Oliver Mandel: Blog Post #2

Buongiorno! A very common way to say good morning or good afternoon in Italy!

A big question I asked myself before coming abroad was, “How will I balance school with traveling?” When you imagine studying in Rome, it’s easy to picture hopping on the plane to take trips every weekend, trying different pastas, and sightseeing all the artifacts. What does not come to mind is homework, group projects, or exams. However, as a student studying abroad, that does mean I am still a student. The challenge I have faced in the first couple of weeks is balancing both.

For me, carrying over my study habits from TCU to Rome has been very helpful! Going to class has helped me be immersed in the city! Walking past ruins on the way to class or grabbing coffee after class makes the classroom feel more connected to the world around me.

At the same time, you can’t ignore the adventure part of being abroad. Travel opportunities in Europe are almost limitless, and it’s crucial to take advantage of them. A big thing I have learned is that planning ahead makes everything more possible. For example, if an assignment is due in a few days, I make sure to get work done earlier in the week so I can spend my weekends traveling and exploring new cities.

I have also noticed that part of Italian culture is enjoying living in the moment. At TCU, everything feels rushed, and responsibilities stack up quickly. In Italy, they frequently relax by enjoying the outdoors, having a good meal, or walking through the city. Making sure I can take a step back and relax while also focusing on school has been a skill I was not expecting to learn!

The best memories are not the big weekend trips. It’s the small everyday moments, such as walking around the city, going out to eat with friends, or checking out a new store. The small moments have reminded me that adventure isn’t always traveling far; it’s just saying yes to exploring what’s around you.

Studying abroad has taught me that balance isn’t perfect, which is okay. Some weeks are more focused on school, and others are spent travelling and having new experiences. However, learning how to manage both has helped me grow as a student and a person.

(Also, homework feels a little bit better when you’re in Rome)