As a first-generation college student, I had many goals for myself in the academic world, one of them being to study abroad. My mom always talked about her experiences traveling and moving to a completely foreign country, which made the idea of studying abroad that much more intriguing. Rome had always been a city that caught my eye because of its tremendous history and proximity to my familial roots in Croatia. Learning a new language was also a deciding factor in my choice to study in Rome because I am bilingual and am interested in expanding my linguistic horizons even further.

Not only did my experience abroad teach me the basics of Italian language or the origins of various Italian food and cultural traditions, but it taught me how to rely on myself. In order to have a successful study abroad journey, one must take action and seek knowledge wherever they may go. One of my favorite aspects of studying in a foreign country was that I could make my own after school schedule and it could include activities such as exploring the Colosseum or eating a delicious sandwich next to the Trevi fountain. My adventure abroad taught me independence and how to look after myself. Of course, studying abroad comes with some culture shock such as drying clothes on a rack outside on the balcony, but it became fun to be fully immersed into Italian culture and truly live how they do. After meeting Italian friends and enjoying their favorite restaurants, beaches, and hidden sights, I can finally say I got a taste of the authentic Italian lifestyle.

It sounds cliche to say that studying abroad in Rome was the best experience of my life so far, but no other saying can fully encapsulate the happiness those four weeks brought me. It introduced me to new friends, pushed me outside my comfort zone, and taught me how enjoyable life can be once you take a breath and count your blessings. For these reasons, and many more, my roommates and I decided to get tattoos commemorating the journey that was studying abroad in Rome because it meant just that much to us.

Name: Lauren Ergelic
Status: Junior
Major: Supply Chain Management
Hometown: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Program: American University of Rome