Our program started off strong with two days in Rome, and it’s already been a packed experience. We visited several major landmarks, including the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and Roman ruins. One of the highlights was visiting Vatican City and seeing St. Peter’s Basilica — the scale and detail of everything there is incredible. It’s one thing to learn about history in a classroom, but seeing it in person gives it a whole new meaning. The size and presence of these places really make you appreciate how advanced and influential ancient Rome was.
After Rome, we made our way to Florence. The atmosphere here is more laid-back but still full of history and culture. The architecture, local shops, and narrow streets give the city a completely different energy than Rome, and I’ve enjoyed experiencing both. As we’ve settled in, I’ve started to notice a few key differences between Italy and the U.S. First, meals here take much longer — eating is more of an experience than a task, and no one seems to be in a rush. It’s been a change of pace, but a welcome one. Second, staying aware of your surroundings is extremely important. I’ve already learned to keep my bag close and stay alert in crowded areas due to the higher risk of pickpocketing in tourist-heavy spots.
Through this global business program, I’m hoping to become more confident in navigating unfamiliar places and more adaptable in situations that don’t go as planned — especially with language differences. I also want to better understand how history and culture influence modern business practices in the countries we visit.
Overall, it’s been a great start to the trip. Over the next few weeks, we’ll travel to Milan, Emilia-Romagna, and Cinque Terre. I’m so excited to see what’s ahead as we continue exploring Italy!