Rome & Istanbul Semester Program

The most significant advantage of a study abroad program is the chance to experience a different culture firsthand. This program has allowed me access to unique academic resources and gained exposure to new teaching methods. The city’s architectural design challenges your existing knowledge and perception, offering opportunities to explore the unfamiliar and embrace novel experiences: Winding paths, large plazas and ancient ruins are all immersed into one city. Academics aside, I was able to venture into the city and learn from the people themselves. Being a native Spanish speaker, it was easier to understand the language and try to start a conversation. This led to countless hours in shops, markets, and even getting a personal barber in the three months spent there.

Studying abroad allowed me to experience things I never could have imagined. Learning and observing the history, culture and architecture of both countries has helped me grow as a student and future architect. Making Rome my “home” for three months, studying the city’s architecture in person and becoming fully immersed in the culture (including of course, the food), was life-changing, as was experiencing many other cities and small towns through class trips and working on a project alongside fellow architecture students from a Turkish university (providing us with great guides of Istanbul and new friends). I look back on this semester as a time that I learned a lot, both in and out of the classroom, and I realized the extensive possibilities of my role as an architect.

This program was a life-changing experience and a critical addition to my education. In addition to experiencing the culture and societies of those places we visited, we learned about concepts of space, form and architectural ornament from some of the best professors in the field! I wouldn’t trade the lessons and experiences I had with my classmates for anything, and would recommend others to take this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity during their education. Invest in yourself and see what the world has to offer for you.

Living and studying in Italy definitely opened my mind to new possibilities. I honestly did not know what to expect, leaving America for the first time and living somewhere completely new, thousands of miles away from everything I know. But thanks to my support system of classmates and professors, the transition went smoothly and before I knew it it felt like I’d been living there for years. I am extremely grateful for not just the opportunity to visit another country, but to live there and participate in day-to-day life.

My study abroad experience was the best part of my time in college. Living in Rome, you truly experience and embrace a different lifestyle. The design workshop with Turkish universities during the trip was an unforgettable learning experience, as the students were all welcoming. These programs are amazing opportunities to learn about architecture and its close ties to culture, history, social engagement and art. I certainly believe that this experience has helped us all grow as future architects, urban planners, designers and people. I would go back in an instant!

Being able to study abroad was quite literally the greatest experience of my life. I was the first to venture outside of the U.S. and my family, and now that I’ve gotten a taste of it, I have to do it again. Italy is a place that you can’t experience in pictures. Being surrounded by all of that beauty and history is something that I will cherish for the rest of my life. The curriculum is great. There were walking tours that made learning history exciting, amazing food and wonderful field trips. I even made sure to test out my Italian at every opportunity possible! If I could give any piece of advice, it would be this: Do everything in your power to make sure that you go.