It had only been a week when I already knew a part of me would always stay in this city. During the first three days, our program directors led tours in the main areas of the city. I couldn’t believe I was going to call the city my home. There is such a magical feeling that you get every time you walk past all the historical monuments.
My first week in The American University of Rome is when the culture shock started to hit a little. I was used to living on campus and only walk 10 minutes the most from my dorm to the classroom to go to class. Now I live in an apartment and I have to take a bus to go to school. Without cellular data or knowing any Italian, taking a 20-minute bus ride to school everyday has been a little overwhelming these weeks. However, my transition from living to El Salvador to the United States only took a few weeks to adjust and to become completely comfortable so I am hopping it will be the same way in Rome!
Although I am glad that there are more people from Rollins in the program, living with 5 other people has been an interesting experience. I really like it so far and we have gotten really close in a matter of a few weeks. I am looking forward to creating a lot of memories with them.
I can’t wait to learn more Italian and start to immerse myself in the culture!!