“I had a wonderful experience; the program gave me the opportunity to both participate in Roman life, as well as share a few months of my life with Rome. The city itself never gets tiring, even when you have circled the Pantheon at least three times, in the summer heat, while getting lost on the supposedly simple path to Italian lessons. As for the classes, they were wonderfully informative. The courses really kept my energies up, sparked continuous engagement with the culture I was living in (which can be difficult if you live in an English speaking bubble), and enriched my understanding of the people I interacted with from the day to day.”

“I’m a sophomore at UMass Amherst, Italian Studies Major with the hope of a dual major in Hospitality & Tourism Management. I love to travel and have wanted to be at least bilingual since I was in elementary school. I attended the GustoLab program because I’ve always been fascinated by history, food, travelling, and language. I went to a classics high school in Boston so I had a really strong knowledge of the Roman Empire, among other things related to Italy. It was convenient for me to do a 5 week program because I was afraid to go straight into a semester abroad or full year abroad. Now, knowing that I can speak to locals comfortably, get directions from them, and feel like a local, I have a new sense of independence. GustoLab helped me narrow down what I want to do with my future by providing me with unique experiences. I plan on studying abroad my Junior year, potentially in Taormina. My advice for future students would be to take risks. Use the opportunities presented to you to take life head on. If you’re too afraid to try new things, are you really living?”

Taking courses with Gustolab and the Borromini Institute, learning the Italian language, interning at a community-centered art gallery, and exploring inside and outside of Rome altogether has all been an extremely interesting and unique opportunity. Just as it has been an enriching experience, studying abroad in Rome has also allowed me to engage and connect with many new people, like professors and new friends, as well as and places, like the elegant and intricate churches and museums. Although being away from home and the familiar can have mixed feelings, the excitement from facing new challenges and gaining new skills has been absolutely so fascinating!