Pre-departure: Roma & Venezia

One of my favorite things about Northeastern is the many opportunities that are available for students, especially options for studying abroad. As a transfer student, I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to fit any study abroad programs or dialogues into my schedule- but I was wrong. I decided to take advantage of the dialogue programs and travel to Italy to take a course in photography and a course in architecture. I chose this program for two reasons- first, I needed an arts credit… and what better way to fulfill this requirement than in Italy, which is known for all the art and architecture? Second, I absolutely love the country. I was fortunate enough to have traveled to Europe during high school as part of an international student ambassador program. On that first trip, I threw a coin into the Trevi Fountain (which, if you don’t know the legend: if you toss a coin over your shoulder, you will return to Rome) and sure enough that came true!

I am very excited for what the dialogue has in store. I know that travelling and exploring Rome and Venice will help me to become more aware of the world. Having an anthropology minor, people and culture are two areas of interest for me and Italy is certainly full of culture. My goals are to immerse myself; to take advantage of all opportunities for exploration and sightseeing, and to develop myself as a globally-aware student- which is something that I think Northeastern students have a unique opportunity to become. However, I am a little nervous about being so far from home. Even though I have traveled before, it was with a large group that had chaperones and tour guides every step of the way. On the dialogue, I know that I will be independent or with friends and other students when not in classes, which is a little intimidating. I am also afraid of getting lost, but I was sure to pack maps! Plus, if I do happen to get lost, I can always find a gelateria to sit and figure out my way home while enjoying my favorite Italian food (GELATO!), which brings me to my next point: I am most looking forward to the food! Which goes hand-in-hand with the culture. In Italy, food is important to bonding with friends and family. And there is nothing better than a rustic, homemade Italian meal. I cannot wait!