Studying abroad in Italy can become one of the most enriching experiences throughout your university career. However, immersing yourself in a new country, culture, and language may present certain challenges. From navigating unique social situations to balancing study and travel, we’ll give you our best study abroad advice for students planning to travel to Rome or other Italian cities for a semester abroad.
1. Brush Up on Your Italian
While you don’t need to speak fluent Italian to have a fruitful Roman study abroad experience, we do recommend that students pick up a few key phrases before departure. Learning how to greet people, order food, and ask for directions is a good idea, as this can help you better assimilate into the culture and navigate through your new home. While many Italians do speak English, they also greatly appreciate foreigners learning their language (no matter how rusty!), and you will quickly learn that a simple “buongiorno” and “grazie” will often be rewarded by friendlier service and warmer smiles.
2. Bring Comfortable Shoes
If you’re looking for a place to effortlessly walk 10K steps a day, Rome is right for you! Lined with ancient cobblestones rising and dipping above the city’s ruins, Italian streets demand sturdy footwear that’s ready to be put to the test. So, our top study abroad packing tip is to bring pre-worn, thick-soled shoes that you know are comfortable and reliable. Flimsy sandals or flip-flops are best reserved for the beach or at home. You may also want to carry a few Band-Aids with you for the first few days in case any blisters arise.
3. Find a Balance Between Your Studies and Travel
Cheap flights, train tickets, and hotels can make it nearly impossible to avoid your wanderlust instincts. From touring the Italian countryside to a weekend trip to Paris, studying abroad in Rome presents endless opportunities to explore Europe at the drop of a hat. That said, it’s important to prioritize your studies, especially if you’re seeking to earn course credits. Nothing is worse than spending precious resources on traveling abroad and attending courses only to fail your classes and have to make up the credits back home. Additionally, many study abroad programs carefully plan their courses to align with the students’ foreign exchange experiences, ensuring they get the most out of their time.
4. Explore Your Neighborhood
One of Rome’s greatest gifts is its walkability. Not only is trekking through the Eternal City eco-friendly, but it’s also the best way to familiarize yourself with your new surroundings. So, we encourage you to take to the Roman streets and explore every piazza and alley in your new neighborhood. You’ll soon find that weekend markets, pharmacies, grocery stores, cafes, and more are hidden around every corner. Not only will exploring the area decrease your likelihood of getting lost down the road, but it can also deepen your experience abroad as your local farmers’ market vendors, pharmacists, and baristas come to recognize and chat with you. These daily interactions will do wonders for your Italian skills and confidence as you learn to navigate Roman society seamlessly.
5. Set Your Boundaries
Studying abroad can challenge your confidence and sense of self, so it’s crucial to set firm boundaries with yourself and those around you. Being clear about your limits to your roommates, classmates, and even strangers on the street will not only aid your self-development but also help keep you safe as you navigate tricky situations. Italian culture is incredibly welcoming, but don’t be afraid to speak up for yourself if you feel someone isn’t respecting your personal space or boundaries.
6. Stay Aware of Your Surroundings
In general, Rome is relatively safe for a big city. However, pickpocketing and petty theft are quite common. So, when traversing through crowded streets, taking public transport, or even sitting in a local cafe, always pay close attention to your belongings. Do not store your phone in your back pocket or leave any valuables unattended. Pickpockets often target tourists and young students studying abroad, so staying acutely aware of your surroundings is the best way to avoid an unfortunate journey to the local police station.
7. Use the Resources Your Study Abroad Program Offers
Study abroad programs are more than educational travel, they’re carefully designed experiences aimed at fostering personal, professional, and educational development. Hence, most study abroad programs offer countless resources, from advice on where to grab the best slice to incredible trips to the Calabrian mountain range. We recommend paying close attention to the trips your program offers, local tips given during orientation, and any pamphlets handed out, as they often contain invaluable information about the area.
8. Try New Things (Even If You Think You Won’t Like Them!)
It can be easy to seek comfort and familiarity when you’re so far from home. However, we encourage you to break out of your comfort zone and immerse yourself in all the new flavors, scents, visuals, and more that Italy has to offer! Try that alarming dish at the restaurant or head to an unusual museum. Italy is more than pizza and ancient Roman ruins, so don’t be afraid to stray off the beaten path. You may even uncover a new passion!
9. Bring a Light Backpack for Weekend Getaways
Many study abroad programs offer weekend getaways, unique expeditions, and even day trips outside the city. As you can imagine, dragging a suitcase through train stations, small villages, and hiking trails is less than ideal. So, we strongly suggest packing a lightweight backpack that you can bring on these short but sweet excursions. The bag should be big enough for a few days’ essentials, but small enough to carry on all your adventures.
10. Choose the Right Program
When researching study abroad programs in Italy, the options can seem endless. Every program offers a unique perspective on the bel paese and its rich culture, so finding one that most closely matches your values and interests is a challenging feat.
At The Borromini Institute (TBI), not only do we help you every step of the way during your study abroad journey, but we customize programs on a case-by-case basis so that no two students’ experiences are the same. Situated in the heart of Rome, we specialize in the disciplines of sustainable cities, food, social justice, and media, taught through hands-on, critical field learning.
We offer fully customized study abroad programs and internships ranging from one week to a full semester.
Start planning your study abroad journey today!
