The Case for Rome

After learning I would be studying in Rome for a semester, I was disappointed to hear generally negative reviews of the city. Most people who visited from the previous year were very eager to share their distaste for it, and although those who had studied here spoke fairly positively about their experiences, it was difficult to distinguish what they were being honest about and what they were covering up. 

So, in the interest of making a case for Rome and also providing (or attempting to provide) an unbiased analysis of studying at LUISS, I will give the pros and cons of my experiences here.

Living in Rome

While attending LUISS, all students are set up with apartments near the school. Personally, I am settled on a small side street by Piazza Istria. It is about a 25 minute walk from school, close to a metro stop, and next to pretty much every bus line I need to get to every edge of the city.

All of the areas around the school are filled with many Italian families and young professionals and are almost 100% tourist free. The areas are calm and pleasant and quiet at night. Rome is such a quiet city at night that you can even see the stars clearly any day of the week. That is not to say that it is boring at night, however, because within walking distance are many of the bars and nightlife that LUISS students frequent throughout the week.

The streets are packed with greenery, and the two nearby parks of Villa Borghese and Villa Ada are perfect for runs or just sitting out with friends. It doesn’t feel cramped or chaotic like a big city, and it’s a pleasant area to be in. It feels like home, while also having access to the more exciting parts of the city.

Finally, great restaurants are always within reach. The local eateries, cafés, and gelaterias are enough to fill your desire for some restaurant food in between the many nights you will spend cooking.

LUISS Campus

Classes

The system for classes at LUISS is fairly frustrating. The course catalog for English classes is limiting and the scheduling frequently overlaps or falls at inconvenient times. Unlike the MWF/TTH class schedule we’re accustomed to at South Carolina, the LUISS system lacks a universal structure. Some classes are 3 days a week at entirely unrelated times. Some are twice a week for longer hours. I came in with 7 classes prepared to take and was only able to take one of them. I, as well as the other USC students were able to get our credits out of the way just fine, but I would lying if I said it wasn’t a headache.

The classes are fairly interesting and touch on important international business theories and concepts. Although the teacher’s English can be weak sometimes, in most cases it hasn’t been an issue. Classes consist of a couple of exams and a lot of group projects and presentations. Although I prefer the more day-to-day structured system of the states, it has been interesting getting to know Italians and other exchange students through projects and study groups. However, the group projects are a little frustrating because of scheduling with the less organized cultures. Although Italians are very welcoming and always helpful, they aren’t quite as timely and structured as we are. Fortunately though, they’re willing to assist with anything and do their best to speak English around you in the case that you’re like me and don’t have Italian as your minor.

Exams

The different semester schedules between USC and LUISS has been fairly debilitating. LUISS didn’t start until the second week in February and the earliest date that one can be done with exams is late May. Because of this situation, I had to turn down two internships I really wanted as I could not give them the timeframe that they desired. I also had to find something to do for the month of January before LUISS started. Overall, I would recommend that as a very serious consideration for where any IB students choose to study. I have loved being here and wouldn’t change my decision, but I wish I had considered the scheduling factors more closely. Many internships are very strict on wanting at least 10 weeks to 3 months and depending on where you want to do these internships, that may not be possible.

Being an Exchange Student

Overall, this has been the best part of being at LUISS. You are involved in a fairly large group of fellow ERASMUS students with whom you will have many opportunities to meet. You are given an apartment with other foreign students as well which has made it very easy to make friends. Although I have spent time with other USC students, I have had an incredible opportunity to learn more about students from different countries all around Europe and the rest of the world. They are all incredibly welcoming and great to spend time with, and the relationships I have developed have been an important aspect of my experience here.

Stadio Olimpico

Another aspect of being abroad one must consider is the ease of travel, and at Rome it can't get much easier. There are two large airports in Rome that are accessible by a short bus or train ride and have connections to all major cities in Europe. You can find cheap flights through RyanAir, EasyJet, and Vueling (I got to Paris for 80 euros round trip, London for 70 euros round trip, and Barcelona for 60 euros round trip). Furthermore, Italy is such a beautiful country on its own. Many amazing and historic cities are just a cheap bus ride of train ride away and Rome is fairly central to all important regions of the country. It may not be as central as Germany or Paris  in the European Union, but Rome is still a phenomenal hub for travel. 

My Recommendation

Rome has become a home for me. After spending weekends away in different cities—Paris, Barcelona, London, Florence—I breathe a sigh of relief when I see the soft yellow glow of the city through the airplane window. I have gained nothing but an appreciation for Italians and the way that they live. The area of Rome I live and attend school in is welcoming and warm, but the easy access to the city center still gives one a sense of freedom. Although LUISS was not my first choice for study abroad, I wish it had been. I have never once regretted coming to Rome for this semester, and I’m sure that I will miss it when I leave. I can only give my fullest encouragement to anyone who hopes to study here in the years to come.