Category: Semester Programs

Submitted by Elizabeth Mitchell on the 2024 Spring program in Athens, Greece…

I have officially completed my second week of study abroad and my first week of classes. After completing my first week of classes I can confidently say that my history of architecture in Paris class is my favorite so far. This class is intended to help us gain a better understanding of the architecture of Paris and why the city is the way it is. During our first class, we started at our study center for a brief introduction to the course and then immediately went on a field study. Our professor brought us around to the streets and showed us how to recognize older buildings from new. She walked us to the Notre Dame Cathedral and explained to us that gothic architecture was created in Paris. She said that during medieval times, churches were created to be a place for light and music so there was an emphasis on large stained glass windows to bring light into the churches, and large organs for the music. She told us the square shapes on the church represented the four seasons of humanity and the circles represented divinity. She then walked us to the oldest structure of Paris called the archaeological crypt of Paris, which was an ancient Roman bath. During this first class, I feel like I gained so much more insight into the history of Paris and I cannot wait to continue this class and deepen my knowledge of the city I will be living in. (Submitted on January 22, 2024) 

Submitted by Jasmine Pennington on the 2024 Spring program in Athens, Greece…

From the very beginning of exiting the airport; I could tell everyone knew I was American. It was insane the complete change from wearing sweatpants or pajamas to going grab something at a nearby store. When I first went on campus for classes, I was so stunned. It was as if everyone woke up and chose business casual attire. I believe every woman I have seen, owns a blazer or a long trench or some alternative that is dressy. So, the two massive suitcases I bought felt obsolete. I thought I could not let it get to me and continue to dress in my style and try not to draw any more attention to myself as an American tourist. But, last night I went to Zara and I saw this long cute trench in a nude color and it was 20 euros off and was fitting so perfectly. So, I caved and now have assimilated into European culture to wear these style coats and not just throw on a sweatshirt and sweatpants. It was a different look for someone who is used to campus at UD. At one point I wore my Comfy around campus because finals week was my last reason.

Finally, I would like to say that as much as i want to assimilate fully, i will never be able to. In Greece, the outfits, the smoking culture, and the insanely late dinners makes me feel blessed to have such lower standards of living. I just really can’t wait to explore using the Metro here. Another quick thing I’d add to your welcome and congratulations letter to study abroad is to bring your UDID with you. There is a massive discount at the metro station Syntagma, but it only works with US institutions that are public. Some of my friends had to pay 90 euros for a 3 month pass, and I paid about 38 euros. Lastly, I hope to find the confidence to wear the European coat I got, but it feels silly to me to be so dressed and end up sweating while hiking up the terrain to campus. (Submitted on January 22, 2024) 

Submitted by Irene Piro on the 2024 Spring program in Rome, Italy…

With the start of classes comes a new routine for the remainder of my time in Rome. Still, a surreal feeling floats over me whenever I think about where I’ll be for the semester. This week, the streets of Rome became my commute to school. It’s refreshing to be able to stop for good coffee and food to, from, and between classes (when the city becomes your campus, am I right?). 

In my classes, it was exciting to hear where students were from. Especially in my psychology classes, it will be interesting to hear different perspectives from locals and students with other unique backgrounds. 

After my first week of school, I was looking forward to my day trip to Pompeii with my roommates and new friends. While we had to ride on both buses and trains to get there, it is still nice to see how convenient it is to visit such intriguing places. 

I didn’t realize how large the city of Pompeii was until we got there and saw the map. Seeing the ruins of the living quarters and bathhouses was quite compelling. Specifically, reading about what the well-preserved structures were used for–laundry and sinks–really put the city of Pompeii into perspective. Seeing how advanced the city was so long ago was quite captivating. What shocked me the most was how the paintings, tiling, and other artistic elements such as engravings were also so well preserved. 

With so many historically rich opportunities at my fingertips here in Rome, I am excited to see where the next few months take me. (Submitted on January 22, 2024)

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As I finish my third week in Rome and my second week of classes, I’ve started to settle into a new routine. I’ve never envisioned myself living in a city–ever. I’m not the biggest fan of cities, but Rome has granted me a new perspective of convenience. On the way to classes in the morning, stopping in for a light breakfast is easy, as many small cafés line the walk to school. Between classes, my friends and I can easily dine at an assortment of restaurants for a satisfying lunch. We’ve picked a few favorites in our three weeks, so we’ve frequented those quite often. One waiter even knows our preferred dessert, seeing as we stop by every Thursday. 

Not only has Rome shown me a new perspective on city life, but it has also shown me the unique elements of Rome as a city. This past weekend, I was able to take day trips to both Vatican City and Florence. I’ve reflected before on how amazing it is that I can visit so many new, historical places in Italy now that I’m in Rome, yet as my friends and I managed the hour-long walk to Vatican City, and when St. Peter’s Basilica came into view, I once again was in awe that this new world was just an hour away from my apartment. Not to mention Florence too, being an hour and a half train ride away. There, I was able to see The David, The Birth of Venus, Da Vinci’s unfinished works, the Sistine Chapel, and so many more beautiful pieces of art. I can’t believe I was standing just feet away (or below) some of the most well-known art pieces, nor can I believe that I have my very own photos of The David. It’s coming on 1 month in Rome for me, and I feel like I’ve experienced so many life-times already. (Submitted on January 31, 2024)

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I took some time off because my roommates and I were sick for a bit, and right after, exams quickly followed (the exams have continued…the reality of studying abroad I suppose). It has become quite warm here in Rome during my hiatus (I may need to retire my puffer soon!). In this time, I have also gone on quite a few adventures, and have picked up on little bits of Italian/Roman culture that I have come to appreciate. 

I have been able to visit many different areas of Rome such as the Roman Forum, the Palatine Hill where there is an orange garden, along with a few hidden gems. In my neighborhood, Trastevere, my friend and I visited a small nursery that sells so many different plants. I’m very tempted to take home a cactus, but I’m not too sure how I’d go about that. My friend and I did pick up a basil plant for the apartment though, so we’ll enjoy that for the time being. I’ve also been able to try several new restaurants in Rome, and I have enjoyed the late-night, slow dinners that seem custom here. On Valentine’s Day, my friends and I spent a good 3-4 hours at dinner, where we enjoyed live music, pasta, drinks, and dessert. I fear that I’m taking the slow meals for granted here! 

Spring break was also amazing. My friends and I hit 4 countries in 6 days. Our first stop was Budapest, where we explored the city, visited the thermal baths, and did a Prosecco River Cruise. Then we hopped on another plane and hit Brussels. The fries were delicious! Next, we took a train to Paris and saw the basics–the Mona Lisa, The Eiffel Tower, and the Arch de Triomphe. Then finally we flew to Dublin, where it snowed the day before and rained for a good amount of our first day. Our socks and shoes were wet from the slush, but we still managed to have a fulfilling time. We went on a Jameson and Guinness tour where we learned how to taste whiskey and the proper way to pour and of course, drink a Guinness. I’d love to visit Ireland again in the spring or summer without the biting wind, slush, and rain, but overall, it was definitely a spring break for the books. (Submitted on March 18, 2024)

Submitted by Irene Piro on the 2024 Spring semester program in Rome, Italy…

With the start of classes comes a new routine for the remainder of my time in Rome. Still, a surreal feeling floats over me whenever I think about where I’ll be for the semester. This week, the streets of Rome became my commute to school. It’s refreshing to be able to stop for good coffee and food to, from, and between classes (when the city becomes your campus, am I right?). 

In my classes, it was exciting to hear where students were from. Especially in my psychology classes, it will be interesting to hear different perspectives from locals and students with other unique backgrounds. 

After my first week of school, I was looking forward to my day trip to Pompeii with my roommates and new friends. While we had to ride on both buses and trains to get there, it is still nice to see how convenient it is to visit such intriguing places. 

I didn’t realize how large the city of Pompeii was until we got there and saw the map. Seeing the ruins of the living quarters and bathhouses was quite compelling. Specifically, reading about what the well-preserved structures were used for–laundry and sinks–really put the city of Pompeii into perspective. Seeing how advanced the city was so long ago was quite captivating. What shocked me the most was how the paintings, tiling, and other artistic elements such as engravings were also so well preserved. 

With so many historically rich opportunities at my fingertips here in Rome, I am excited to see where the next few months take me. (Submitted January 22, 2024)

Submitted by Emily Workman on the 2024 Spring semester program in Rome, Italy…

My second week in Rome was just as busy as my first. School also started this week, so I am getting into my new routine of waking up early for classes and walking 25-30 minutes to campus. I only have classes Tuesday-Thursday which is awesome because that leaves me with 4 day weekends the entire semester to explore Rome and travel to other parts of Europe! Other than classes this week my friends and I took our first trip out of Rome to see Pompeii. This was my first time attempting to use the bus or train system in Rome, and it was hectic trying to figure it all out. I woke up at 5 am to get a bus to Roma Termini. Once I got there I was shocked at how big the station was and how many stores they had. Then, my friends and I boarded the train from Rome to Naples and then caught another train from Naples to Pompeii Scavi. From that train station we got on a bus to Pompeii and got tickets at the entrance. It was around 3 hours of traveling to get there, but it was well worth it. It was the perfect weather while there and we were able to explore so much. I didn’t know what to expect before I got there, but I was shocked at how well preserved everything was and how big Pompeii actually is. Overall, my second week in Rome was another fun week and I still cannot believe I am living here for a semester, but I am definitely looking forward to exploring more. (Submitted January 21, 2024)

Submitted by Lauren Choptij on the 2024 Spring semester program in Rome, Italy…

My experience studying abroad in Rome has been extremely eventful and filled with challenges and opportunities. I am combining my first two weeks into one post. We arrived in Rome on January 7th. Since being in Rome, I have seen the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, the Colosseum, and Pizza Navona. It has been such an amazing experience to be able to walk to these attractions. After a week of orientation, we started classes, which has been good so far. This weekend, my friends and I made our first trip out of Italy to Amsterdam for the Tulip Festival. It was an amazing experience and the city is beautiful. We did a lot of sightseeing, walking, and eating great food. This week, I am hoping to get in a routine with classes and activities and I am excited for our next trip. (Submitted January 21, 2024)

Submitted by Barrett Miller on the 2024 Spring semester program in Rome, Italy…

Week 1 has been such a whirlwind. With so much to see and experience the first week has felt like so much to see with the time I am here. I have to keep reminding myself I am here for 4 months and have all the time in the world to explore. With classes yet to start, my schedule has been jam-packed with tours and wandering around. I have walked almost 50 miles this week, yet it still feels as if I haven’t even skimmed the surface of what this city has to offer. My week began with a tour around Trastevere, the neighborhood in Italy I live in. Walking around there is so much history and culture. Trastevere has hundreds of restaurants and shops. I feel like I could walk around forever and still find new places to discover. From the views, the environment, and all the beautiful landmarks, Trastevere has already proven to be an area full of places to explore. We then were taken on a tour to navigate the city. From there a group of us wandered over to the Trevi Fountain. I could stare at this statue forever. There is so much intricate detail that goes into this sculpture, which remains true for everything in Rome. You just look at it and wonder how in the world it could have possibly been constructed. Looking at it constantly dumbfounds me as I am in amazement at its intricacy. So far my first week has consisted of walking around and just taking in the breathtaking city I have the privilege of living in for the next 4 months. (Submitted January 21, 2024)

Submitted by Alexandra Evangelist on the 2024 Spring semester program in Rome, Italy…

I went to a wine tasting in Frascati, in a district called Castelli Romani. This is a different town than Trastevere, which is where I reside. Frascati is a little small town, more homey feel, while Trastevere has a city feel. I really enjoyed the tour. We left around 9am and got back at about 5pm. We took a bus and I made a lot of new friends. I knew one friend going into it. We had a guided tour of the city, lunch, and the wine tasting included. I definitely recommend going out of your comfort zone and doing trips and events where you may not know people or feel comfortable to help you grow. We learned about the history and culture of the city. The town of Frascati expanded after the destruction of Tusculum in 1191. Frascati was located right on the slopes of the volcano. This city is known for its porchetta. (Submitted January 21, 2024)

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

Bonjour from France! My name is Kara, and I’m a junior at UD studying Human Resources with a minor in French. This is my first week in Aix-en-Provence, a town in southern France that’s close to Marseille and the Mediterranean Sea. In choosing this study abroad program, I was looking forward to the ability to immerse myself in French culture, so I wanted to describe some of the differences I’ve been noticing! 

I speak a decent amount of French, but this week, I have been working through being nervous to speak French to store/restaurant employees. It’s clear to them that I am not French, but I have had positive experiences so far when speaking, even though I am definitely making mistakes. Noticing my accent or apprehension, I’ve been asked a few times in French: “Do you speak French?”, to which I reply in French, “Yes, I’d like to try if you’re okay with that.” Even as my new friends and I continue to go to more and more restaurants, I’ve felt myself slowly getting more comfortable over the past few days! 

One major difference my peers and I have noticed is that we are constantly being stared at. One of my classmates pointed out that a woman was staring at her, and rather than breaking eye contact and looking away like Americans often do, the woman just continued staring. Aix is somewhat of a tourist town (much less so than say, Paris), but I see how it would still be of interest to them to see what international students are up to! Think people watching but a little more intense. 

Another cultural adjustment I’ve noticed is that you have to say “Bonjour!” (or Bonsoir! after 5pm) every time you address someone, walk in the door of a store, or board the bus, otherwise you’re considered very rude. In the US, I’ve noticed that in some stores, you don’t greet an employee until you’re making your purchase. 

All in all, I am loving life in Aix, and I can’t wait to get more and more comfortable with speaking French in my daily life! (Submitted January 21, 2024)

Submitted by Jasmine Pennington on the 2024 Spring semester program in Athens, Greece…

Today, plans changed and I was dropped from a friend group because of my demeanor. What I mean by that is, my bag wasn’t dior and my bank account wasn’t my parents. So, today I planned a solo trip to the Acropolis and ended up meeting this group of 5 girls who actually were super sweet and went out to lunch with me. I think that when I have been traveling alone after being ousted from this elite group made me feel unworthy in a sense, but others actions don’t deserve a reaction. I spent too many nights trying to fit in and make myself more marketable as a friend. Moving on, I saw Acropolis and it was better than the pictures. It is still very insane to see such ancient buildings. I just can’t fathom the walk up the hill with those fat rocks. I took many pictures and not really any stood out except the one not facing the acropolis.

In lieu of meeting this next group of friends; i have been invited to go out to breakfast tomorrow in downtown Athens and make plans to visit places all over Greece. I just hope this new group of friends actually is not materialistic. I swear I was ignoring the other group’s five hundred instagram videos before I could eat my food. I don’t understand why I was trying to be friends with people who were not that kind to me and didn’t value my time. Also, School is picking up and it’s only the first week, the teaching style is completely different. I think taking 3 history courses would be easy, but it is all solely verbal and zero material implemented. (Submitted January 20, 2024)