Aranci (Orange Garden) at the top of the Aventine Hill. ISC Peppe led the way to a beautiful city view and took us to a cute local spot for drinks and snacks. They are such a helpful aspect of the program and I feel comforted by their care and knowledge.
In my next post, I’ll talk about my classes. They’ve only just begun, but I’m already loving the content and instructors. Leave a comment on my video if there are other topics you’d like to see or hear about. Until next time!
3. October 14th, “Easy Day Trips from Rome.”
While there are endless marvels to discover in Rome, my peers and I have made frequent journeys outside the city. In such a well-connected urban center with reliable regional trains, it's easy to explore the surrounding areas of Italy, if even just for the day. In this blog post, I'll detail some easy trips that I highly recommend.
The first trip that my friends and I attempted was to Tivoli. However, we ran into some complications. It's a right of passage for any international traveler, but we arrived at the wrong station with plenty of time, only to have to rush to the correct one, only to find out that our "train" was actually a bus ride requiring a tedious transfer. Not feeling up to the challenge, we referenced the departure board and, on a whim and with the recommendation of the kind man behind the customer service desk, decided to go to Bracciano instead. And what a great choice!
Bracciano is a small town about an hour north of Rome, positioned on beautiful Lake Bracciano. We spent our time marveling at the waterfront views, enjoying a pizza (of course), and visiting the town's main attraction: Castello Orsini-Odescalchi. This beautiful, well-preserved medieval castle was remarkable. We got tickets at the entrance and could explore the building at our own pace. We saw room after room of medieval art, architecture, furniture, and history. Imagining ourselves as papal princesses, we observed our land from the lookout points at the top of the castle. It felt like going back in time and was a perfect escape from the city for the day. On the way home, we were able to conveniently disembark at San Pietro, close to both Camplus and my apartment. I highly recommend this convenient and exciting little journey!
For even more lake-side vibes, check out Castel Gandolfo. My peers and I were lucky enough to have an orientation meeting there in a beautiful villa, along with a refreshing swim. In the early days of September, this relaxing day by the water was exactly what we needed. About an hour south of Rome, it's easily accessible by regional train.
Another day trip I embarked on recently was to Formia and Gaeta. These two towns are located between Rome and Naples on Italy's west coast. Once again, I took a convenient Trenitalia regional line, and after about an hour and a half, I arrived at a beautiful seaside station. I did this trip solo on a random Saturday with nothing to do, so I spent most of my time walking/wandering aimlessly. I ended up walking about five miles from the train station to the main center of Gaeta. I stopped along the way to sit by the water, surrounded by the beautiful views of my destination in the distance and the mountains from which I came. Tiny crabs on the rocky shore and cats slinking through the streets gave me plenty to observe. Once I arrived in the center, I found a bite to eat and enjoyed the architecture, a mix of periods. The medieval quarter of the town is charming. I didn't bring a swimsuit, but the beach was so enticing that I was tempted to buy one. If you're a beach lover, this is a perfect getaway. Once my energy was sapped, I took the bus back to the train station and got the next train back to Rome. Easy peasy, a lovely solo day trip.
The third trip I took outside of Rome was part of an IES Abroad-subsidized weekend trip. Our journey began in Pompei, then to Sorrento, and ended on the island of Capri. Pompei is reachable by train from Rome in about two hours, including a transfer at Napoli Centrale. I highly recommend touring the ruins of this ancient city; it has been one of my favorite parts of my study abroad experience so far. With the help of our knowledgeable tour guide, we learned so much about these people's lives while walking through the remarkably well-preserved ruins of the town. Making your way down the main street, you will find the remains of houses, stores, restaurants, and even a brothel. The House of Vettii, with its beautifully preserved frescoes and architecture, transported me to the prime of Pompei. And on the stone streets, grooves created by the wear of carts made the city feel eerily alive. Much like in Bracciano, it was easy to imagine myself as a resident of this town, going about my business, unaware of the tragedy about to strike. It's a heavy place to visit, synonymous with destruction and death, but also an extremely impressive work of excavation and preservation. I recommend this trip to archeology nerds and curious travelers alike.
Here are some other day trips that I have researched or that my friends have taken:
Tivoli: I hope to get there this semester, although construction thwarts my efforts.
Ostia Antica: another excellent option for archeology nerds.
Florence: ideal for art lovers.
Santa Marinella: another beach day option.
Make the most of your time in Rome and take advantage of its convenient rail system. Or, when the city becomes overwhelming, take a day to explore something new. I hope these trips enrich your experience as they have mine.
4. November 5th, “Academics in Rome".
With the academic semester in full swing, I wanted to use this blog post to express my appreciation for the IES Abroad course offerings and how they integrate their students into the city of Rome.
To start, the classes I’m taking this semester are as follows:
Rome as a Living Museum
Documentary Filmmaking
From Cinecittà Studios to Real Locations: A Survey of Italian Cinema in Rome
Italian 401
I was also enrolled in “Lights, Camera, Action: Making a Fiction Film in Rome,” but had to drop it after being accepted into a Corso Singolo at Roma Tre. This is a very exciting development and I will dedicate a post to that experience in the future!
Something I have been noticing and immensely enjoying about my courses is the attention to quality education while catering to the novelty of our unique situation as American students in Rome. In the classroom, I am consistently engaged by the history, art, and culture I am learning about. Of course, this is specific to my position as a film student, but I've heard that even the material of business classes lean into our location. Once this importance has been established, we are brought out into the city for field studies, which provide a real-life understanding of what we've been learning about in class.
The classes I'm taking with the most frequent field studies, nearly weekly, are "Rome as a Living Museum" and "From Cinecittà Studios to Real Locations: A Survey of Italian Cinema in Rome." For both classes, it's always fascinating to see the monuments we have been studying or the shooting locations of the iconic Italian films we've been watching. Students are also given opportunities to give presentations on these places while standing right in front of them. It's educational and, on top of that, gives us poor American saps an unforgettable experience in the city. With locations like San Pietro and Castel Sant'Angelo on the menu for Rome as a Living Museum, I have a new understanding of these ancient monuments that I pass every day between my apartment and the IES Abroad Center. Even when attending class, I feel I am taking full advantage of my semester abroad; opportunities to explore are not reserved for outside of the classroom, on your own time.
In my other classes, "Documentary Filmmaking" and "Italian 401," we are encouraged to incorporate the city into our work. We are assigned to make a documentary capturing some aspect of Rome, therefore engaging with both the course material and the city. In Italian, we are assigned a weekend recap sent to our WhatsApp group, describing our travels or what we did in Rome. Seeing what others are doing engages me and encourages me to do something exciting each weekend. In Italian, we also spent a class period at the cinema watching a new Italian language rom-com, Finché notte non ci separi. We missed much of it due to the Roman dialect, but we debriefed afterward with our excellent and encouraging professor. This is another great example of how we are experiencing the city authentically with the guidance of the fantastic IES Abroad staff!
Allow me to take a moment to praise the IES Abroad Rome staff and professors. Everyone I have interacted with has been so helpful and delightful. My professors have all been encouraging, kind, and dedicated to our education. I feel fortunate to not only be studying abroad in this incredible city but to feel supported by the IES Abroad team and educators.
Outside of class, we have access to extracurricular activities that further enrich our time here. In the video embedded in this post, you'll see a gelato-making experience that was not only a total blast but also changed how I see the countless gelato shops I pass. Other opportunities include pizza making, group excursions, soccer matches, artistic ventures, and more. And of course, there was my IES Abroad planned weekend trip to Campania and the easy day trips I've taken out of Rome. All of these travels have been incredible and you can read about them in my previous post.
Ci vediamo dopo!
5. December 12th, “An Introvert Abroad.”
Studying abroad has been full of unforgettable experiences, new connections, and growth opportunities. I’ve found myself eager to soak up every unique moment possible, and with all the resources for adventure provided by IES Abroad, these chances were constant. However, I noticed something along the way: constant motion is tiring. Especially as an introvert, there were times when I found myself drained. Too much socializing, too much nomadic behavior, trying to see everything possible during this precious and limited time. Not enough time spent recuperating from these activities. When I found myself exhausted, I allowed moments for myself. Then, the obvious next step is to feel guilty for these necessary moments. You can sleep in the U.S.A. Then, you become aware of how the mental spiral takes away from the time you could spend exploring the city. Not ideal. Over time, I’ve given myself some grace and found a good balance between action and time for reflection.
How do you make time alone fulfilling? This was an essential question for me this semester. The clear conclusion is to treat that time as time spent with yourself rather than alone. When you’re in the park with yourself, you follow the adventure of an unfamiliar trail or rest for a moment, write in your journal, or read a book. Coffee dates with myself have been a highlight of Rome, especially in spots with a beautiful view. These places are easy to find in Rome, even if the view is of the people walking by.
I also had a fantastic solo travel experience to Berlin in November. Exploring a new place with only myself to please was so freeing. I improvised through the city, seeing the iconic sights, lazing through museums, and having the best burger since NYC. I have a taste for solo travel now and will schedule more adventures like this one.
Regardless of how socially adverse you might be at times, it’s essential to make friends during your study abroad experience. This was simple for me and my kind, open, eager peers. I’ve made a few wonderful friends during the program, including some previously unknown peeps from my home institution! You will only get out of these new relationships what you put into them, so make an effort towards getting to know these people. It sounds simple, but it’s something I need to remind myself of when I’m too comfortable and content in my room to go out with friends. At times, I’ll compromise with myself, going to the function just for a bit while still getting to bed within a reasonable time. Every time, I’m grateful that I took the opportunity to make memories with people who, though I may never see them again, are a massive part of this life-changing experience.
An easy and delightful way to spend time with new friends is to go out for aperitivo after class; my Italian class spent some chill, wholesome afternoons having a post-class bite. After our final class the other day, we did just that at BiblioBar near the IES Abroad center. The bookish vibes and casual atmosphere made it one of my favorite spots throughout the semester, and it was a bittersweet place to have this final aperitivo with new friends. Undoubtedly, these will be special memories that are always worth it.
Seeing so many of my peers going out and traveling every weekend always makes me feel unsure of myself. Look how many more places they’ve seen, how they’re enriching their experiences. However, I know myself, and I know that would burn me out and make everything even more strenuous. One of the greatest parts of studying abroad is spending time with yourself in a new context and getting to know yourself better. I hope this reflection is helpful to my fellow introverts; know yourself, your needs, and your goals.
Ciao for now!
6. December 13th, “Corso Singolo- Roma Tre.”
One of the opportunities that attracted me to the IES Abroad Rome Center was the ability to participate in Corsi Singoli. These classes at local universities are available to all students with varying levels of language proficiency; some are taught in English, like one at the Academy of Costume and Fashion, or in Italian at RUFA (Rome University of Fine Arts) and Roma Tre. I am very passionate about my Italian studies and have taken two years of classes at my home institution, along with supplementary practice in the form of music, movies, filling my feed with Italian language news, etc. Once my participation in the IES Abroad Rome program was confirmed, my Italian practice became aimed at qualifying for a class at Roma Tre. Roma Tre is one of the largest public universities in the city and allows IES Abroad students with a high enough language proficiency to join a course there. Enrolling in one of these classes was frustrating; many interesting course offerings were unavailable or didn't fit my preexisting IES Abroad class schedule. However, with the help of the fantastic academic coordinators at IES Abroad, I finally found a course that worked with my schedule. And, because it was taught entirely in Italian, the credit will count towards my Italian minor back at Fordham.
Although excited about this immersive opportunity, I began to doubt myself leading up to the class. I feared I wouldn't understand a single thing, that I would be aggressively humbled, and that I was overestimating my skills. However, the experience was one of the most exciting and fulfilling of my semester abroad.
Roma Tre's campus is located in Garbatella in the south of Rome. My commute from Prati was about 40 minutes, and my class was at 8 in the morning every Tuesday. It was a pain to wake up so early and take the Metro, half awake, to class each week. However, I was always excited to go. I'm sure other course options would have been more strenuous, but mine was very relaxed, informative, and welcoming. The course title was Territori e Organizzazione Teatrale, or Theatrical Territories and Organization. My professor was very kind and accommodating; classes consisted of engaging lectures about urban planning concerning theater and its cultural implications. I was proud to understand about 80% of what he was saying, and my classmates were always willing to clarify things. Most of the information revolved around European cities, which was new and engaging. We sometimes spoke about the United States, and I became the resident expert. I felt very appreciated and welcomed in the class. Best case scenario. Unfortunately, I couldn't chat with my classmates too much as I always had to beeline back to IES Abroad after class for my Rome as a Living Museum lecture. However, now that finals are over, I'll be able to relax after my last class there this week, and I hope my peers will join me for a coffee. They've all been welcoming and kind, and I'd love to chat with them. Talking with locals is one of the most exciting and informative ways to feel connected to the city, and I'm grateful to Roma Tre for allowing me to be immersed in its environment.
I'm also grateful that my class was manageable. I'm sure that a math or science department student would have experienced more stress during a corso singolo than I did; I can barely do math in English, and I can't imagine it in Italian. In this very theoretical and artistic class, I just had to listen and contemplate the information and, for my final project, make a pitch for a theatrical event. This was a very enjoyable final. I made a proposal incorporating my IES Abroad studies on the history of Italian film; I pitched a film festival featuring Italian cinema in Manhattan's Little Italy. I included some of the neighborhood's history and constructed the festival to revive the cultural authenticity of a now very touristy area. Although the Roma Tre course continues into January, I had to turn in the project in accordance with the IES Abroad final exams. My professor was accommodating with these specifications, and I got a great score on my final project. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to take a class at an authentic Italian university, and it improved my confidence in my language skills. If you are serious about learning your target language, immersive experiences like this one are essential. I hope you will overcome the nervousness I experienced to take advantage of a unique opportunity. Thanks again to the academic staff at both IES Abroad and Roma Tre!
Ciao, happy studying!
7. December 17th, “Show Off Your City! Tour Guide 101.”
I'm not overly patriotic, but one of my favorite Americanisms is Thanksgiving. I'm not too fond of the history of the holiday, you know, with the genocide and all. Like a lot of things in America, it's underscored by oppression and violence. Despite this, I like to take the holiday to reflect with gratitude and spend time with loved ones. And the Thanksgiving meal is so incredible. I crave it all year long. And then the leftovers? Yum. Ho l'acquolina in bocca, which means my mouth is watering. Shout out to Prof. Francesco.
This year, for Thanksgiving, my parents, brothers, and grandmother came to Rome for a week of sightseeing and time together. It was so lovely to see them after all this time, especially near the end of my semester when I truly grasped the city. It's nerve-wracking to host your family from within the study abroad experience. Studies, travel, friends, and planning, I was spread very thin when my family was here. Here are three tips I learned to be the best tour guide possible when you have visitors!
First, set aside time to show off your study-abroad city through your eyes. Rome is a very touristic destination, and for my brothers, it was their first time in Italy. They had a schedule packed with tours that, while a great experience, don't reflect your daily life abroad. Find time to show them your favorite local restaurant, coffee shop, or park. We didn't get the traditional Thanksgiving meal you know and love, but we went to my favorite pizza place and will have a make-up turkey when I get home. My mom and I even saw Wicked at my favorite cinema near my apartment. Little experiences like Italian dubbed Wicked, seeing the IES Abroad Rome Center, or taking my guests on my favorite scenic walk made me feel so connected to them after all this time apart. To welcome them into your world, list the essential places that have characterized your time abroad and your independence and growth.
Second, make sure you set aside time for yourself. After months of extreme independence, being surrounded by family in such a concentrated way can be overwhelming. Because my family came during Thanksgiving break, I was preparing for final exams and needed time to myself. Near the end of my semester, I also wanted time with friends before our time together was over. Skipping out on an activity to prioritize those things will keep you balanced, less stressed, and ultimately a better tour guide.
Finally, though it seems counter-intuitive for a tour guide, you must embrace your inner tourist. Although I skipped out on some of the guided tours my visitors went on, I participated in a few that made me see the city in a fresh, new light. After all these months of walking around slow tourists on the way to class, of the icons of Rome becoming commonplace, I loved seeing the city with the eagerness of a newcomer. My favorite activity was the food tour; we tasted different Roman cuisines on a walking tour through Campo de Fiori, Trastevere, and the Jewish Ghetto. We chatted with the other travelers, and I made friends with the tour guide, a student from Milan. To have these touristy experiences at the end of my semester, reunited with my family, was very full circle and reminded me of when I first arrived in Rome.
Having visitors while studying abroad was a beautiful experience. It was like the craziest crossover episode of the… two different TV shows that are... my lives in different countries? I'm not sure about that analogy. Anyway, happy holidays to all, and happy travels to all those on their way to be with their loved ones.
Ciao ciao!
8. January 12th, “All Roads Lead to Rome... Re-Entry Reflection.”
Hello and welcome to my final blog post. Thank you for following along, I hope that happy holidays were had by all. I’m writing this post-program reflection from my new dorm room at Fordham Lincoln Center, my home institution. Life after my IES Abroad program has been a whirlwind; I tacked an extra week onto my stay in Rome to take a trip to Napoli (which was incredible and really captured how all of Italy’s cities have such different vibes). Then, once I returned home to PA, we took a trip to visit family in the Midwest. Then, I spent a few nights reuniting friends and traveling the East Coast via the New Jersey Transit, SEPTA, Long Island Railroad, it almost felt like I was back in Europe! Just kidding. Everyone appreciates some good ol’ public transportation, but the European trains are elite.
Now, I’m finally back in New York City. The feeling is a strange one. The city has been chugging away without me all this time and I’ve been seeing little differences that prove the passage of time… yet I somehow feel that no time has gone by at all. Could my time in Rome have all been a wonderful dream? Too good to be true? I fight these thoughts with memories, real memories that I will carry with me forever. The effects of this semester have changed me without a doubt. It has changed the course of my life, as I know that I will make big decisions with confidence. I have experienced first-hand the value of living abroad, acclimating to a new culture, and developing a more global mindset. I have a different understanding of the world, a new interest in languages and cultures. I see myself prioritizing travel in my future and maybe even moving back to Rome.
I’m slightly terrified at how the effects of my semester abroad are interfering with my previous ideas for the future. New York City, a career-driven life. However, this new idea of my future that is coming into view, one where I spend another few years in Rome as a youngster, traveling and gaining life experience that will enhance every aspect of who I am, seems more uncertain but more fulfilling than what I had expected.
Now, I haven’t decided to move back to Rome, but I left my headphones in Pennsylvania and I’ve been thinking too much. I feel like I’m breaking out of the mold of the standard, American, capitalist idea of success. The career goals that I’ve always dreamed of, ones that require living in New York, seem like status symbols that aren’t actually related to personal fulfillment. With graduation on the horizon, I’m staring down NYC rent prices and wondering if a total lack of financial comfort for a tiny apartment in a crowded and dangerous city is what I need right now. In a way, it’s what I want; I love living in New York and the opportunities here are undeniably appealing. Nevertheless, it’s a challenge. Maybe I’d rather take back up the challenge of Rome with the knowledge that I will learn so much and become a better global citizen.
In either case, I will pursue a career in film and video production. Inspiration is everywhere, but I felt especially inspired in Rome surrounded by an unfathomable history of art and humanity. Thanks for watching my videos (available on the IES Abroad Youtube channel) and I look forward to doing even more with the footage I got in Rome (perhaps in comparison to some NYC footage? Stay tuned, you can follow my Instagram, @ellie.barrickman).
For now, I’ll be focusing on my final semester of college, keeping up with my Italian practice, and agonizing over the future. Wish me luck!
