Submitted by Sarah Rhodunda on the 2024 Winter ITAL/LLCU program in Siena, Italy…
Learning I was accepted into this study abroad experience was thrilling. I had never been outside the East Coast, let alone the country, so I was excited about this opportunity. Flying to Rome from Philadelphia was an 8-hour plane ride, the longest I had ever been on. Leaving the airport around 5 pm and getting to Italy at 8:30 am was stressful. Adjusting to a different time zone alters your sleep patterns, so adjusting takes a few days. We spent the first few days in Rome exploring all the various monuments there. We visited the Vatican, Pompeii, and the Colleseum. All were breathtaking. When exploring a new country, you must realize that you will be doubling to tripling the number of steps you take in America, so bringing comfy sneakers is essential. The food has been excellent, and I hope to take back some food ideas I have seen here in America. (Submitted January 7th, 2024)