Intern Diaries: Meghan at Rome

For some, summertime doesn’t mean downtime. It’s just another opportunity to travel, get an internship or otherwise move up in the world. But since you can’t do it all, INsite tracked down a handful of students in places from Thailand to Miami, New York to Paris. Every week, we share their experiences with you. Last week, you read about Lane’s adventures in Paris. This week, we bring you Meghan all the way from Rome.

I am 23, finishing school, and officially at the age when I have to be a grown-up. So, to avoid and ignore this reality, I’m spending my last summer of freedom in Rome, Italy though the University of Florida’s study abroad program.

But before we get to Rome, let’s go back a few months when this whole process started: I’m a Public Relations major with a minor in Leadership, except the College of Journalism and Communication at UF doesn’t tell me ‘til I apply to graduate that leadership won’t work as an outside concentration because the credits overlap, or some nonsense. So, I pick a new one. I go with business, which seems like my only option, really. Instead of doing the same ol’ in Gainesville, though, I apply to study abroad.

So here I am in Rome, where there is ancient history around each corner, literally. There are so many wonderful places to see here and just not enough time, especially since I want to go to Florence, Venice, Capri and eventually Greece. I know, I know, what is there to complain about?

Anyway, I could tell you about the food, shopping or sights, but you can Google those things. So instead, I’ll give you a quick rundown of how to prepare for a trip to Rome:

1. Invest in a (good) converter. You’ll need a converter for your electronics. And be sure to buy a good one. Saving money isn’t worth blowing your computer cord like I did.
2. Research. With so many places to see/visit—the Roman Forum, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, etc.—you’ll want to know all of the hot spots ahead of time.
3. Carry a map. Italians are wonderful, sweet people, but they do not give directions well. It isn’t that they don’t know or are deliberately trying to confuse you, they just aren’t good at telling people where things are. So always carry a map. This also goes for time frames. If they say it will take 20 minutes, that means it’ll take 40.
4. Stock up on Band-Aids and blister pads. There isn’t a CVS, and its pharmacies are pretty bare when it comes to anything other than actual prescriptions. With all the walking, a blister is bound to form. God, what I’d do for some Band-Aid blister pads right now.
5. Be careful roaming the streets. Not because of crime. I haven’t gone a day without tripping on cobblestone streets. (Note to girls: Leave your stilettos home. If you want heals, stock up on wedges. These streets just aren’t conducive to thin heels.)
6. Don’t plan trips ahead of time. You never know what will happen or what opportunity will come up, so only plan ahead one or two definite trips. Go with the flow.
7. And, of course, have fun! You will eventually travel in your lifetime (I hope), but you will never get two months to live, study and experience another country quite like this. Do things you wouldn’t normally do, take chances you wouldn’t normally take, visit places you normally wouldn’t visit. (Which should be easy, considering you’d be in another continent.)

If you have financial reservations, don’t. I paid for myself because my parents couldn’t. Just do as I did: Work side jobs, save cash and take advantage of your resources. That is, find scholarships, grants or loans to fund your trip. (I’m using all three.)  No price could top this experience.

And don’t worry about playing it safe. Stepping outside of your comfort (and time) zone can be one of the biggest thrills of your life. It’s been so for me.

Soon, my years as a student will be replaced by the real world—the adult life—but these memories in Rome will be mine forever. Each day here is a new adventure, and each night a new experience. I have only been here a week, but already it feels like home.

—Meghan Van Joosten

Just in case you’ve missed any, here’s the complete series:

• Lane’s account on Paris.
• Allison’s excavation adventures.
• Sarah’s intern experience/self-doubts/panic attacks.