Rome Semester Program - Fall and Spring

I absolutely loved Living and Learning International's Rome program. I learned and grew so much while living in a new culture with strangers who eventually became the only people in the world that could relate to my life changing experience with LLI. Living in a convent with 31 other people was definitely challenging, and I did not get along with everyone. Italian culture is also somewhat of a shock. It feels cold and ignorant to my American brain as I became a local at the coffee shop around the corner from the convent but still was not greeted with a smile. The staff cared for me in a way I've never experienced, forcing me to think in different perspectives and allowing me room to make mistakes and come back from them. Although I had a hard time sometimes recharging alone, I left with lifelong best friends who continue to check in with me and I wouldn't change a thing about my semester abroad.

Studying abroad in Rome was an incredible opportunity to grow as a student and individual! Spending time in Pigneto was fantastic because it allowed me to truly learn what local Roman culture looked like. I had abundant opportunities to get to know the locals who lived in this neighborhood-even getting to play soccer with the kids at the neighborhood's elementary school! The professors were extremely knowledgeable on the subjects they were teaching, and I often found myself continuing classroom discussions with my classmates outside of our meeting times. One of the greatest opportunities offered by Living and Learning International was the opportunity to travel frequently. The staff members were always helpful when we had questions about travel but also helped us grow in our confidence as individual travelers!

It's safe to say that my semester abroad changed my life for the better. While I loved traveling to beautiful countries, seeing amazing monuments, and learning about Roman history, my favorite part about studying abroad was the community I made. Everyone was so different in background, religious views, political views, etc. I was amazed how such a diverse group of people were about to get along so well. We challenged each other and supported each other. I learned many valuable life lessons from my peers and my RCs. I learned how to be more open-minded towards people, to be curious and not certain. I learned the importance of culture and how to truly listen to someone's story, Most importantly, I learned the goodness of God through my friends because they loved me unconditionally.

Every day I am so blessed to look back on such an incredible experience. I am so glad I took a leap of faith and went abroad because it has truly changed me as a person and the trajectory of my life from here on out. I never realized how much of a passion I had for other countries , especially Europe, and how valuable their culture has grown to be to me as well a their history. Walking in a city that seems to be stuck in time with many ancient cites still standing is a surreal experience. I loved having to adapt to the culture and learning their ways of life. It has made me me more appreciative of other cultures and has urged me to become more independent.

This experience has been so impactful towards my independence and cultural understanding. I also got the opportunity to see a whole new worldview. I met life long friends who changed my life for the better through this amazing experience. I would say one of the highlights of my semester was experiencing historical monuments and the prettiest churches with my peers. Before I went abroad I had never flown alone so this was a very new experience for me. I was nervous because I didn't know anyone else going. Living and Learning instantly made me feel welcome when I landed and the community you live in for 3 months is a special bond built with no one else. Ive made life long friends from all around the U.S. during my time.

Had an absolute blast during my semester in Rome! Genuinely the best 3 months of my life.
The people were truly the biggest blessings, and the staff is like a second family to me.

Rome is a beautiful and crazy city. It was so fun to explore and build a second home across the world. Coffee, pasta, history, art, pizza, it was all a dream and I will forever miss it.

The God centered program was such a comfort and I learned so much in my classes taught by both Italian and American professors. It was so lovely to live and learn in such and environment.

Overall, would recommend to anyone considering.

The staff was incredible. SO welcoming and knowledgeable. Greta at providing travel advice and providing support when needed. I have made some of my now best friends there and I would not trade those experiences and times of joy and tears for anything. If I could do it all over the exact same way I would. I remember every adventure, Cinque Terra, Munich, Salzburg, Venice, Verona, the Appian Way, wandering through churches and streets and shops. The people made the time there so special and I thank the Lord everyday for that opportunity.

The program was run very strictly. For some this could contribute to burnout, but for those able to keep up with a fast paced environment, it is perfect. You have to be very intentional about taking down time, and those that are afraid of missing out will probably be very torn between alone time and fun time. The program takes for granted a determination and desire to travel and engage in the culture. Overall, I recommend it! Great structure and so many opportunities to see not just Rome, but other locations in Europe as well.