Getting Settled in Rome - My First Week

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When I decided to study abroad in Rome, I could only think about the day this dream would turn into reality. I was so excited about all the adventures I was going to have, even though I had some jitters in the back of my mind. 

My biggest uncertainty was about housing since I moved without seeing any pictures of the apartment I was going to stay at; another one was not knowing any of the girls who were going to live with me. Surprisingly, the apartment provided by CEA was way better (and bigger) than what I thought it would be. There were three large bedrooms, one for every two girls; two bathrooms, a kitchen, and a small living room. All furnished, clean and organized. I was more than ready to start off my semester abroad! 

My first week in Rome was so amazing! I mostly did the “touristic things”, but honestly, I feel like even if I was living here for my whole life I would still be mesmerized with the beauty of the Vatican (inside and outside), the vivid air of Piazza Navona, and how incredibly detailed the Trevi Fountain is! 





I really like how there’s always a lot of people walking around everywhere at any time of the day, especially because it brings back memories from my hometown São Paulo, in Brazil. Also, I love the fact there are gelaterias in almost every corner of the city! No matter where you go, there will always be one gelateria testing all your self-control with those wonderful and tasty gelatos just waiting for you to try them all! 


The best part of my first week was confirming that I will always have something new to see in the Eternal City! 

Gabrielle Oliveira

Gabrielle Oliveira is the Fall 2018 CEA Content Creator in Rome, Italy, and is currently studying at University of Texas at San Antonio.