Student Bloggers

It all began in 2003 when I learned what dreams are made of from the classic masterpiece, The Lizzie McGuire Movie. Now, with my twenty years of wisdom, I have come to terms with the fact that I do not have an international pop star look-a-like, and I will not learn the importance of girl power by putting on a concert at the Colosseum. However, the belief that Rome is where dreams are made will never leave my brain, partially because Disney songs are too catchy to forget.

I am getting the chance to do my six-year-old self justice by studying abroad in Rome this fall semester. Not only will I be living in one of the most iconic cities in all of Western civilization, but I am fortunate enough to study and intern, as well, through Arcadia University’s Rome Internship Program. While Lizzie McGuire might have played a vital role in the shaping of my adult aspirations, choosing to go to Rome was a major decision. Being a current Arcadia student, I’ve taken advantage of the many wonderful study abroad opportunities provided, studying in London my first semester of college through the First Year Study Abroad Experience (FYSAE), spending Spring Break in Cyprus through Arcadia’s Preview program, and even to Latvia, Estonia, and Russia with one of Arcadia’s Global Field Study courses. With the abundance of opportunities and programs Arcadia has to offer, how did I narrow the selection down to Rome, you might ask.

To start, picking a study abroad destination is a very personal journey. Each individual will provide a multitude of reasons why their destination was right for them. For me, it had a lot to do with my current studies. I am a double major in International Studies and History, with a concentration in Europe and the Mediterranean. Narrowing my focus to Europe was the first task. Then, I took into account the fact that, as a junior in college, I am beginning to search for experience in my fields to build up my resume, skill set, connections, and preferences for my career horizons. After narrowing down my search to a European internship, I knew Rome was the right choice. I mean, knowing my diet of chicken Ramen and Chef Boyardee Beefaroni would be replaced with the best food I’ll ever eat as a college student didn’t hurt, either. What it really came down to was making my dreams come true, as Lizzie advised me to do, and take the best steps to continue achieving my dreams. While I still don’t have my future figured out entirely, I am confident in saying the experience I’ll gain through studying and interning in Rome will boost me further in my pursuits.

At the end of the month, I take flight to Rome to begin this exciting adventure. If Lizzie McGuire was able to visit 31 historically significant landmarks in Rome AND become an international pop star in two weeks, I think I can really achieve something great given four months. I look forward to chronicling my time in Rome through blog posts and pictures, and only hope to do my experience justice.