I have a keen interest in urban design and sustainability, so this program seemed like it would be a good one to go abroad for, especially considering it was in one of my “travel bucket list” countries. Before the program, I had expected studying abroad to be similar to classes on campus, except it’s in a different country. What I had not realized at that time is just how helpful the experiential component of studying abroad would be in enhancing and reinforcing my learning. In class, we discussed topics of sustainability, urban infrastructure, etc., and right outside, we could see our lessons in practice: the influence of history, centuries-old buildings being preserved and utilized, streets that are built for people, etc. It felt like I was living inside of what I was studying, which made the lessons even more engaging and interesting. The jet lag quickly faded away, and I felt energized and motivated every day.

I also enjoyed being able to interact with the locals (one of the perks of taking an overnight train for a weekend trip). I was a little worried at first about how I would communicate with locals, especially due to the language barrier. But in the midst of frantically typing what I want to say in Google Translate and excitedly using some of the Italian words and phrases I learned in class, I managed to figure it out. The people were extremely friendly and easy to socialize with. I had countless random encounters with Italian people––at stores, places we visited, trains, even McDonald’s––and all of it was truly wonderful.

I also learned so much about Italian culture. There is a sort of presence of the past in Rome, and I felt this the more I learned about Roman history. Walking along the Trevi Fountain and seeing the statues on the streets––all of which have been preserved for centuries––it was exquisite. And of course, Italy is famous for its food. I certainly had many great meals, but my favorites were the simplest: pizza rossa (pizza with just tomato sauce) and cacio e pepe (spaghetti with cheese and black pepper). The ingredients are so simple, yet the food is simply marvelous.

I am glad I got the opportunity to study abroad in Rome. It was one of the biggest highlights of my student life at MSU, and certainly one of the most meaningful.

• Name: Ayushya Gautam
• Status: Senior
• Majors: Journalism and Political Science (Pre-law)
• Hometown: Centreville, Virginia
• Program: Arts, Culture and Urban Sustainability in Rome