Study Abroad Fall 2011 in Rome, Italy

This past fall, I studied abroad in Rome, Italy through the University of Chicago- John Felice Rome Center (JFRC). I always knew I wanted to study business in Italy, so choosing a program was not a difficult task for me. The JFRC allowed me to take five classes that Fordham would accept, offered orientation programs to help students get acquainted with each other and the foreign country, as well as promoted traveling.

The JFRC was home to two hundred other students from across the US. Here, I made many friends and traveling buddies, who I have continued to keep in touch with since returning to the States. As many study abroad participants will detest, there has not been a day since I’ve come home where I have not thought about my time abroad.

Immersing into Italy’s culture was at first a challenge, yet at the end, extremely rewarding. My high school Italian knowledge was quickly put to use, as I was always using the language to ask for directions, buy bus tickets, and pay for meals. I learned patience waiting for the buses, the ability to organize my schedule around a country that does not work on Sundays, and most of all, a love for gelato.

My favorite part about being abroad was the opportunities I took to travel. Not having class on Fridays, I maximized my weekends traveling throughout Western Europe with friends I met at my program. I visited cities such as London, Dublin, Paris, Munich, Barcelona, Milan, and Florence. I even went on a ten day study trip with my program traveling in Athens and throughout the different Greek Islands.

I became more independent from my traveling. Not only was this my first time traveling alone, it was also my first time abroad. It was exciting, yet scary, planning trips without the consent of my parents. This experience makes me eager to continue my travels abroad.

Deciding to study abroad has been the best decision I have made at Fordham so far. I will always remember the places I traveled, the things I learned, and the people I met. Luckily, Fordham’s International and Study Abroad Programs (ISAP) office was helpful and provided me with dozens of brochures, the opportunity to meet with ambassadors from different programs, as well as helpful guidelines about making the most of your time abroad. I definitely recommend studying abroad!