AIFS Abroad in Rome, Italy: Semester

Why did you choose this program?

Choosing to study and intern with AIFS in Rome during the spring of 2024 was a decision driven by a deep desire for personal growth, cultural immersion, and academic enrichment. Rome has always been a city rich in history, art, and culture, and I saw it as the perfect backdrop to expand my worldview while also advancing my academic and professional goals in counseling and family therapy. I was eager to experience life in a new environment, connect with diverse people, and gain insights that would broaden my understanding of the world and help me grow as an individual.

AIFS offered a unique combination of academic rigor and practical experience, allowing me to not only study but also intern in a global setting. This opportunity was invaluable to me, as it provided a hands-on experience that would directly benefit my future career in counseling. Working with people from different backgrounds in a city as vibrant as Rome allowed me to develop a deeper understanding of human behavior, relationships, and communication across cultures. The internships and classes I engaged in challenged me to think critically and adapt to new situations, which are essential skills in the field of family therapy.

Additionally, AIFS’s program structure, which included organized excursions and cultural experiences, was a key factor in my decision. I wanted a study abroad experience that went beyond the classroom, and AIFS delivered that with opportunities to travel across Italy and to other European countries. These experiences were not only enriching on a personal level but also helped me build a global perspective that I believe is crucial in today’s interconnected world. Ultimately, choosing to study and intern with AIFS in Rome was about stepping out of my comfort zone, embracing new challenges, and preparing myself for a future where I can make a meaningful impact.

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

The University of Arkansas played a crucial role in assisting me with my study and internship experience in Rome through AIFS. The study abroad office guided me through the application process, ensuring that I understood academic requirements, credit transfers, and how my coursework in Rome would fit into my counseling and family therapy degree plan. They also provided essential information about scholarships and financial aid, helping make the experience more affordable. My academic advisors were incredibly supportive, helping me choose the right courses and encouraging me to maximize the unique learning opportunities available through AIFS.

Despite this support, there were several key aspects that I organized on my own. I took charge of my flight itinerary and travel logistics, making sure that all my plans aligned with my academic and internship commitments. Additionally, I was responsible for coordinating the details of my internship, from setting up initial meetings to managing my schedule while in Rome. Navigating these challenges independently helped me grow in confidence and adaptability, equipping me with skills that will serve me well in my future career.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

One piece of advice I would give to someone going on my program is to embrace flexibility and be prepared for the unexpected. Whether it’s adjusting to a new academic system, navigating a different culture, or dealing with travel logistics, things may not always go as planned—and that’s okay. I wish I had known just how important it would be to let go of the need for everything to be perfect and instead focus on making the most of every experience, even the challenges. I always tell my friends who are thinking about studying abroad to be open-minded, stay curious, and not be afraid to step outside their comfort zone, because that’s where the most growth happens.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

As a participant in the AIFS Study + Intern program in Rome, an average day or week is a dynamic blend of academics, professional experience, and cultural exploration. Typically, your weekdays are divided between attending classes and completing your internship. Mornings might start with Italian language courses or other academic classes, followed by an afternoon spent at your internship site, where you gain hands-on experience in your field. This allows you to apply what you’re learning in class to a real-world setting.

In the evenings, you might find yourself exploring the city’s historic streets, trying new Italian dishes, or meeting up with fellow students at a local café. The weekends are usually your time to explore even more of Rome or travel to nearby cities like Florence, Venice, or even neighboring countries. AIFS also organizes excursions and cultural activities throughout the semester, such as guided tours, cooking classes, or day trips, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in Italian culture.

Throughout the week, there’s a balance between structured academic and professional responsibilities, along with the freedom to explore, learn, and grow at your own pace. The program offers a comprehensive experience where every day brings new opportunities to engage with the rich history, culture, and vibrancy of Rome.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

Going into my experience abroad, my biggest fear was feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of living in a foreign country—especially balancing my studies, internship, and adapting to a new culture. I worried about navigating unfamiliar systems, from public transportation to academic expectations, and whether I would be able to handle everything on my own. The thought of being far from home and outside my comfort zone added to that anxiety.

However, once I arrived in Rome, I realized that the key to overcoming this fear was to embrace the uncertainty and trust in my ability to adapt. The support from AIFS and the friendships I formed with other students helped ease the transition. I also found that approaching each challenge with an open mind and a willingness to learn made everything more manageable. Over time, my fear turned into confidence as I successfully navigated the daily demands of living abroad. My view on the issue changed from seeing challenges as obstacles to viewing them as opportunities for growth and self-discovery. This experience taught me that stepping into the unknown can lead to some of the most rewarding and transformative moments in life.

What was the most unexpected lesson you learned during your time abroad, and how has it shaped your outlook on life and future travels?

One of the most unexpected lessons I learned during my time abroad was the value of slowing down and being present in the moment. In Rome, I quickly noticed that the pace of life was different from what I was used to—meals were leisurely, conversations were deep and unhurried, and people took time to appreciate the simple pleasures of daily life. At first, I struggled with this slower pace, especially coming from a culture that often values productivity and efficiency above all else. But as I spent more time in Rome, I began to embrace this way of living.

This shift in perspective has shaped my outlook on life and future travels. I've learned to prioritize quality experiences over rushing through a checklist of tasks. I now approach each day with more mindfulness, taking the time to savor moments and fully immerse myself in whatever I’m doing. Whether it’s exploring a new city or simply enjoying a cup of coffee, I try to be present and appreciate the experience. If I could do anything differently, I’d tell my pre-Rome self to let go of the need to plan every detail and instead allow space for spontaneity and unexpected discoveries.

What position do you hold at AIFS? What has been your career path so far?

Rosanna: My role with AIFS is that of Resident Director of the Rome Programme. I have been in this position since 2001. I started my collaboration with AIFS, totally by chance, in the early 90s'. I was living in Florence at the time and I was a teacher of Italian Language L2. I left a copy of my CV at the AIFS office and the moment I stepped in they were desperately looking for someone available to accompany the students on a day trip the next day. They asked if I would be availabe and I accepted, so that's how I started.

After that daytrip I got a summer job working in the office and helping with social & cultural activities. One day the cook was sick and no one was availbe to substitute her, so I brought the students to my place and taught them how to make spaghetti al pesto and bruschette al pomodoro. t was so much fun! After that I finally got to teach Italian language classes. But it didn't last long as the following year they asked me to work in the library. In 1995 I was hired with a full time contract as Coordinator of Social and Cultural Activies and Director of the Summer School, Volunteer and Internship Programs.

Did YOU study abroad?! If so, where and what inspired you to go?

Rosanna: I studied abroad several times for periods of different lenghts in the UK, France and Spain. My first experience was in London, I was 16yrs old and had not travelled anywhere without my family before.That summer provided me with the most empowering and life changing experience of my adult life. I was the single child of two teachers, grown up in a small town in the mountains with a very traditional education. Studying abroad in London was the trigger of a never ending appetite for new challenges, ideas, comparisons. The taste of freedom, first of all. The excitement of making new friendships, discover different ways of living, eating, dressing and being able to go back home and bring a all this richness with me!

Why is language learning and cultural immersion important to you?

Rosanna: Language is the key to understand a culture. Learning a second language means acquiring a second way of thinking, a second way of living. Words shape reality, it is only when we are able to name feelings, objects, impressions that we know them. How can you translate the Italian "bella figura" without acquiring an understanding of the Italian obsessions and idiosyncacies for appereance and form. And how could one live, do business, socialize successfully in Italy without being familiar with these words and concepts?

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

Rosanna: The best story I have to share is about an Italian family that was looking for an American student to tutor their daughter - a teenager in open conflict with school. It's an Italian family with strong catholic, conservative values. I ask around and post a note on the bulletin board and the only student interested is a tall, big guy, with tatooes and piercing like a rock star. I deem the match impossible and tell them both no. But the family insists and the student is so eager to take advantage of the opportunity, that I give up, introduce each other and let things go. I go on vacation, and just before leaving my student tells me that he's going on vacation with the family for a month in southern Italy. I have nightmares the entire summer and feel responsible for all sorts of threats for the little fragile naive teenager girl. Until Fall semester starts and I discover that the big American guy and the little teenager with her Italian family have had a great summer together. The girl retook and passed succesfully her English exams, her schoolmates stopped mocking her and a long lasting friendship was born and still continues via skype.

What does your home-country's culture value that is taught in your program?

Rosanna: Students in our program learn to appreciate and include beauty in their everyday life. They get used at the incomparable pleasure of living among masterpieces of art and architecture that time has gently harmonized, layer over layer, century after century. They learn that it is possible to reach a destination walking through many different paths, and they also learn that sometimes it is not waste of time to stop, and change direction, and look up. As by doing so they discover new jewels, new perspectives on landscapes or skylines and see the same city under a different hue, or a different perspective.