Ally’s January Time period in Rome, Italy 

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Desperate to observe within the footsteps of a school scholar who studied overseas in Italy? We lately caught up with Ally from the Faculty of William & Mary, who spent her winter break finding out overseas within the historic metropolis of Rome. 

Uncover how Ally’s research overseas expertise with AIFS Overseas impressed new skilled targets and helped her discover native culinary practices! 

Selecting a Research Overseas Program Vacation spot & Time period 

With entry to tons of unimaginable program locations with AIFS Overseas, it isn’t at all times straightforward to decide on only one. However for a foodie who wished to be taught Italian like Ally, Rome felt like an apparent selection: 

“I selected to research overseas in Rome, Italy, as a result of I really like the structure, the meals, and the surroundings of town. I’m not a metropolis woman, however Rome felt so welcoming and secure in comparison with another cities I’ve been to. I additionally wished to make use of finding out overseas as a possibility to be taught Italian for my relations. I’d suggest this program to different college students who wish to discover each inch of town in a brief period of time. The AIFS [January Term] is the proper size to develop into acclimated with out feeling too homesick. I’d suggest this program to people who find themselves keen to attempt new issues and like to see new sights.” 

Undecided when to review overseas? AIFS Overseas gives applications all year long, together with a number of short-term research overseas applications, akin to January Time period (J-Time period), which Ally picked: 

“I selected the J-Time period as a result of I used to be capable of research overseas with out lacking out on any of the experiences provided by my college throughout the semester… The time period size is simply lengthy sufficient to have the ability to expertise going overseas with none of the homesickness. I additionally went to Rome throughout the Jubilee, which was a really good shock.” 

Teachers Overseas 

Choose AIFS Overseas applications, like Ally’s, are taught at our International Training Facilities (GECs). Situated in cities throughout Europe, these worldwide academic establishments supply hands-on studying experiences that skillfully combine native tradition and historical past with related material. Under, Ally describes her expertise on the AIFS Overseas International Training Heart in Rome: 

“The AIFS constructing is correct within the coronary heart of town with a gorgeous facade… I liked the tiny schoolhouse emotions and the small class sizes. All the educators have been skilled and skilled. The admin group was small, however they made it a degree to get to know each scholar. My professor had her PhD, and he or she taught the very lengthy class (~4 hours) in a manner that made it entertaining, and the time flew by.” 

As a result of Ally studied overseas throughout January Time period, which is often about 2 – 3 weeks lengthy, her program was targeted on one 3-credit course: 

“My class was Italian Tradition, and it consisted totally of AIFS college students. Our professor was a neighborhood to Rome and shared the ins and outs of town with us. The category was a mixture of lectures, shows, and area journeys to native locations throughout the metropolis that have been related to our subject that class… This course was 3.5 hours lengthy day-after-day (Monday-Friday). It was positively a international expertise, nevertheless it was not uncomfortable. I preferred that we’d take espresso breaks within the center and that we wouldn’t go a full week with out a area journey. The mix of lectures and area journeys helped to maintain the course recent and thrilling all through the entire J-Time period. 

[The course] broke down Italian stereotypes, Italian historical past, Italian meals, and the way it pertains to tradition, Italian vogue, and extra. My favourite lessons have been the sphere journeys the place we’d go see the lecture subject from the category prior in motion. We attended a category by the Evooschool (Additional Virgin Olive Oil) to be taught in regards to the historical past of olive oil and its purposes. This class truly sparked a newfound appreciation for olives (the more energizing the higher in my view!). We additionally realized about Italian vogue designers after which took a stroll via the high-end vogue district close to the Spanish Steps. My favourite lecture was the one on Sluggish Meals… I ended up writing [about the topic]… for a course at my house establishment… the [following] summer time.” 

As Ally explains, this course has formed each her educational {and professional} future, inspiring her to pursue a profession associated to meals and diet: 

“The [Italian Culture course] sparked a brand new curiosity in wholesome consuming and a pivot in my anthropology main towards biocultural anthropology with a concentrate on dietary anthropology. I’ve taken three programs… specializing in meals and diet [since returning home]. Whereas this will in a roundabout way translate to my profession fairly but, my dream is to run advertising and marketing for a meals model.” 

AIFS Overseas Actions & Excursions 

Along with class area journeys that enrich your research, AIFS Overseas applications additionally take college students on journeys and excursions to varied locations of curiosity round their host nation, in addition to supply cultural actions that present genuine native experiences. Hear Ally describe a number of the AIFS Overseas actions and excursions she attended throughout her J-Time period program in Rome: 

“I attended the Florence weekend journey whereas I used to be in Rome. As part of this journey, I went to the leather-based market [and] to museums [where I saw the Statue of] David and really well-known work like The Delivery of Venus. I bought to see an entire completely different a part of the nation. I additionally attended wine tasting lessons hosted by AIFS whereas in Rome. I additionally went to a cooking class hosted at a companion restaurant the place I realized methods to make my very own fettuccine, sauce, and tiramisu. I nonetheless use plenty of the guidelines I picked up there as we speak.” 

Language Studying 

AIFS Overseas applications do not require you to be fluent in one other language, and plenty of (like Ally’s) additionally don’t require you to take language programs throughout your program. Hear Ally describe her expertise navigating the Italian language in Rome: 

“In Rome, we had a mix of Italian and English in every single place we went. All of our lectures have been performed in English, and the professor was totally fluent… In retailers and eating places, staff would initially greet us in Italian however then instantly change to English upon listening to our accents. [I think it] is vital to be taught the basics of the language earlier than going overseas [and] know fundamental pleasantries (hiya, goodbye, how are you), methods to order meals (get a desk, menu objects), and security info (exit, assist, the place is…). You didn’t have to have any language abilities for this system. I didn’t have a lot language expertise, and it bought considerably higher by training and utilizing it. I’d advise college students to not be nervous about being judged for being a bit off with their language abilities or not remembering each phrase. Individuals would reasonably see you make an effort.” 

Housing 

All AIFS Overseas applications embrace housing. Ally lived in a shared house with different AIFS Overseas college students: 

“I lived in an house within the Prati area of Rome with 5 different women. My room consisted of myself and two different women that I had recognized going into this system… We had a gorgeous constructing…” 

Why AIFS Overseas? 

Hear why Ally selected AIFS Overseas for her January Time period research overseas program: 

“I selected to attend AIFS as a result of it had essentially the most distinctive mixture of location, course choices, extra excursions, and actions accessible throughout the J-Time period. I had at all times wished to research overseas in Rome, and AIFS can be a companion group with my college. I had the choice to take a category on Italian Tradition, together with meals and journey, for sophistication credit score. I realized methods to prepare dinner higher, drink higher, and store for higher components all within the identify of schooling. AIFS is an genuine group with ties to actual professionals who share their experience with college students.” 

As she explains under, Ally additionally preferred how AIFS Overseas offered psychological well being and safety-related sources and help: 

“I actually appreciated that AIFS had trainings for psychological well being consciousness and security. They made certain that college students have been ready to go overseas and methods to maintain themselves and others bodily secure… Additionally they targeted on preventative upkeep by emphasizing communication with family members.” 

Are you a scholar who’s able to take the leap and research overseas like Ally did in Rome with AIFS Overseas? We’d love that can assist you begin your journey! 

Right here at AIFS Overseas, we all know a factor or two about serving to school college students research overseas. All our applications include many useful inclusions, which takes plenty of the stress out of planning. From coordinating your housing to offering issues like cultural and social actions, excursions, complete insurance coverage, 24/7 emergency help, on-site workers, and extra, you’ll take consolation in figuring out you’ll have help all through your whole expertise overseas.