Last fall, I studied abroad in Rome, Italy through Temple University, which offers the best and largest program in Rome. The professors were approachable and knowledgeable, and the classes they taught were very interesting. We also had four-day weekends, which made traveling very easy.

I lived on la Via Medaglie D'oro, which is above Vatican City. I shared an apartment complex with Italians and other American students. Of my two roommates, one was from New York and the other from Philadelphia. We had a two-room place, with a kitchen and bathroom. We got along pretty well considering we knew nothing about each other prior to entering the program.

Being in Rome was incredible because of its beauty and history. You do not have to be a fine arts major to appreciate what Rome has to offer. There are so many churches, gardens, piazzas and masterpieces to admire. Rome is very easy to get around on foot, but there is also a metro and a great bus system.

Italians are great people, but they take some getting used to. They are slaves for fashion and yet they find the mullet attractive. They love to stare at people, especially if you have blond hair and blue eyes. Personal space means nothing to them, so you get used to the closeness. They are passionate people who are aware of their history and good food.

Traveling was my favorite thing to do. I had an incredible opportunity to see so many different places and cultures. I traveled all throughout Italy, and observed the diversity among the different regions. I went to Munich for Oktoberfest, and fell in love with Germany. I traveled to England, Ireland and Scotland for my fall break. I minded the gap on the underground, pulled a perfect pint of Guinness and walked across the oldest golf course in the world. These are all memories I will have forever. On my last trip of the semester, I went to Prague and saw some friends from Amherst. We reminisced about our own abroad experiences while creating new ones.

I went abroad without other Amherst students because I wanted an experience that was my own. However, it is amazing that you can run into familiar people wherever you go. Whether it is other people from Amherst, people from your home town or friends of your friends, you will run into them. It is great, because no matter where you go, you will never be alone.

Going abroad was something I always wanted to do, and I am so grateful for the experience. It will exceed your expectations, even when you have returned home. To be able to call a European city your home town is remarkable. Learning a new language and culture, while simultaneously feeling comfortable there, is amazing. You will learn the value of money, and how to make travel plans. You will learn how to live with new people, and appreciate every encounter you have. Despite what you might think of Amherst, you will miss it, and come back ready to cherish the time you have left. Going abroad will not change your life, but it will make it a whole lot richer.