How Studying Abroad in Rome Changed Me as a Person

Words and photos by Ella Paine, who studied abroad in Rome, Italy, during the spring semester of 2026. 

Hi everyone, my name is Ella! I studied abroad in Rome for one semester and in Paris for a semester! Before studying abroad in Rome, I considered myself to be a fairly independent person. I had traveled before and was comfortable meeting new people, but living in another country taught me a level of independence that I had never experienced before.

One of the biggest moments of growth happened during my first week in Rome. I remember getting on the wrong bus while trying to meet friends near the Colosseum. My phone was dying, I didn’t speak much Italian, and I felt completely lost. At first, I panicked. Instead of panicking or giving up, I decided to use this as an opportunity to navigate the city without the use of technology. I asked locals for directions, used the little Italian I knew, and eventually made it to my destination. Looking back, it seems like a small challenge, but it showed me that I was more capable than I thought. 

One of the most influential experiences during my semester abroad happened on a weekend trip to Morocco. Throughout my time in Rome, I took advantage of the opportunity to travel to different countries and experience cultures that were vastly different from my own. While exploring Morocco, I met a group of local girls around my age. As we talked, they asked me about my life back home, and they were genuinely surprised to learn that I was attending University. What struck me most was how different our opportunities and expectations were despite being similar in age. I had always viewed going to college as a normal next step in life, but that one conversation made me realize that access to education is not something everyone experiences in the same way. It was a humbling moment that challenged me to reflect on my own privileges and appreciate opportunities that I had often taken for granted. Long after the trip has ended, I still find myself thinking about those conversations and how they expanded my understanding of the world beyond my own experiences. 

Finally, living in Rome taught me to embrace uncertainty. Things didn’t always go according to plan. During my time abroad, I faced mental and physical challenges I was really not prepared for. Trains were delayed, plans changed, and language barriers created unexpected challenges. Not to mention I was nearly 6,000 miles away from all of my friends and family. Instead of getting frustrated, I learned to adapt and enjoy the experience. I learned to take everything one step at a time because it is almost inevitable that something is going to go wrong. That mindset has stayed with me long after returning home. 

Studying abroad in Rome wasn’t just about seeing famous landmarks or taking classes in another country. It taught me confidence, adaptability, and independence. I returned home with incredible memories, but more importantly, I returned home as a stronger and more confident version of myself. 

Thanks, Ella!