I have found that one of my favorite characteristics of Rome are the water fountains. I don’t mean the big and beautiful Trevi fountain, but rather the thousands of free drinking fountains that line the streets. These fountains are called Nasonis and have continuously running water. The water comes from the mountains above the cities…
Category: Italy: ISA Rome
ISA Rome Blog Post #1
An aspect of the US culture that differs from many other countries is our eating habits along with the style of restaurants we eat at. In American culture, it is notable that we have the tendency to consume large quantities of food. Additionally, our food is associated with large gatherings and social events. Americans embrace…
ISA Rome – Blog Post #1
American culture is characterized by the prominence of individualism and self-reliance, a tenet intricately woven into the nation’s history and core values. In contrast to many cultures around the world that place a high value on communal welfare and social harmony, the United States places a high value on the individual’s right to self-determination and…
Blog Prompt #1, Letters to America (Rome AUR)
The United States’ work-life balance is a distinct aspect of American culture. Since the colonial era, Americans have prioritized hard work and dedication to their craft. Individuals’ work and home life often coexist with one another. Many take their work home and continue their responsibilities far after the work day. In the U.S., we often…
Letters to America: Blog Post One
There are many different ways people value time. A significant aspect of the United States culture is that time is valued in the sense of how it can be used productively. As a goal-oriented society, a common perspective is that in order to be successful, every second of every day should be used to work…
ISA Rome: Blog Post #1 (Pre-Departure)
U.S. vs. Italian Culture When it comes to identifying American culture, one essential characteristic that I have observed is America’s fast-paced lifestyle. The fast-paced lifestyle in the United States is defined by a sense of urgency and efficiency. People usually prioritize time management, productivity, and achieving their goals. In this society, work ethic, multitasking, and…
Final Blog Post
Andie Baldridge (ISA Italy) Now that I am back in the United States and have been home for a couple weeks, I have had plenty of time to reflect on my time abroad. While it was over 5 months ago that I was first arriving in Italy, it feels like yesterday. Looking back I had…
Deja Reyes – Blog Post #3 Italy: ISA
An experience that I had where I was confused took place in one of the cafes. I distinctly remember it being the second week I was in my host country. My roommates and I were just getting to know the area and we were walking down the street in the areas near our apartment to…
Final Blog Post
When I first arrived in Rome, Italy, I did not what these 5 months would have in store for me. I of course did my research and comprised a general idea of what my time abroad would be like, but I could not truly visualize it until I began my stay there. Adjusting to the…
Blog #2
At this time I am already 2 months into my study aboard experience. While time has gone by fast I sometimes still feel like I am missing home. Looking back and comparing my state of mind to “the U-curve of cultural Adjustment” from orientation I feel as though what I am experiencing is normal. while…