ISA Study Abroad in Rome, Italy

I have always dreamt of experiencing life abroad but never was set on a certain destination. When my friend who traveled abroad to Rome through ISA told me about her experience, I knew that this was the program for me. It was the ultimate combination of education, culture, and adventure that would provide me with everything I could imagine and more. I am still processing how much I learned, not just in the classroom but about myself, my passions, and the world around me. Here's my review of my unforgettable summer study abroad experience in Rome, Italy. The Program: Perfect Balance of Academics and Exploration ISA combined cultural immersion with academic coursework that allowed us to learn through exploring. The professors were incredible- experts in their fields, passionate about sharing Italy’s rich history, art, and work-life balance. I took International Business and Marketing in Italy. Both courses taught me the importance of family-owned businesses and prioritizing time away from work. I got to dive deep into different local companies, management systems, and the culture that which Italians do business. The best part was that this program was designed to allow us time to explore Rome and other parts of Italy while keeping up with coursework. In the mornings I had classes and by the afternoon I was walking through ancient Roman ruins or eating gelato in Piazza Navona. It felt like a field trip every day! The flexibility to travel to places like Florence, Tuscany, and Capri on the weekends through the program as well was priceless. ISA helped navigate us across Italy and provided us the space and time to explore it firsthand ourselves as well. Living in Rome: More than Just a Tourist Destination Living in Rome was everything I imagined and more. The city is a beautiful blend of ancient and modern, where you can grab coffee in a 200-year-old cafe, walk past 2000-year-old ruins, and hear the hum of scooters zipping by. My apartment was in a charming neighborhood in Trastevere, and I loved it. The cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and local trattorias were perfect for immersing myself in everyday Roman life. Almost every morning I would grab a cappuccino and pastry at Gran Caffe Carini. We became regulars here and they learned our names and started only charging us for a cornetto (croissant). Every evening, my friends and I would wander the streets, popping into boutique shops, soaking in the ambiance, and trying new restaurants. Of course, navigating a city like Rome could be overwhelming at times, but the program staff were incredibly supportive. They helped with everything from understanding the metro system to finding the best pizza spots (trust me, I tried many). The occasional language barrier was fun rather than frustrating – it was an opportunity to practice my Italian, which I found pretty easy to pick up after a few weeks. The Social Side: Making Lifelong Connections One of the best parts of my study abroad experience was meeting other students from all over the U.S. The program created a supportive community, and I made friends for life. We were placed in apartments with 5 other roommates, and I can say I have never become so close to a group of girls in my entire life. We did everything together and dreaded being separated. The program’s dynamic all together was great – we traveled together on weekends, explored different neighborhoods, and shared meals at local spots. We even had a wine-tasting excursion where we learned how to make traditional Roman wine (and, let me tell you, it was way better than anything I’d ever tasted at home!). I got to know people from various backgrounds and schools, and we all bonded over our shared love of Italy. Weekends were spent exploring places like Capri, the Colosseum, and the Trastevere district. I loved how easy it was to organize impromptu trips with new friends. Cultural Immersion: More Than Just Sights Rome isn’t just about sightseeing – it’s about feeling the pulse of the city and truly experiencing its culture. My time there allowed me to do that in ways I hadn’t expected. Every evening, I'd sit on our balcony, people-watching and listening to street musicians. I learned how to enjoy la dolce vita, savoring the simple joys of life, like a leisurely dinner at a family-owned trattoria or a sunset stroll through Villa Borghese Park. One of the highlights of my summer was a weekend trip to the Amalfi Coast. We stayed in the coastal town of Positano, where I spent the day lounging on the beach, and the evening walking through charming streets filled with lemon-scented shops and vibrant flowers. The beauty of Italy is truly unparalleled. Rome also taught me to slow down and appreciate the details. I loved visiting the Pantheon and the Colosseum, but I also spent hours getting lost in hidden corners of the city, stumbling upon quiet churches, picturesque piazzas, and tiny cafes where locals gathered. What I Learned: More Than Just Academics Of course, the academic part of the program was important, but the real value of studying abroad in Rome for me was in the experiences outside the classroom. I learned about Italian culture, history, and language in ways that textbooks could never replicate. I gained confidence in navigating a new city, interacting with locals, and embracing unfamiliar experiences. I also learned about myself – how I handle challenges, how to be independent, and how to push myself out of my comfort zone. It was empowering to see how much I could adapt to living in a foreign country and how deeply I could connect to a place that felt so different yet so welcoming. Final Thoughts: Worth Every Moment Looking back, my summer study abroad in Rome was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It was a transformative experience that blended learning, adventure, culture, and personal growth. The friends I made, the memories I created, and the knowledge I gained will stay with me for the rest of my life. If you’re considering studying abroad, especially in Rome, my advice is: do it! Embrace every moment, dive into the culture, and don’t be afraid to get lost in the beauty of it all. I promise you’ll return with not just academic knowledge, but a lifetime of unforgettable memories. Rome, ti amo!

I loved my experience studying abroad in Rome! I met amazing people and got to see so much of Italy during my time. I have been dreaming of studying abroad for as long as I could remember and studying with ISA helped me achieve this dream!! I would recommend this program to anyone!

I absolutely loved my time abroad in Rome, Italy with ISA. I went in Spring 2024 and was pleased by the weather, cuisine, and attractions Rome had to offer. Rome is a city like no other with a vast range of activities to do and neighborhoods to explore. I never found myself bored and was able to travel to 12 countries throughout my semester abroad. I found traveling out of Rome to be affordable and relatively easy which I loved. I attended The American University of Rome, which was incredible and enhanced my film studies scholars. Both the professors and staff were very accommodating and offered resources whenever I needed support. ISA was extremely helpful in my immersion to living abroad and I formed close relationships with the staff that helped eliminate feelings of homesickness. I would highly recommend studying abroad in Rome with ISA!!