A Month in Rome: Eating, Exploring, and Embracing Italian Life

I’ve always believed that the best way to grow is by trying new things—and for me, that meant studying abroad in Rome. I chose to study abroad to step outside of my comfort zone, gain a global perspective, and immerse myself in a culture different from my own. I had previously visited Rome with my family five years earlier, but the brief trip left me wanting to experience the city on a deeper level.

This time, I traveled with a friend from my hometown, with only a few expectations based on TikTok and past experiences. From the moment I arrived, I was captivated by Italy’s food, history, and vibrant way of life.

Italian food has always been my favorite, so I was especially excited to try the authentic cuisine. Italy emphasizes fresh, simple ingredients—you don’t find as many processed meals as in the U.S., and I noticed I never felt sick or bloated after eating. Our local guide, Elizabeth, explained how the typical Italian menu is structured, with a primi (a pasta dish) and secondi (a meat dish). While many Italians enjoy both courses, I found one was usually plenty. I did miss American-style combination dishes, like chicken parmesan with spaghetti—in Italy, you’d need to order the pasta and chicken separately.

One of my favorite experiences was taking a cooking class with three of my roommates, where we made linguine, ravioli, and tiramisu. Most restaurants in Italy serve homemade pasta, so it was fascinating to learn the process ourselves and then enjoy the meal we’d created from scratch. Italians also place a big emphasis on pairing meals with wine, and I enjoyed learning about the wine culture during my stay.

One thing that surprised me was the vast amount of ancient ruins were scattered throughout the city. My friend and I would often take walks around the city and would always run into unique ruins and historic building. The architecture of Rome really emphasized how old and historically rich the city is. Visiting the Colosseum was especially impactful. Standing there, I imagined what it was like when gladiators fought for their lives in front of thousands of spectators.

I loved picturing what the ruins might have looked like in their original form. Italy was described to me as a “lasagna” with all of its layers and rich history. It was humbling and inspiring to live in a city where layers of history exist side by side with the present, and it gave me a profound appreciation for the preservation of cultural heritage.

I also really enjoyed connecting with locals and spending time in Trastevere, the neighborhood where our apartment was located. The community feel was incredible—neighbors greeted one another on the street, people spent hours chatting at coffee shops, and there were constant community events like markets and outdoor movie screenings. I was initially nervous about the language barrier, but found that most people spoke English very well and were welcoming to Americans.

Tourism is a big part of life in Rome, and locals seemed happy to share their city with us. Through daily interactions, I came to appreciate the slower pace of life and the value placed on relationships, conversation, and tradition. Living among locals helped me see how deeply culture shapes daily routines, from the afternoon quiet hours to late evening dinners, and it gave me a richer understanding of what it means to truly live like a Roman.

Overall, I loved my study abroad experience. Spending a month in Rome helped me grow in independence, adaptability, and gave me a much broader understanding of other cultures. I hope to return one summer and bring my family along to show them all my favorite hidden spots in Rome.

Interested in studying abroad in Italy? Check out all of our study abroad and intern abroad programs here!

Blog by Josie Heisel, University of Arkansas - Fayetteville
Summer in Rome