Hunter Smith
Eccles Global Learning Abroad – Information Systems Minor Spring 2022
Editor’s Note: This blog is a series written by students enrolled in the Eccles Global Learning Abroad Program, earning a minor in Information Systems in Italy and Spain. Read entries from Chanel Rydel, Hailey Mishler, and Hunter Smith about their experiences learning in Rome and Barcelona.
Learn more about earning an IS minor in Spain and Italy through Eccles Global.
Introduction
In Spring Semester 2022, myself and 11 other students were able to complete our minor in Information Systems. The best part was we completed it while studying in Rome, Italy, and Barcelona, Spain! Due to some visa challenges, our program was condensed to 90 days abroad.
What were your favorite parts of learning abroad?
My favorite part of the study abroad experience was the travel. The class schedule is set up for Monday afternoon to Thursday. So Friday morning, I would catch a flight to anywhere I wanted and flew back Monday in time for class! So cool. In the span of a few weeks, I was able to visit so many incredible places, including Vienna, Prague, Budapest, Florence, Pompeii, and many others. The cost of travel was very low, and there were some scheduled trips with our program that had most costs covered. It was amazing to have the freedom to see this part of the world and do it how I wanted to. These were some of the most incredible experiences I’ve ever had. I don’t know when else in my life I could have lived in a foreign country affordably and travel to some of the most beautiful and historically dense areas in the world. For this reason alone, I would recommend this program to everyone.
Did you have a favorite place?
Rome was my favorite – it is so incredible. Within a 30-minute radius, there is the Colosseum, Ancient Rome, Caesar’s Palace, Circus Maximus, the Spanish Steps, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, the Vatican museum, St. Peter’s Basilica, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and many more. The city is teeming with rich history that is marveled at and studied today. If you like history even a little, this place is for you. Rome is beyond words for me. Truly amazing. If that’s not enough, the food is another highlight. You can find a masterpiece on every street corner. The food is high-quality and so delicious.
How was traveling during the Covid pandemic?
Everyone was worried about Covid going into the trip, and we were not sure if everything would be canceled last-minute. However, once we were in Rome, all of our fears subsided. We had to wear masks and show vaccine cards, but it felt safe. We could see all we wanted to and travel around unrestricted. It’s easy to get tested for Covid while abroad, and CEA is a helpful resource with any questions.
What was an average weekday like?
I would wake up and get out to see the nearby sights. Often, I would walk to see St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican accompanied by incredible Italian food. There are many local restaurants with amazing food. So good! We had school starting at 3 until 7 p.m. On the way to class, I would walk by Castle St. Agnelo, and the Supreme Court building, both beautiful monuments. During a break in class, we would get gelato! After school, I would get some pizza or other great food on the walk back home. Evenings would be spent on homework and group projects. Overall, I have had great weekdays in both Rome and in Spain.
What should students know going into the program?
Be prepared for a lot of work in your classes. The classes and homework take up a lot of time on weekdays. If you stay on top of your work, then there is time to enjoy the weekends. The professors are good about helping you get everything done so your trip will be balanced and you’re not overwhelmed by school. One other thing about the classes, there is a lot of group work, so be prepared to communicate and work with others! We had a great cohort with amazing peers!
There are other students from schools all over the states that come to study in Rome and Barcelona, so there will be ample opportunity to meet other students while studying abroad.
Housing is often shared rooms. There is a lot of great and safe public transit to get around. Uber is accepted in many of the cities you’ll visit, so it’s easy to get around and see the sights!
How was traveling during the Covid pandemic?
Everyone was worried about Covid going into the trip, and we were not sure if everything would be canceled last-minute. However, once we were in Rome, all of our fears subsided. We had to wear masks and show vaccine cards, but it felt safe. We could see all we wanted to and travel around unrestricted. It’s easy to get tested for Covid while abroad, and CEA is a helpful resource with any questions.
What was an average weekday like?
I would wake up and get out to see the nearby sights. Often, I would walk to see St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican accompanied by incredible Italian food. There are many local restaurants with amazing food. So good! We had school starting at 3 until 7 p.m. On the way to class, I would walk by Castle St. Agnelo, and the Supreme Court building, both beautiful monuments. During a break in class, we would get gelato! After school, I would get some pizza or other great food on the walk back home. Evenings would be spent on homework and group projects. Overall, I have had great weekdays in both Rome and in Spain.
What should students know going into the program?
Be prepared for a lot of work in your classes. The classes and homework take up a lot of time on weekdays. If you stay on top of your work, then there is time to enjoy the weekends. The professors are good about helping you get everything done so your trip will be balanced and you’re not overwhelmed by school. One other thing about the classes, there is a lot of group work, so be prepared to communicate and work with others! We had a great cohort with amazing peers!
There are other students from schools all over the states that come to study in Rome and Barcelona, so there will be ample opportunity
to meet other students while studying abroad.
Housing is often shared rooms. There is a lot of great and safe public transit to get around. Uber is accepted in many of the cities you’ll visit, so it’s easy to get around and see the sights!
Any last thoughts?
I had an incredible experience, and I am so happy that I did this learning abroad experience. I met so many great people and made memories that will stay with me forever. The Eccles Global Learning Abroad program is something everyone should look into. They facilitate learning and adventure in a fantastic way. I loved it and hope you consider taking the opportunity. Life is short, so why not take the chance to experience life on a whole new plane?
