Summer Volunteer Programs in Rome, Italy

During my trip to Perugia, I learned so much about Italy’s culture, a bit of the language, and met people that I still talk to today, two and a half years later. My experience revolved around rescues and refuges, and being able to see all the different species in Italy, and our vet who showed us how to examine them, was so inspiring! It made me want to switch my focus to exotic animals rather than small animals. It was an amazing experience, and one that I will remember forever!

Men’s Mental health is very important to me because I struggle with bipolar disorder. Before the study abroad I was in a dark spot in my life and I was seriously contemplating suicide. After going abroad my perception changed on life and I learned to simply just exist and be nothing more then just a normal person. The friendships and influence from friends changed the way I write and read today. Nico Engvall showed me how different our American culture can be differing from state to state. So not only did I learn about European culture but I learned about American culture. I would like to become an Ambassador for AIFS, especially Rome, Italy. I will forever be grateful and my life will never be the same after that in all the amazing good ways. Outside the program I travelled everywhere, to countries like Spain, Greece, and Israel. I went to 8 different cities in Italy, Barcelona, Tel Aviv, and Mykonos. I figured out the meaning of what my life is really worth and the history of our world. I wish I had the chance to do it again but unfortunately finances are holding me back. If there is anyway I could go on a paid trip I would 100% do it and make a AIFS Europe documentary where I travel to each AIFS program in Europe and document everyone’s experience. The goal would be to make a documentary. Love the program and GOD Bless the program for helping me make life long friends.