Why did you decide to study abroad with IES Abroad in Rome, Italy?
Carolina: After a very extensive search of study abroad programs, I found that IES was the only program that fit all of my priorities. I knew I wanted to study abroad in Italy but I wasn’t sure of the city yet so I looked into just about every study abroad program offered all over Italy. First, I knew I absolutely wanted a homestay because I wanted to immerse myself as much as possible. Second, I wanted a program that would allow me to advance my study of the Italian language and culture through coursework and outside of classes as well. IES Abroad offered courses in both Italian and English, so I knew I would be able to advance my study of the Italian language in various settings. Third, IES also offered an internship, which was also very important to me.
I also knew I wanted to intern with Slow Food since I am very passionate about food issues and Italy is the birthplace of the organization. Finally, IES offered courses in International Relations, which would allow me to advance in my coursework while abroad.
Why did you decide to study in Rome, Italy?
Carolina: I chose to study abroad in Rome because it is a big city with many opportunities and I knew I would always have plenty of ways to immerse myself in the culture. I was aware that it is also a popular tourist destination, but I had previously been to Rome and really liked the small bits I had seen of the city. Climate is also quite important to me since I am a native Floridian, so I didn’t want somewhere that would be too cold. Rome is central Italy so the climate was just right. I also didn’t want too small of a city where I would be isolated and limited in my traveling. With two large airports and several train stations, it was very easy traveling to and from Rome during my stay. I also did not want a small university town with a high concentration of foreign students because I did not think this would be the best way to immerse myself in the Italian culture. Finally, Rome is a beautiful city and has a certain enchantment about it that just called me back. I only spent a couple of days there when I visited prior to my semester abroad, but I knew that I wanted to go back for more.
Tell us about a particular highlight from your time abroad.
Carolina: My internship was definitely one of the biggest highlights from my time abroad. My first day on the job, I was asked to go to a Slow Food press conference, but I didn’t realize it was an international affair! I was helping at the registration desk and media and representatives from all over the world were arriving. All of a sudden, my boss told me that Carlo Petrini, the founder of Slow Food was sitting over on the couches across the room. He was just sitting by himself and I could not believe that more people were not rushing to talk to him.
After everyone arrived, I was able to go into the conference room and listen to Carlo’s speech. He is a brilliant speaker and a very humble individual. After the press conference, I had a chance to meet him and talk to him. He insists that everyone call him Carlo. I could not believe that I was meeting one of the people that I look up to the most and that he was so humble and down to earth.
How has this experience impacted your future?
Carolina: My internship challenged me to learn about food issues in Italy and connect them back to those in the United States. I also learned the technical language necessary to discuss these issues in Italian. Seeing the Italians’ incredible commitment to local food systems reinspired me to bring back that passion to the United States. I translated my experiences from Slow Food Rome into becoming the US Ambassador to Slow Food Rome and created a link to the Slow Food chapter in Memphis. I organized Memphis’ first “Slow Food Dinner” modeled after the Slow Food dinners in Rome, a five-course plant-based meal with all ingredients sourced locally. Hosting the dinner at a local Italian restaurant with Italian flavors was a tribute to Slow Food Rome and Italy, while sourcing locally was a tribute to Slow Food Memphis and the United States.