Class Year: 2025 
Major/Minor: History, Anthropology major/ Public History; Civil War Era Studies, Classics minor
Program: IES Rome, Italy
Program specific experiences I can speak about:
Homestay; Internship; Courses in host language
Favorite experience:
It was one of the first days of my archaeology internship and we got to take a tour of the Colosseum after it had closed to the public. This was my first time ever seeing it. Going into the underground section and seeing the stadium completely empty was surreal. I will never forget stepping out onto the arena floor for the first time and imagining what it would have been like in ancient Roman times.
What course/internship experience during your global study semester allowed you to learn something new and exciting?
One of my classes took us on a field trip to Pompeii and some of the surrounding areas that were also impacted by the eruption of Vesuvius. While at Pompeii, I learned that the Pompeiians had their own version of snack shacks, which served food and drink to people on the go. They recently uncovered a well-preserved example that even had fresco paintings depicting the type of food sold at this stand, such as chicken and fish. Overall, it was exciting to learn that new things are still being discovered at Pompeii after almost two millennia since the eruption. While the ancient world may seem far away, we can still learn new things about these people in the present.
How have your global studies related to one of the 7 Enduring Skills?
My study abroad experience taught me intercultural fluency and the importance of immersing yourself to the fullest extent in the setting that you are in, whether that be socially or professionally.
In my homestay, I enjoyed learning about my host family's life in Italy: their jobs, activities, and friends. We spent a lot of time discussing the societal differences between Italy and the United States, as well as the things we like from each country. I also made every effort to speak to them in Italian during our meals. While my skills may be elementary, they appreciated my efforts, and it made us closer as a result. We watched Italian television shows, soccer matches, and had celebration dinners with their other family and friends.
I participated in many of the activities hosted by IES, such as wine tasting, gelato making, and talks about the diversity in Italy. At these events, there were Italian college students there that I became friends with and still talk to today!
Professionally, my internship at the Colosseum taught me what Italians value in a workplace environment. We took coffee breaks at cafes together, while still getting the work done that we needed to. I met a lot of different people at this job and they shared their experiences working at this institution.
Academically, I got to know my professors and asked them about their stories or professional backgrounds. Many of them were happy to talk to me about these aspects, and how they came to teach at IES.
I did a lot of traveling in Italy, which helped me to appreciate the country's regions, diversity, and beauty. I tried to take advantage of every opportunity while I was there, and I am so happy that I did!