Studying abroad in Italy for the past four months has allowed me to immerse myself into the culture and live within a whole new lifestyle. Below are some tips I’ve learned along the way on how to get around Italy as an American student!

Italian phrases

Living in Rome, a major city in Italy, it has been easy to navigate my way around because mostly everyone speaks some English. Here are some of the most common phrases I’ve encountered daily.

• Ciao = Hello 
• Come stai? = How are you?
• Grazie = Thank you
• Scusa/Permesso = Excuse me
• Ti chiami? = What is your name?
• Allora = So 
• Quanto costa? = How much does it cost?
• Dove stai? = Where are you?
   

Italian fashion

During my time studying abroad in Rome, I have realized that as an American I do not have the correct clothes to live in Europe without getting stares. European culture is much more formal in regards to how they dress from day to day. Unlike in the U.S., Europeans don’t really wear sweatshirts, sweatpants or athletic clothing outside of the gym. That being said, we (American students) have been accommodating to the new culture shock wearing our “nicer” clothes everyday to class that we’d typically reserve for a special occasion back home. In my opinion, I actually like this new way of living because I get to elevate my style and feel more put together throughout the day. I hope that I make a habit out of it and continue to dress similarly when I come back to the States. 
 

Italian eating and food shopping

Rather than shopping for a week’s worth of food like in America, Italians focus on fresh foods at daily markets or specific vendors for different types of foods. During my time here, I have noticed I go to the food market either daily or every other day to stock up on groceries. The vegetables also go bad much quicker here since their produce is fresh and uses little to no preservatives. They also have less options for unhealthy snacks, so I have been eating cleaner with my home-cooked meals. I’ve enjoyed feeling satiated on their smaller portions and noticed that I’ve had less stomach aches. 

During my spring break, I was able to visit Spain and learn about its culture and traditions with my friends, including “tapas,” or a Spanish cuisine for an appetizer or snack. Tapas can range from a selection of breads and meat to stuffed mussels and fried squid. Similarly, Italy is known for its “aperitivo” or drinks and appetizers between the hours of work and dinner. You can find restaurants for both cultural traditions on practically every street of the major cities in each country. It has been really fun to try new appetizers from around Europe as often as we can! 
 

Italian navigation

Italy (and most of Europe) differs from the States in not only the architecture but the streets themselves. Italian street signs are on the buildings making them less noticeable and most of them are faded. The streets are also cobblestone therefore you always need to watch your step and surroundings. Remember that fashion here is also elevated—literally—in that most women wear boots and heels daily, even though anything but sneakers on the cobblestones is impractical. The layout of a major city here is so different vs. the States, which is always knocking down old buildings and bringing in the new. European architectural style has kept with tradition throughout the centuries, and Rome is especially known for restoring and preserving what they can of Ancient Rome.
 

Italian lifestyle

My roommate Katie Bromberg, who studied in Madrid this semester, came to Rome to visit me this week and we compared our cultural experiences of Spain and Italy to America. For me, it took a little getting used to the slower pace of things and the different daily habits of the locals. For instance, when they get coffee in the morning, it isn't the to-go experience that is typical in the U.S. Many Romans like to stand by the bar or sit outside with their espresso or cappuccino with a light pastry for breakfast and take their time. 

I’m excited when I return back to campus to bring back some of the European lifestyle with me. Maybe now I’ll take more time to enjoy my morning routine before school and dress up for outings other than special occasions.

This blog post was written by our Division of Student Life student intern Elliana Olivo.