Category: Fall Semester

Submitted by Olivia Merced on the 2024 Spring program in Barcelona, Spain…

While living in Barcelona for about 2 months now, there are a few culture shocks I have experienced. Firstly, meals in Spain are a lot different than in the USA. Here, Spaniards eat a small breakfast, a big lunch, and a small dinner. Dinner here is served earliest at 8 pm which was an adjustment. As lunch is the biggest meal of the day, during lunchtime lots of places are closed. This is called a siesta. This is a time for people to rest and eat before entering the long night ahead. Another culture shock was the metro system. I do not use the public transportation system where I’m from, Delaware. The only public transportation I had previously used was the NYC subway which is difficult to figure out. I was very nervous about using the metro in Spain before coming. However, the metro system is extremely easy to use, as it’s color-coded for each line. Even young children use the metro by themselves. It only took a few rides until I figured out the system and felt comfortable traveling alone. Lastly, the biggest adjustment was grocery shopping. In Spain, people do not shop for 2 weeks of food like we do in the USA. Spaniards like to shop at specific stores or markets for their food. Like, Carnisseria for meat, Fruit, and Vegetable stands, and Bakeries for bread and other baked goods. This was a pleasant experience and adjustment as I’m now eating better quality food and my groceries aren’t being as wasted as they were in the US. Overall, there are many cultural differences between the USA and Spain. Nevertheless, these culture shocks have not impacted my experience negatively, only making it more of an adventure. (Submitted on November 5, 2024)

Submitted by Isabel LeCompte the 2024 Spring program in Prague, Czech Republic…

Almost two weeks ago I landed in the Czech Republic and the reality of my surroundings are slowly starting to settle in. I’m sitting in my small kitchen table to write this however I keep getting distracted and looking out the window. Not surprisingly though, my neighbors across the street are doing the same. Peering out the window and people watching seems to be a common past time here. Every night I come home, and just sit by the window to catch a small breeze and to see how many people grant this street a small glimpse into their nightly routine. If I were home, I would think it odd to peek into someone else’s window and see what they’re doing or even keep the blinds more than a little open. This doesn’t seem to bother many people here. Everyone here is unbothered by others’ attention, and are content with going about the day as they please.
There is one thing I’ve picked up about the Czech people that I think show for a true resilience in their culture. Most people speak English which isn’t a shock however unlike other countries I’ve been to, it’s only when prompted. It’s encouraged to learn the basics of the language in which you currently spend time in, but after that most people fall back on English to get the conversation going. Every time I greet Czech people with “Dobrý den” (hello), they almost insist the conversation keeps going in Czech and wait until I ask them to speak English. Even when I’m visually struggling to understand their native language. This isn’t a criticism, but an understanding of the nation’s history. This territory has belonged to many foreign governments, and forced to forget their own cultural identity. The Czech Republic have only been their own democracy for 31 years, so I understand why there is a polite insistence to speak their own language for as long as they can when visitors start a conversation. It’s small but impossible to go unseen.
This fun fact has absolutely nothing to do with me or what study abroad students experience, but I hope there is a small persistence to keep going without any fear of being the outsider. Or fear of putting myself in temporarily uncomfortable positions, because I know in the end it will benefit me greatly to come home with great memories.
I haven’t been here all that long but I’m starting to miss my family and only within the last two days has it sunk in that I’m not able to go home until December. Of course, there are other students on the same boat and we all share comfort in going through the same excitement and homesickness. Yet even that camaraderie can only carry you so far. There are many mixed emotions and times of loneliness. However, every evening when I come home, I enjoy my few minutes to look out the window and think. Without a doubt, I’m lucky to have this opportunity and learn about my host country and the people that make it a great place to live in. (Submitted on September 9, 2024)

Submitted by Juliana Monticello the 2024 Spring program in Rome, Italy…

Visiting Venice during Carnevale was like stepping into a fairy tale. Everywhere I looked,  people were dressed in the most amazing costumes, their faces hidden behind masks that  added an air of mystery and excitement to the already enchanting atmosphere. It was like a  colorful parade was happening all around me, with each costume telling its own story. My  friends and I each bought our own unique Carnevale masks to join in on the celebration. 

One of the highlights of my trip was visiting Saint Mark’s Square. The Basilica di San  Marco, with its golden decorations and intricate details, was absolutely stunning. Stepping  inside, I was surrounded by breathtaking mosaics and beautiful artwork. It was a peaceful  moment of reflection in the midst of the bustling crowds outside. 

Following the basilica, we explored the Doge’s Palace, which felt like I was like taking a  journey through history. Each room seemed to have its own story associated with its artwork,  from the grand halls where rulers once held court to the dark, eerie prison cells below. It was  fascinating to imagine what life must have been like in Venice centuries ago. 

Of course, no trip to Venice would be complete without a gondola ride. Drifting along  the canals, past ancient buildings and under charming bridges, including the famous Bridge of  Sighs, was a truly unforgettable experience. The gentle swaying of the gondola and the sound  of the water while watching the sun set was an unforgettable and special experience that made  me feel connected to the Venetian culture.  

As I said goodbye to Venice and Carnevale, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the  memories I had made. It was a trip filled with wonder and excitement, and I knew that I would  carry the magic of Venice with me long after I had returned home. (Submitted on February 6, 2024)

Submitted by Kara Kimos the 2024 Spring program in Aix-en-Provence, France…

Did you know the first and oldest city in France is Marseille? I know, shocking that it isn’t Paris! 

Marseille is extremely close to Aix where I’m living this semester, so a few friends and I were able to take a 2-euro bus ride (round trip!) to visit the city for a day! Marseille definitely has a more urban feel than does Aix, but definitely not to the extent of New York City, for example. There were some beautiful parks we passed by in the city, and we also climbed to the top of the Basilica which overlooks the entire city. The six flights were quite the commitment, but absolutely worth the walk! We also had a view of the Mediterranean coast, which I am blown away by every time I see it. 

For lunch, we ate at a Ghanaian restaurant, where I ate fish akyeke with couscous. I would absolutely recommend this dish! 

One of my other favorite parts of the visit was visiting the Panier district of the city, which had beautiful street art. This part was a little calmer than the more touristy Basilica walk, and it had several cute little shops! 

I really enjoyed Marseille, and would definitely consider a trip back! (Submitted on February 6, 2024) 

Submitted by Juliana Monticello the 2024 Spring program in Rome, Italy…

During my third week in Rome, I decided to try two local dishes called cacio e pepe and  carbonara. Cacio e pepe, meaning cheese and pepper, is a simple pasta dish made with  pecorino cheese and black pepper. I found a quaint trattoria in Trastevere, the area of Rome  where I live. The menu reflected the authenticity of the restaurant, as it served the traditional  Roman plates. The spaghetti was coated in a creamy blend of pecorino cheese and black  pepper, and I fell in love with it.  

Later this week, a friend who studies at John Cabot University full time recommended  another cozy local restaurant for me to try. I eagerly embraced the chance to savor a second  iconic Roman dish, carbonara. This classic is a perfect blend of rigatoni, eggs, pecorino romano  cheese, and guanciale (pork). The richness of the sauce made for a delicious meal. 

Ultimately, trying these two new dishes allowed me to understand the Italian culture  from the perspective of cuisine. I discovered the beauty of Italian cooking: simple but quality  ingredients and centuries of tradition on a plate. I look forward to more culinary adventures in  this enchanting city, each bite telling a new story of Roman delights. (Submitted on February 6, 2024) 

Submitted by Giulia Richardson the 2024 Spring program in Rome, Italy…

The second week abroad is when living in Rome started to feel real. Waking up and getting ready for my first class on Monday was nerve-racking but comforting at the same time. I was starting classes at a new school with completely new faces for the first time since freshman year, but I was also able to start figuring out what my day-to-day routine was going to be like here. After all the chaos and excitement of the first week, this brought back some stability and structure to my life. Having more of a regular routine in Rome after classes began made me feel like I was really living here.  Rome became less like a temporary vacation and more like a lifestyle, and it was amazing to start settling in and getting used to this. I learned how to take the local buses to my campus, figured out what my favorite café order was at the neighborhood “bar”(I decided on a café macchiato and plain cornetto), started sitting down for some long lunches with friends in between classes, and so much more. All of these things alone seem so simple, but when you factor each of them into a new daily lifestyle they make a huge difference, and I’ll only adopt new habits as I continue living here. These habits vary so much from a typical day at home, but they make life more enjoyable! (Submitted on February 6, 2024) 

Submitted by Nicole Sammarco the 2024 Spring program in Rome, Italy…

This weekend my UD friends/ roommates and I embarked on our first Italy trip! We visited a friend from home studying in Florence, and wow must I say what a beautiful city. We ate roast beef sandwiches and Florentine steak, spent too much money on real leather jackets, drank cappuccinos and people watched, and my personal favorite, saw the most beautiful sunset from Piazzale di Michelangelo. We spent some time away from the city center, deep into Tuscany enjoying a vineyard tour that included a wine tasting and pasta making class. We met students from NYU and grew close to the three, lovely old italian women running the program. My personal favorite weekend thus far! (Submitted on February 5, 2024) 

Submitted by Nicole Sammarco the 2024 Spring program in Rome, Italy…

Ciao! On Sunday, January 7th I arrived in Rome to begin my semester abroad! Since then, I’ve seen beautiful architecture, eaten amazing food and met incredible new friends! So far during my experience, I have enjoyed most the opportunity to mingle with new people, whether it be students from different universities, restaurant servers, tour guides, helpful passerbyers, and even UD students that I haven’t met until landing in Europe! I’ve feel so fortunate to have met so many kind, interesting people and can’t wait to continue to do so as I cross paths with people from so many different backgrounds and stories. 

Second to this of course, is the food! The pasta, pizza, seafood, rice balls and pastries have been delectable, and I don’t think I’ll ever be able to settle for the American versions of these things again! 

Fine as a city is stunning, with so many beautiful winding cobblestone rodes and ancient architecture. I was able to see the colosseum and Trevi Fountain with my own eyes during my first week of exploring, and they were both breathtaking (especially at night).

Excited to continue my travels, arrivideci! (Submitted on February 5, 2024) 

Submitted by Brynna Torpey on the fall 2023 semester program in Rome, Italy…

Villa Borghese

Museo Borghese, one of the many other Palazzos of Rome, with gorgeous hand paintings on the ceilings and multiple Renaissance pieces. My visit to this museum was an experience, as you have to walk through Villa Borghese to get to the Museum. It’s beautiful outside and inside, with multiple pieces being dedicated to religion as well as Mythology. There were multiple pieces in the museum relating to the birth of Jesus as well as references to the Virgin Mary. The museum is for art lovers as well as those who have a deeper understanding of history and love. (Submitted during Week 11)

Monument of Rome

Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II is the biggest monument in Rome. No matter where you are you can most likely see this monument. With its pegasus and chariots on both sides as well as the huge horse with Vittori Emanule on it. It was to honor him as the first king to rule over a unified Italy. It also houses, The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, with a fire burning each day and protected by the soldiers of Rome. This monument has multiple names and functions, The Altar of the Fatherland, and a monument essentially worshipping the protectors of Rome. (Submitted during Week 12)

The Colleseo

The Colosseum is the largest amphitheater ever built and still standing. Located near the Roman Forum, it is known for its performances of gladiators and plays. The Colosseum reminds most of the famous movie, Gladiator, with a focus on men and women living through violent times and corrupt leadership. In modern days, it was known as a fortress, a bull ring, and a sacred site for Christians. It’s a famous tourist site and for good reason as it has multiple significance to many. Most importantly, it’s important to lovers of history, movies, and Rome. (Submitted during Week 13)

Submitted by Brynna Torpey on the fall 2023 semester program in Rome, Italy…

Ninfa Day Trip

A beautiful botanical garden, an hour outside of Rome. Used for multiple high-end fashion campaigns from Gucci to Prada. This is the most magical and beautiful place, where art is alive. Being able to witness these gardens was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Everywhere you look life is around you and multiple colors of all ranges surround you. (Submitted during Week 7)

Tivoli and Villa d’Este

Tivoli is a short trip from Rome, about a 50-minute train ride outside of the city. Tivoli is a gorgeous small city with the gorgeous Villa d’Este. The Villa has multiple fountains and flowers all around. As you walk through you feel like you’ve been transported to a fantasy land. It is an ancient Renaissance garden with ties to the Borgia Family. Throughout the Villa d’Este are iconic fountains and hand-painted walls. The Villa is now considered a museum and is located in the heart of Tivoli, and protected by the culture society. (Submitted during Week 8)

Parco Villa Gregoriana

Villa Gregoriana, in the town of Tivoli, is an amazing national park. With beautiful trails and connections to Mythology. You are able to visit the Grove of Mermaids and the caves of Neptune. Throughout the park, you witness beautiful animals and waterfalls. It’s an amazing reconnection with nature outside of Rome. The park offers the opportunity to enhance your knowledge of history outside of the city. It was commissioned by Pope Gregory XVI but was destroyed by floods. It was submitted for recovery in 2006, and that’s why it’s open to the public today. (Submitted during Week 9)

Palazzo Doria Pamphilj

Doria Pamphilj, is a beautiful palazzo inside the city of Rome, just down the street from the Roman Monument. The Palace was once owned by Doria Pamphilj and passed down through multiple generations. It’s located on Via del Corso, which is where most Romans do their shopping and eating. Inside the palace are many Renaissance paintings and sculptures. With rooms adorned with rich colors and embellished with gold. There are many rooms throughout the place with a chapel, with beautiful stained glass, and a nursery with a floating gold crib. The palace and art itself are one of the most regal things I’ve ever seen. (Submitted during Week 10)