I had a wonderful time studying abroad in Italy. Firstly, I really liked immersing myself in the new culture. I would say I was much more prepared for this trip than last year’s France study abroad since I had been in Europe before. My favorite place that we visited was definitely Florence. Although it is a major city, we mainly stayed within one area near the Duomo and even though we were only there for a couple of days, I already knew the area’s layout pretty well. I ate the best pizza of my life in Florence! I wish I got to stay there longer. Rome was nice too, but it just felt a bit busy, plus it was super rainy there so maybe I’m biased. My favorite landmark that we visited had to be the Roman Forum. It’s incredible how those huge buildings have stayed there for so long and how they’re just in the middle of the city! I didn’t really know just how big and powerful the Roman empire was until I saw a portion of it up close and personal.
Pompeii was fun, but I wish we spent a bit more time in Naples to explore. The museum was very interesting though, and it is incredible to think that generation after generation of people have dedicated so much time to preserving this disaster for the purpose of education when it would be much easier to just tear it down. I am so glad to have been able to see a glimpse of what life was like in these ancient times! Some of my favorite moments, however, were spent either walking into random churches with my friends or simply people watching on the streets.

Overall, I am very happy to have gone on this trip. It has made me even more exciting to travel various parts of the world, and to push myself out of my comfort zone. Finally, here is a picture of one of the huge hallways leading up to the Sistine Chapel inside the museum at Vatican City.
– Lucy, SPC Italy (High School) Study Abroad Program, March 2024