By: Natalie Jones
Caroline Elliot has wanted to study abroad since she was a junior in high school. Thanks to Belmont’s study abroad program, her dream has come true this semester! As a sophomore Communications Studies and Political Science double major, she is currently enjoying herself studying in Rome, Italy.
She chose this study abroad trip because she felt living in Rome would give her the opportunity to experience a culture that she was previously unfamiliar with. John Cabot University, where she is studying, is centrally located and allows her easy access to travel to different cities throughout Europe. Although Caroline was lucky enough to visit Rome last summer as well, that trip only left her wanting more. Now that she is back, she is thankful to be living in an apartment building surrounded by Italian residents. She is enjoying engulfing herself in Italian culture by going to the local grocery stores and riding public transportation. She is also grateful to the local Italian people, saying that “they try to communicate with English speaking tourists and students as well as they can.” Although it is difficult being away from her family and friends and the life she is comfortable with at Belmont, the warmth of the Italian people and the friends she has made make it easier.
One of the biggest challenges Caroline has experienced so far is having to wait until 8 p.m. to eat dinner! She has also noticed that many Italian apartments do not have dryers for your clothes, and they also limit the amount of time you can run heat in your apartment. Caroline said the classes are harder than she expected them to be, but it helps that her professors are very kind and willing to help. She believes taking Intercultural Communications abroad has been an amazing experience because she is able to compare and contrast daily life in America with that of Italy.
Something Caroline has been enjoying is not having classes on Fridays! This allows her to travel and explore the Eternal City or even take a weekend trip to other cities. She has already enjoyed taking a train ride to visit the Colosseum. She plans to continue taking advantage of her long weekends and spring break, traveling to Paris and Barcelona!
Needless to say, Caroline is making the most of her time in Italy, and she highly recommends that Belmont students take advantage of the opportunity to study abroad!