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5 Things I have Learned From Study Abroad

After being abroad for a month, I have finally compiled a list of things that I have gathered from my time here so far.

Marisa Perry

Sep 26, 2018

Marquette University

5 Things I have Learned From Study Abroad

1.Coffee is not a "thing" after 11 a.m. Yes, I know. Most Starbucks lines are bumpin' at 11 a.m. back in the states, and people are just getting in their first cup of Jo'. However, if you go to a café in Rome after 11 and order a cappuccino, don't expect to leave without some giggles from the barista. God forbid you order an iced coffee (how American) without having the barista try and throw some alcohol in your cup.
2. Leggings are also not a "thing". Why did I choose Rome? Great question! I should have done more research on the fashion in Roma prior to picking my destination. Walking out of your apartment with leggings on is almost as bad as walking out of your apartment with your bra on backwards. So save your money on that olive green pair of Lulu Lemons' you've been dying to have, and invest in some fancy new denim. Unless, of course, you want Leonardo and Giulia glaring at you all the way down Viale Trastevere.
3.There is no such thing as hurrying. Picture the hustle and bustle of N.Y.C, Chicago, or even Milwaukee at 7 a.m. on a Monday. You probably imagined rush hour traffic, and business men and women impatiently waiting for their coffee at the McDonald's drive thru. Rome? Everyday is the weekend! Yes, there are men walking in suits everywhere, but why not relax and enjoy a Cornetti and espresso at the local café before taking on the day? Feeling run down at 1 p.m.? Perfect timing! This is when everyone leaves work, school, etc., to leisurely munch on a Panini and spritz. Now, this is why I chose Italy!
4. Don't…rush….dinner. NOT kidding. It is considered rude, and disrespectful if you have the intentions of rapid dining. Italians like to truly dine because they take immense pride in their food. They strongly believe a dinner should be 4 courses. Not saying you have to indulge every time you go out to dinner, but at least take the time to relax and savor the food they have prepared for you. Sometimes, the pasta will even be made directly in front of you! Also, they will not bring you your check unless you ask for it. Like I said before, zero hurry whatsoever.
5.Gelato is heavenly: But not needed everyday (especially if you're lactose intolerant!) Gelateria's are literally everywhere in Rome, and Italy in general, and even in Spain (nice try). Every time you walk by you will be tempted to stop. So many of my friends stop at our favorite place once, sometimes twice, a day. Use it as a treat, and it makes it taste that much better. Pro tip: If the Gelateria has banana gelato, make sure it is not bright yellow. If it is, it is totally artificial.2nd pro tip: Pistachio and biscotti are the real deal, hands down!

So, these are just a few things I have learned about the social aspect of Rome so far. Although the culture is quite different from what I am used to, Rome has been so welcoming to my very unworldly-self.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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5 Things I have Learned From Study Abroad

After being abroad for a month, I have finally compiled a list of things that I have gathered from my time here so far.

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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