Category: Italy: ISA Rome

Before I departed for my semester abroad, I was constantly reminded by advisors and students about Italian dining culture. Throughout my time studying in Rome, I learned that the dining experience strongly emphasizes the value of seasonal goods and fresh, locally produced ingredients. Antipasto (appetizers), primo (first course, usually pasta or risotto), secondo (main course,…

Before I began my journey to Italy, I was a bit worried about how I would adjust to speaking a new language, and how easy it would be for me to communicate with others/get around. These concerns were easily mediated as I soon realized that many Italians also speak English and if you have difficulty…

I studied abroad in Rome in the Spring of 2024, and I believe this experience is an excellent means of developing into a stronger person, especially as a young adult. By taking a semester in a foreign country, you’re not only changing scenery but also your way of life and the customs that you are…

Before I left for my semester abroad, I was told countless times to prepare for the differences in food culture; Italians eat much later, they make their meals an event to enjoy, they do not tip in the same way as Americans, and so on. I had even been told to get excited about a…

During my semester in Rome, two cultural observations stood out: the Italian approach to time, and the coffee culture. Stores and restaurants would typically close for a few hours midday, stores would close earlier than the U.S., and dinner would often start at 8:00 pm or later. There is also a distinct Italian coffee culture….

The cultural observation I chose was the eating times and value placed on meals in Italy. I chose this because of the way it differs from the customs in the United States. People usually eat at earlier times in the US, with it being traditional to have lunch at noon and dinner around 6 pm….

While exploring Italy’s political system and culture, I discovered an intriguing aspect that sets it apart even more from the U.S.: the role of the Vatican and the Pope. The Vatican City, an independent city-state enclaved within Rome, is the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church, led by the Pope. Although the…

A strong aspect of Italian culture that I have experienced since my time abroad has been their differing concepts of time — which often influence various aspects of their life including their work/life balance, dining, and others. Even in a large city like Rome, locals tend to live slower-placed lifestyles that allow more time for…

One thing that has stood out to me while living in Rome is the historical significance of architecture and its purpose in being preserved. Unlike the United States, (Chicago specifically being the city I’m most familiar with) many of the buildings and ruins in Rome date back thousands of years and have amazing craftsmanship and detail…