Erin in Rome - A journey of linguistic and cultural discovery

As the child of two parents in the military, I’ve always had the unique opportunity to travel around the world from an early age. This exposure ignited my love for language and culture, and it has long been a dream of mine to learn multiple languages. And because of this dream I was soon inspired to start learning Italian.

I began learning Italian on my own in 2023, preparing myself for my first trip to Italy. I had planned to visit Venice and the Amalfi Coast and wanted to be able to communicate with the people. And, after months of language exchange apps and Italian content on Instagram, I finally landed in this beautiful country and I have to say, that trip was transformative. I fell in love with Italy and knew I had to see more. Determined to deepen my experience, I continued learning and got an Italian tutor until one day I stumbled upon Italianforawhile's content, which introduced me to the idea of an Italian language study abroad program. My eyes lit up at the idea, and I immediately looked up their website to understand how the program worked. I emailed them to set up a consultation call and ended up speaking with Annetta, one of their advisors, who explained the details of the program. After a few weeks of consideration and questions, I decided on my destination: Rome, where I’d be living for a full month.

My life in the eternal city

Fast forward a few months—and a few other consultations with Annetta assisting me in all the necessary bureaucracy, from finding housing to getting my documents, and providing all necessary information about my stay and school—I arrived in Rome. The city was even more beautiful than I thought and the early May weather contributed to enhance even further my spectacular new life! It only took me a few days to settle in my new life, with my days beginning with a cappuccino and a maritozzo con panna at Flamingos (one of my favorite cafés near the school) before discovering incredible places like the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican Museums, or the Pantheon. And when I wasn’t falling in love with a well known landmark or food spot, I was getting lost in the history of lesser known neighborhoods and their vibrant life. 

I had to always keep in mind that I would also be working and studying while living the dream life in Rome, so I tried to pack the most sightseeing in the first days before starting my language classes in the morning and remote work in the evening. But with my work schedule being based on New York City time, balancing studying, work and life was much easier than expected!

Must-see sites in Rome

Popular landmarks and museums

Rome is full of iconic landmarks telling its rich history and cultural legacy. Each site tells a story of centuries past and holds a unique allure for visitors from around the globe!

• The Trevi Fountain, one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. It’s a real masterpiece of sculpture and architecture that, with its baroque grandeur, feels like a scene from a movie. And as you’re trapped in a movie-like scene, you can’t miss the coin toss tradition: it will ensure a return to Rome!
• The Vatican Museums, founded in the 16th century, which host some of the most important art collections in the world in over 54 galleries. Highlights include the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael Rooms. The sheer volume and diversity of the collections offer an endless journey through the history of art!
• The Pantheon, an ancient temple turned church, which left me in awe with its massive dome and oculus. Originally built as a temple to all the gods, it was later consecrated as a Christian church and is still recognized as the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome.

Lovely neighborhoods

Rome is not just about its famous landmarks; it’s also about the hidden gems that give the city its unique charm. These lesser-known areas offer a more intimate look at Roman life, away from the tourist crowds, and reveal the city's diverse and vibrant character.

• Garbatella, with its picturesque courtyards and Art Nouveau architecture, feels like stepping back in time. Strolling through its winding streets, you’ll find lush gardens and piazzas that evoke a sense of old-world Rome. The local markets and traditional trattorias here also provide an authentic taste of Roman culture and cuisine!
• Pigneto, a hub of creativity and modernity, pulses with vibrant street art and eclectic cafes. Known as Rome’s bohemian quarter, it’s adorned with colorful murals and graffiti, reflecting its avant-garde character. Nightlife is equally lively, with lots of trendy bars and international restaurants offering diverse culinary experiences.

Culinary delights

Rome is renowned not only for its monuments but also for its vibrant culinary scene. From innovative street food to gastronomic experiences, the city offers a plethora of flavors that reflect its rich culinary heritage. Here’s two of my favorites.

• Trapizzino: an innovative street food combines the concept of pizza with traditional Roman stews, creating a pocket of deliciousness. Each bite is a perfect blend of crispy bread and savory fillings like chicken cacciatore or oxtail. It’s a must-try for anyone visiting Rome!
• Roscioli: known for its incredible selection of cured meats, cheeses, and freshly baked bread, it is more than just a restaurant; it’s a gastronomic experience. The carbonara, made with guanciale, Pecorino Romano, and egg, was the best I’ve ever had!

Weekend getaways

If you still have time (and energy) after all the sightseeing, there are some day trips you can’t miss. Personally, I visited Florence and Naples. Each city with its own unique charm and history, they helped me learn even more about the “Bel Paese”. And I got to visit even more beautiful landmarks and eat the most delicious pizza on earth!

An experience I’ll surely repeat!

My experience in Rome was enriching, combining learning, work, and exploration in a city where every corner has a story to tell. Rome is a place where the past and present coexist beautifully, offering endless opportunities for discovery and enjoyment. Whether you’re savoring a trapizzino, wandering through Garbatella, or marveling at the Pantheon, Rome’s magic is undeniable and this journey not only improved my Italian but also deepened my love for this incredible city!