One of the main cultural aspects I encountered in each country I visited while studying abroad in Rome was food. Food is a huge part of every culture. It is important to immerse yourself in the culture of not only your host city, but also the cities you travel to while studying abroad. Trying new foods and dishes will only enrich your experience. 

A look into an Italian bakery selling fresh pasta, bread, and baked goods. 

So many cultures have such unique cuisines and having the opportunities to eat traditional and authentic dishes in the countries they originate from is something I highly encourage any study abroad student to do.  

Immersing in the Czech culture by eating traditional Czech dishes such as smoked pork knuckle, mushroom croquettes, and duck salad.  

Trying new foods in an array of smørrebrøds, Copenhagen’s traditional open face sandwiches with various toppings including roast beef, filet of fish, chicken and bacon, or lox. 

From trying a smørrebrød in Denmark, to reindeer in Norway, to Swedish meatballs in Sweden, to pork and dumplings in the Czech Republic, food contributes so much to the experience abroad.  

Delicious Swedish meatballs with lingonberries at a quaint Swedish restaurant. 

Finland’s take on chicken and waffles. 

In Rome, there are cultural eating habits such as aperitivo. Aperitivo occurs before dinner: eating a few light snacks and having a drink or two, usually between the afternoon and late evening.  

Enjoying a typical aperitivo in Rome with small snacks and drinks before dinner. 

Italian food is characterized by regions. For example, pastas such as amatriciana, cacio e pepe, and carbonara are typical Roman pasta dishes and must-haves when visiting Rome. In another region such as Sardinia, some typical dishes include pane frattau (a type of flatbread) and malloreddus con salsiccia (pasta with sausage), and gattò (almond brittle).  

Hosting a dinner party for friends, where we served traditional dishes of Sardinia such as pane frattau and malloreddus con salsiccia. 

Behind the scenes of learning to cook traditional Sardinian dishes to present for a dinner party. 

Thus, I found that food and the culture of food plays a major part in the experience and lifestyle of every country and city.  

Quick lunch or pranzo in the Borghese gardens in Rome, enjoying a delicious prosciutto, tomato, and mozzarella panino.  

Roscioli, one of the best spots in Rome for pizza. The line is worth the wait!