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I have been staying with my host family for five weeks now. After thoroughly embarrassing myself the first couple of days while I adjusted to the cultural differences, I now feel like I am part of the family. I would highly recommend this housing option if you want to practice your language skills, watch fun Italian game shows on TV with actual Italians, and eat the best dinners of your life.
The first few days in Rome have been crazy—a combination of adjusting to living in an apartment in a completely new country with its own language and culture plus attending a week-long orientation to situate us with our new IES Abroad program. This orientation has allowed us to meet other IES Abroad students from across the world, learn helpful tips on city living in Rome, and explore and socialize with our fellow IES Abroad students and Italian Student Companions!
I have been exploring this country and find it to be so beautiful and full of color. I want to see more and share what I have experienced with you all. I have been living in Shanghai and recently traveled to Chengdu, in Sichuan province (I will be having another post all about Chengdu soon), and I have officially fallen in love with this country. The people are so friendly and want to give help in any way they can. But my favorite part has been seeing the everyday views and all the different colors of the places I go.
Not too long ago, you were an enthusiastic, wide-eyed freshman, unfamiliar with your new university and the college culture. It may have been your first time leaving home, attending a new school, or going to a place where you knew no one. Trying to adjust resulted in some mistakes. You would be lying if you said that you did not feel homesick from time to time. In a way, studying abroad compares to the start of college. However, this time, you are exposed to a distinct culture, a mix of languages, and a diversity of people.
We IES Abroad Amsterdam students got to pick between two popular cities in the Netherlands, Utrecht and Rotterdam, for a day trip this weekend. About 40 students and I enjoyed the beautiful weather in Rotterdam, Netherlands for our day trip. Students first got to experience the city from above at Euromast, an observation tower that offers stunning views from 185 meters in the sky! Some of us even ventured to the top of the spike and experienced a rotating tour with information about the city.
Don’t worry guys! I made it to Rome safe and sound. Sorry for the radio silence, I was caught up in the whirlwind that is Rome and its culture. Also if you follow me on instagram (@cam__clark), sorry not sorry for all of the posts. By God, this city is photogenic. Although I have been having an extremely fun time that means I’ve also been having a reckless financial time. (Only joking… kind of) But above all else, I’ve been super thankful for this opportunity and the gifts I’ve been given. The most cherished gifts lately have been my social skills.
