One instance of cultural confrontation I experienced was navigating the transportation system in Rome. Back home, public transportation is not something that I have much access to in my area, so it was new to me in general. While it was overwhelming at first trying to figure out how to use the buses, it’s a…
Category: Italy: ISA Rome
An Aspect of American Culture
One unique aspect of American culture is our reliance on cars and the centering of the car in planning and infrastructure. The United States is the third largest country by land in the world and spans a whole continent. We are connected by highways and interstates and our cities rely on them for transporting goods…
Time in America vs. Italy- Oliver Zimring. Blog post 1
An aspect of American culture that I have realized is quite unique is the mindset of not wanting to waste one’s time. This attitude is not only understood from the second person’s point of view but is also expected of oneself. Most American’s likeminded value of time is because of the instillation of the simple…
Blog Prompt #1
In the United States, citizens are allowed to apply and receive their driver’s license at the age of 16. Americans are eligible to vote beginning at the age of 18. Most interestingly, citizens of the United States cannot consume alcohol and tobacco (in select states) until they turn 21 years old. There are very limited…
Blog 1
In the United States, it has been made apparent that life is convenient. We have larger stores such as Walmart and Target for our everyday needs; as well as Costco and larger supermarkets like Publix. All of these services are open for long hours every day of the week, only closed on very certain holidays…
Blog Post #1
I was born and raised in the United States, but was never able to travel outside the country. Given this, I believe that the only culture I know is the American culture and the many aspects to it. One aspect of U.S. culture that is prominent in my life is our reliance on cars for…
Blog Post #1: Pre-Departure ISA Rome
A prominent value and element of U.S. culture I recognize are the beliefs surrounding “The American Dream”. This cliched yet longstanding American ideology deems that a happy and successful life can be earned strictly through hard work and monetary gain. This grind mentality has been unconsciously adopted by countless Americans with the main motivation of…
Blog post 1
I am a citizen of the United States. I was born here. I was immersed into different cultures as my mother comes from South America and my fathers mother comes from Italy. But, a good aspect of US culture that I can speak about is the importance of money. The United States was always run…
Blog #1: Getting Ready for Rome
Next week my friends and I will embark on our trip to ISA, the American University of Rome. The preparation process has been long and tough (don’t even get me started on packing), but I am still beyond excited to land in Rome. I have studied abroad before. I know firsthand the extreme culture shocks…
Blog Prompt #1
I have lived in the United States of America from the day I was born. Some may say I am an expert on U.S. culture since this is all I have known. One aspect of the U.S. culture I would like to discuss is how higher education is valued. From a very young age,…