Roaming Around Rome

So far I have loved my experience abroad with CIS. The program staff has been very helpful since the beginning. Right before I left, Michelle was ready to answer any and all questions I had. She took time out of her day to give me suggestions and tips I hadn't even thought to ask about. There was an issue with the pluming in my apartment from the previous tenants before I moved in- not CISabroad's fault at all. The housing company and CIS set me up in a nearby hotel for the first two days and even paid for my breakfast there. I felt completely supported, which is especially important during the first few days in a new country.

Since arriving in Italy, CISabroad has exceeded my expectations. Romina and Chris, the onsite directors, have been incredibly helpful and reliable. I feel as though I can talk to them about topics ranging from safety to silly ways of having fun. My internship placement is with an amazing company that has greatly increased my knowledge of different healthcare delivery methods, systems in the U.S. versus abroad, and the various jobs needed in the health sector. I have met amazing people and mentors that I can confer with at any time. Because of this internship, I now know that I want to be involved with international healthcare. This realization has been very exciting for me and I can't wait to see where my future takes me.

I also have been able to become immersed in Italian culture. Through both self- and CISabroad-organized experiences, I feel like I have discovered a whole new world. One of my favorite memories was getting to see the Pentecost service in the Pantheon. I had seen an online post about it a few months before I left for my trip. Planning, getting myself (and my roommates) there, and seeing the beautiful rose petals fall from the oculus was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It has given me the confidence to seek out additional experiences that will give me new perspectives. Another memory I will hold onto was laughing at a CISaborad excursion to Eataly. It wasn't a grand moment, but an everyday event that truly defines experiences like this.

Thank you CISabroad for this wonderful experience. It has broadened my perspective of the world and encouraged me to continue to do so in the future. I cannot wait to discover my next destination.