Submitted by Melissa Jerome on the 2016 spring semester program in Rome, Italy…
Buon Giorno from Roma! It’s been less than a week since I arrived in Rome, but I am already falling in love with this city. I’m studying at John Cabot University, an American university in an area called Trastevere (meaning across the Tiber). My apartment complex is in a residential area where I’m able to interact with locals and practice my Italian. I’m trying to use the language as much as possible, even though sometimes I need some help. The Italians I have met are so friendly and willing to help me learn. A waitress even wrote out a note with verb conjugations for me to keep! I’m hopeful that after four months here I will see a great improvement in my Italian.
I’m currently sitting in the university’s cafe, eating the most amazing caprese panino I’ve ever had from a shop around the corner. You would not believe the scent that fills the street when passing by this place. It’s a mix of fresh baked bread and sweet croissants. I think I’ve found my lunch spot already. The food and drinks here are much less expensive than I thought! I’ve tried some typical Roman dishes like “cacio e pepe” which is pasta with pecorino romano cheese and pepper…so simple and yet so incredibly delicious. The food here holds true to its Roman roots of being simple, inexpensive and fresh.
I’m about to leave for my second class of the day, International Marketing. The professors and faculty here want to encourage cross cultural understanding and communication. Not only between students, but also between students and members of the community. The university works with a refugee center in Rome where students volunteer and teach English. The faculty has already stated that as we experience what it is like to immigrate to a country (even if it’s only for 4 months), they hope we gain compassion for those that are also doing so, but under difficult circumstances. Okay it’s time for class, ciao!