Study abroad in Rome summer 2024

When I signed up for this study abroad experience, I didn’t know anyone else in the program and wasn’t sure what to expect. I was nervous, but more excited to spend four weeks in a place I had never been. I arrived in Rome alone and almost immediately got into an unofficial taxi, where I was scammed. The flat fee from the airport to Rome is 50 euros, but I paid 80. However, I wasn’t mad. These things happen, and I was so excited to be in Rome that it didn’t matter. When I reached my assigned address, a member of the CEA CAPA staff was waiting outside to meet me, which immediately put me at ease. They were friendly and told me everything I needed to know about the area and the apartment.
My roommates and I instantly got along, and we explored the city whenever we had free time. The more I explored and learned about Rome, the more I loved it. Our group chat is still active two months after the study abroad ended.
My favorite things about Rome were the food, the people, and the history. The food was consistently amazing and affordable! I tried all kinds of pasta (far better than what we eat in America). Gelato was my favorite dessert, and I made a point to try as many different places as possible. My classmates were all really nice, and we consistently did things together outside of class. The Roman people, for the most part, were very friendly and welcoming. Lastly, the history was fascinating. I took Latin for four years in high school, so I already had an interest in the Roman Empire. Seeing the sights for the first time was nothing short of mind-blowing.
Through the program, we had a class trip to Pompeii, Sorrento, and Capri. The trip was the most action-packed 36 hours of my life. It started with a train ride to Naples. When we arrived, we immediately boarded a bus and drove 45 minutes to Pompeii. Pompeii was my favorite historical site I've ever seen. It’s an entire city preserved for two thousand years, with colorful frescoes still visible in the villas and on the streets. After Pompeii, we got back on the bus and drove to Sorrento, arriving in the late afternoon. Sorrento is a beautiful town on the coast of Italy, where we had a nice dinner and did some shopping. The next morning, we took a ferry to Capri, where we hired a boat to take us around the island and see the incredible rock formations. After walking around Capri and getting lunch, we got on another ferry to Naples, where we boarded a train back to Rome.
CEA CAPA did an excellent job of planning this trip, along with multiple other activities around Rome. If it weren’t for CEA CAPA, I wouldn’t have gone on this trip, but I’m so happy I did. Throughout the whole program, the staff was extremely helpful and friendly. I can’t recommend studying abroad with CEA CAPA enough.