Something that is unique to Saint Mary’s College is the fact that we have our very own campus in La Città Eterna…the eternal city…ROMA!
As current college girls, we have all once dreamed of singing “What Dreams Are Made Of” in the Colosseum or dancing around the streets of the Campo de’ Fiori. But since we can’t actually be Lizzie McGuire, studying abroad is the next best thing. This is a common occurrence for many of the students at Saint Mary’s and they all come back with the greatest stories to tell.
Katie Morrissette (class of 2016) is currently in Rome and having the time of her life! Thanks to Facebook, I got to chitchat with her and hear all about it!
1) What drew you to study abroad in Rome as opposed to other places?
“I was always drawn to Europe and the European lifestyle. Rome is such a rich, diverse city full of culture and history and I wanted to learn about it and live it.”
2) What was the first thing you thought when you landed in Rome?
“The first thing I thought when I landed was “I can’t believe I’m here.” Even though I was so exhausted, I felt so blessed to be there! It felt like I had been talking about it for so long and now I’m finally here!”
3) Where are you living and what is it like?
“I am living in the Albergo del Sole in the center of downtown Rome! I love it because it is right in the middle of the city and so I am only a few minutes away from everything. The hotel is so nice and everyone here is so kind! It’s a little odd living in a hotel instead of a dorm room, but it is fabulous.”
4) What are the classes like?
“Classes are each an hour and a half long but they go by surprisingly quickly because the material is so interesting! In my archeology class, we are learning about things we see everyday. It is an incredible way to learn. I can already tell I am going to really appreciate the classes I’m taking and the professors teaching them.”
5) What do you miss the most about Saint Mary’s?
“I miss walking around in my pajamas! People dress so chic here and sometimes I really just miss walking to the dining hall in sweats. I also miss dorm community.”
6) How is it living in a place where they speak a different language?
“It is definitely way more difficult than I thought it was going to be, but I’m actually picking up some Italian quickly just from using same phrases everyday. Most of the time they laugh at me but they know what I’m saying.”
7) Any future travel plans?
“I’m going to go wherever I can go! I want to see as much as I can, but definitely Paris, Barcelona, London, Dublin and maybe Greece.”
8) So far, what is your favorite aspect of being in Rome?
“My favorite part of Rome is the food! And I don’t care who knows it!”
(Here’s Katie with a (mouthwatering) cone of gelato to prove it)