Choosing my university: The American University of Rome

The USA Abroad! series is a look at the experiences of Americans who are having an international student experience in Europe.

When I first began my college search, I had no idea where I wanted to study; I only knew I wanted to go to a smaller school, preferably a liberal arts school. I began looking at schools in the U.S., but then I had the idea to also look at schools worldwide. I have dual citizenship — Italy and the U.S. — so I figured, why not consider attending a university in Italy? I have also always wanted to live in Europe long-term, and I thought adjusting to life abroad while I am in school and still have a lot of opportunities and room to grow was a good idea. 

There are many American-style universities in Italy, but one in Rome stood out to me: The American University of Rome (AUR). I chose AUR because of its location, the community aspect the school is centered on, the small campus and class sizes, its excellent arts and humanities departments, and because they offer weekend classes every semester where you can travel to different parts of Europe. 

Choosing my major

Initially, I did not know what I wanted to study, but I knew I was interested in looking at history, art, science, or literature programs. Yes, I know I am interested in a broad range of subjects, but luckily, I found a program that encapsulates portions of all these subjects. I chose to major in Archeology and Classics, another reason I knew AUR would be the perfect school. 

AUR’s Archeology and Classics program allows students to learn through exploring the various sites, churches, museums, and labs around Rome and surrounding areas, allowing students to have a hands-on learning approach, which in my opinion, is one of the most beneficial ways to learn. Not only this, but AUR is also working on an excavation in the center of Rome, which Archeology students are encouraged to participate in — another truly fantastic opportunity practically unheard of for undergraduate students!

Adjusting to life in Rome

Because I am part-Italian and had already been to Italy, my adjustment to living here was not as difficult as it was for some of my friends. However, I still faced challenges like anyone when moving to a new city, especially a big one like Rome. Although I have been in Rome for almost two years, I still find many new places in the areas I thought I knew well. The city is so big that I will always be able to learn about new places, no matter how long I have lived here. Coming from Seattle, which I thought was a massive city before moving here, I was somewhat shocked by this realization.

Something difficult for me to figure out at first, but that has now become almost second nature to me is Rome’s public transportation system. Honestly, the transportation system here is unorganized, and it can be challenging to figure out how to get where you need to be going in a timely manner. Now, I have become used to this unpredictability of traveling within Rome, but it was a shock to me at first. 

Speaking Italian

While I live in an Italian-speaking country, I speak less Italian than I had hoped. Because I attend an American school, my classes are taught in English, my assignments are in English, and my communication with my classmates is also in English, so I have very few opportunities to speak Italian during the day. However, when I am not in school, I speak more Italian. Of course, I always talk in Italian when I am in stores, restaurants, cafes, and even walking on the street. My boyfriend is Italian, and I also have some Italian friends, but I see them less often than I would like to, so my conversational abilities are only used sometimes. 

One of my current goals is to text my Italian friends more often so I don’t lose my ability to communicate confidently in the language. When you are always at school, speaking English, finding the time to learn and speak other languages can be difficult, but if you put in the effort, it is always possible. 

Tips for adjusting to life in a new country

Befriending natives is the best way to immerse yourself in the various cultures of the area you are in. Even though this may seem daunting at first, making friends with people who are native to the country you have just moved to is essential while you are adapting. This way, you can learn more about their culture, customs, and language. You will also learn the local dialect and about the best, non-touristy places to go in the city. 

I know this is cliche, but one of the most important things to do is make sure you go out of your comfort zone regularly. Moving to a new country is probably already out of your comfort zone, but continuing this cycle makes your new environment easier to adjust to–especially when learning a new language. Try getting lunch or coffee alone while only speaking in the language you are learning. Go on a walk around your neighborhood and ask someone for directions. 

Doing little things like this is essential because you are familiarizing yourself with the area you are in and gaining confidence in your language skills and ability to do things independently.

I still try to go outside of my comfort zone every day. It feels uncomfortable and challenging sometimes, but that only means that what I am doing is working. While doing these tasks, I am apprehensive, but afterward, I always feel an overwhelming sense of accomplishment — I am proud of myself. 

Francesca Bizzarri-Black is a student from Seattle, Washington, studying Archeology and Classics at the American University of Rome. She has lived in The Eternal City for almost two years and is in her sophomore year. Francesca loves to read, write, go to museums, and, most of all, try new foods from the different cities and countries she travels to.