
Submitted by Samantha Madden on the 2025 Spring program in Rome, Italy…
As January comes to an end, I can already feel how much this experience is changing my life. Though I’ve only been in Rome for about two weeks, I feel like I am transforming into a new person. I arrived not knowing anyone and nervous about finding my place, but I’ve since found how warm and open both American and Italian students are. I realized that most of us are in the same boat and it is not as scary as I once imagined it would have been. I still can’t wrap my mind around the idea that I will be living in Rome for the next four months of my life and I have already seen so many amazing sights. The Pantheon, the Colosseum, and the Trevi Fountain have been some of my favorites so far and soon I plan to visit the Spanish Steps and Vatican City. I am also excited to travel outside of Rome and visit other European countries like Hungary, Ireland and France. The first trip I took outside of Rome was Florence last weekend and it was a beautiful city but also a learning experience. Navigating a new place and figuring out transportation can be challenging, but the sense of accomplishment once I did eventually figure it out makes it worthwhile. I have already learned and experienced so much and I can’t wait to see what the coming months have in store. (Submitted January 29, 2025)
