Study Abroad in Rome, Italy with WorldStrides

I went to Rome in the Spring of 2024 and it was an unreal experience. My professors were super helpful and I learned so much in my classrooms as they were smaller. I also travelled to 11 countries on the weekends. From skiing in the alps, to the desert in Morocco. It was amazing to see all the nature and architecture that the world has to offer. The Italian people were super friendly and the food was the best I ever had. I highly reccommend this experience to everyone!

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!!

I studied in Rome for 2 months and loved it all. One of the first things I learned was that when they say Italians stick to pasta and pizza, they really mean it. I found that within a couple weeks I was just begging for a hotdog and luckily found a pizzeria across the street that when they had Wurstle pizza on the menu, they somehow meant cut up hotdogs on their pizzas. It gave me the perfect amount of home that I was missing and truly made my stay perfect. I was studying what I loved, I was making some of the best friends ever and I had a once in a lifetime experience I couldn't get enough of. I think of my time in Italy everyday and miss it with my whole heart.

Initially, I was hesitant to go abroad, as I had never traveled to Europe and I knew nobody in the program I applied to. However, I knew it was something that would offer so many experiences, opportunities, and memories, that I could not pass up on it. The 4.5 weeks I spent there were the best weeks I have spent as a student, and in my life. The experiences I got in culture, food, travel were unmatched. Whether it is a spring break term or a full semester, I would encourage any student to study abroad.

Going from a standard Illinois suburb like Romeoville to Rome was an incredible change. Seeing famous landmarks like the Colosseum and the Roman Forum every day made history feel real. The food was amazing, especially the pasta, which was fresh and delicious. I loved experiencing Italian culture, with its relaxed pace of life and long meals with friends. The locals were friendly and welcoming, making me feel at home even though I was far away. Studying in Rome taught me a lot about adapting to new situations and opened my eyes to different ways of thinking. It also made me even more excited about working in international relations. I had a comfortable place to live and made great friends, which made my time in Rome unforgettable. I’m really grateful for this experience and hope to go back one day to enjoy the magic of the city again.

I went to study abroad this summer alone and was scared of not being able to make friends. ISA did an amazing job in hosting a get to know each other-like dinner to meet new people. That night I was able to meet my four closest friends! ISA provided so many resources and support to all their students to help them with navigating the new city and other cities within Italy during our field trips. Additionally, when I was sick the Italy ISA staff took care of me. I am so glad I picked ISA for my first time studying abroad!

I am so grateful for the experience ISA gave me in Rome. Everything that could be organized and created into an approachable process was. Signing up for classes, getting my permit to stay, and finding a place to stay were never done alone; ISA did much of the work. I was assigned an apartment with roommates and this formed the basis of the community within Rome. Our apartment had a beautiful view and was a place where we could all relax. There were also two trips with ISA that were no additional expense. We went to Florence and the Amalfi Coast. Both trips had fun activities and hotels in great locations.

During my Study abroad experience in Rome, Italy I had the opportunity to not only enjoy the scenery of the beautiful city that Rome is, but get to meet new people along the way, some are in the same boat as you, and others have more experience living abroad. Coming together and experiencing a new culture with new people from different backgrounds was a special time for me. The program made sure that we had the time to explore Italy and its beautiful places and famous landmarks safely and responsibly. Not only that but since the beginning of the program, they made sure that the process of applying, to at the end of the semester would go smoothly for students. I appreciate everything that this program has done for my own experience as a student because it helped me enjoy my time the way that I wanted to in Rome.

I had such a great time studying abroad with ISA. There was really great support for students and I felt super safe. The apartment was really nice and in a great location. I enjoyed the trips we went on with ISA. I would've like more class options and more organized student life.

I had the best experience ever. I was so nervous and all the staff felt like home. They had everything planned and were always there if we had any questions. They gave us their contact information if we need anything and would answer right away and we’re super helpful. I would go back 100 times if I could

I loved my study abroad experience because the teachers were supportive and let us explore. One of my teachers would even have tea time with us and offer us sweets as well. I appreciated the fact that we could be open with them. Not only were the teachers considerate, the places were so beautiful and I liked how we could visit places for free because of passes our teachers got for us. Not only did we visit the sites in Rome we also visited places all over Italy such as Florence and Assisi. Even though those visits were school related, it was still easy to go away and have your own adventure. Not only did we visit sites for school it was also easy to go visit other places in Italy during the weekend which was appreciated.

Participating in the Rome Study Abroad opportunity was a huge step for me. I was the first one in all of my family to go to Europe. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first arrived, but right away I felt safe and supported throughout the program. There was so much to do around the neighborhood and the transportation from our living quarters was great! I would highly recommend this program to freshman at Lewis University because it’s the only program a freshman can do their second semester. I would love to go back some day!

I studied abroad during the midst of the pandemic. I was able to see and explore Rome when it was empty of tourist. Museums and restaurants were still open so we were able to experience the culture without any problems. We lived outside the touristy area of the city where all the authentic restaurants were. The school and the teachers were great as well! I really enjoyed learning from them.

This program was the best I could have asked or out of a study abroad program! We got to fully merge into the Roman lifestyle and do as the Romans do. It was great to have an apartment because it felt like we were more involved in the community. We learned about each site by visiting them individually and this made the information stick really well, especially for a visual learner like myself! The ISA staff was so wonderful in helping us with all that we needed while in Italy--everything from picking us up from the airport, to helping us plan trips while in Italy, to giving us recommendations for fun things to do while abroad! I would recommend his program to absolutely anyone wanting to experience life abroad!

I honestly can't speak highly enough of this program. From arriving at the airport, to orienting you to the city, to taking you on excursions through some of the best places in Italy, ISA has set up a phenomenal program. Rome stole my heart and I will definitely be going back some day. I loved buying fruit at the local frutteria and eating dinner at the quaint restaurants in Trastevere. My professors at AUR were from all over the world and I felt like I truly found what it meant to become a "cultured" person. ISA worked really with my school to accommodate program costs with my financial aid package. If you ever get the chance, do not hesitate - go!!!

As a History major, living in Rome for a summer program with ISA was a total dream come true! The included excursions and museum visits were absolutely priceless, and being in such close proximity to all of those historical landmarks was unlike anything I had ever experienced. I loved getting to know the city, the people, and the culture, and my only regret is that I didn't go for a whole semester!

I studied abroad in Rome, Italy for a semester and it was the best experience of my entire life. I met friends for life and wish I could go back each day. The program itself was extremely helpful in anyway I needed.

Offered the best course options, excursions, and support. Picking one experience is difficult, but our excursion to Capri, and Sorrento was full of great memories with friends.

When our class visited the Trevi fountain, threw in coins, and went on to tour the rest of Rome. Really, it was all so great, I can't pick a single favorite thing. I chose this program because it was a convenient, relatively inexpensive way to complete my Humanities requirement while at the same time having the experience of life abroad.

I cannot say enough wonderful things about my experience abroad and the team at ISA that made my trip so memorable. From beginning to end, I felt like they were my family, and was heartbroken when it was time to head home. The excursions, tours and cooking classes alone have left me with fond memories and stories to tell for the rest of my life! I was with such a great group of folks, that my homesickness went away so fast, and now I have a permanent case of Romesickness. Whether you can go abroad for a month, a semester or a whole year, GO. Try it. You won't regret it.

ISA was a fantastic company to study with. They were so organized and professional. I had a wonderful experience and really felt as if I was a part of Italian culture. Studying abroad was my favorite college memory and ISA made it possible for me to both learn and live in Italy, but also to travel around the country, and to expose me to many art/historical features that I wouldn't have experienced otherwise.

I started looking into programs outside of the University of Georgia sponsored study abroad trips because I wanted to meet other students from different schools and have more freedom for travelling on the weekends, rather than a planned itinerary. I settled on ISA because it offered a wide range of cities and classes, which were all transferable to the University of Georgia. The staff at ISA was really helpful through the entire process, including setting up housing and also providing some group excursions to different cities in Italy.