This past semester, studying abroad in Rome has been some of the most significant times of my life and the highlight of my collegiate experience. I am incredibly thankful for this learning opportunity, as it was academically and culturally enriching.
Although I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Rome, there were a few cultural differences between that and the United States I experienced; the most prominent and influential was the food and the importance of a meal. In Italy, I noticed little takeaway from restaurants and few establishments available for fast meals. If you choose to eat out, you will most likely have to sit down for the entire meal. Even in cafes, although a takeaway espresso was an option, it was uncommon for locals, and many baristas would be taken aback when you asked for your order to go— the standard was to drink it at the bar or sit down. In regards to time, another cultural observation I experienced was the meal times themselves; dinner was served much later and could last hours. Additionally, during a meal out, waiters and waitresses did not come up to your table and ask if you were ok as frequently as in America. The last observation about Italian food I noticed was the ingredients’ quality. Certain produce wasn’t available at all times of the year compared to the States, and there was a lack of goods I was used to from my American grocery stores.
At first, the differing food culture of Rome was a little bit of an inconvenience. It wasn’t easy if I was in a rush or had a long day and needed a quick bite to eat. If I did go out to eat at a restaurant, I would have to get the waiter’s attention and wait longer for service. There were times I would have to ask for the bill or a refill on a drink multiple times. This initial inconvenience persisted at the grocery store as well; during certain months, I would go in looking for a specific item, such as strawberries or tomatoes, and they would not be there. Although this cultural observation was initially tricky, as the weeks continued, I grew used to and appreciated these differences.
Local Italians would probably not realize the difference in food culture as it is deeply rooted in traditional customs and ways of life. For Italians, food and meals themselves are vital. They care about the food they are eating and how they enjoy it. Italians view time much differently than Americans; they are not always in a rush or constantly need to do something. Because of this, I understand why there are few take-out places in Rome or why waiters and waitresses are not constantly checking up on you. In Italy, meals are meaningful and meant to be enjoyed— not just something to sustain you. Instead, food is a way to untap from your day and spend time with those you are dining with. This is why meals can take multiple hours and service isn’t as attentive. Restaurants aren’t constantly trying to turn tables for profit. Instead, they recognize they are providing a social experience as well. Regarding food availability, the reason behind this cultural difference is that Italians believe that dishes should be made with fresh ingredients and care. They are not fond of additives and believe food should be made with attention and time. Although this aspect of Italian culture inconvenienced me, I began to enjoy it and develop an appreciation for meals and food.
Ultimately, this exercise has made me realize that culture is all around us, even at the corner cafe, and there are underlying reasons for these beliefs. This realization has made me appreciate and be interested in different cultures worldwide and has prepared me exceptionally for my time after Rollins, as I will be able to understand and better navigate the globalized world around me.