Hi! My name is Isabella (Izzy) Young and I studied abroad in Rome, Italy for an academic year at John Cabot. I am from Nashville, Tennessee and attend the University of Knoxville and am majoring in International business with a minor in Italian. Studying abroad in Rome for an entire year has been one of the best decisions I have made for myself. Coming from an Italian heritage, I knew that I wanted to study abroad in Italy to fully experience life as an Italian rather than just coming during the summer with my family. I have learned so much about Italy and myself during this past year.

Looking over Ancient Rome

Being abroad for a year gave me the opportunity to experience all that studying abroad is about, but also getting to really enjoy time in Rome. My first semester was more challenging as I had to get past those challenging, and at times uncomfortable, situations that come with being abroad, but once I completed whatever challenge I had, I felt so good after. A good thing about Rome is that quite a lot of Italians do speak English which allowed me to practice my Italian but if I needed some help with the correct name or conjugations of something, they were there to help.

Last goodbye group selfie

I have met so many wonderful people in the past year and experienced some of the most magical moments. In the fall semester, I did a lot more abroad travels than I did in the spring. I enjoyed both semesters, but being here a year allowed me the time to truly enjoy Rome. Learning to balance the fun of being abroad and my academics was more challenging than I thought it would be but once I got a routine down it was easy to balance. I have met friends that will now be in my life forever even if we do not live in the same places. Being abroad opened my eyes to meeting new people and experiencing new things. It’s hard to pick out my favorite memory while being abroad because I have loved every minute of it, even the more challenging ones. Overall, just being able to experience trips and activities with my friends has topped everything. I also was a part of Global Leadership in the spring semester which added to my experience. I took part in community service around the Trastevere area and got to meet some of the locals and it was a very humbling and amazing experience to be a part of. It made my time abroad even more special to me.

Selfie with the best SAI coordinators

I am very grateful that I was able to study abroad for an entire year, and I would push people to go for a year if they can. It is a completely different eye opening experience than just one semester. My SAI coordinators have been nothing but wonderful. They made this experience even better while also allowing us to be abroad and experience things on our own. They were always there if we needed anything. They also conducted free group activities that were so much fun to do, and with people we know in the program.

Beach picture with my roomie

I have learned so much about myself and Italy in my time abroad, and would do it again and again if I was able to. This experience has opened my eyes to keep pushing for what I want to do in my career and life. Studying abroad has only expanded my love for Italy and really influenced my decision to work internationally specifically with Italy.

Written by: izzy, spring 2023 student in Rome from UT Knoxville.