Studying abroad can truly be intimidating; as a first gen college student who has never traveled abroad, this experience has been both enlightening and exhilarating! With the help of CLA scholarships, Temple Study Abroad Free Flight Giveaway, and Summer Temple Grant, I’ve been granted the opportunity to a study abroad with Temple University’s Excavation at the Roman Villa in Artena, Italy.
Getting Ready to Study Abroad
With studying abroad – be it for a semester or for the summer programs; there is a need to bring your own clothes, skincare, and other necessities you may use over the month. You can buy your own clothes when you get to Rome during your first 3 days; however if that isn’t an affordable option for you (which it wasn’t for me), thrifting and second hand shopping is a great way to fill your suitcase affordably! In the video almost all of the clothes I packed were thrifted and ended up being around $20 in sum. As for essentials such as toothbrushes, travel sized items (toothpaste, razors, soap, etc), dollar stores tend to have everything you need and more !! I would highly recommend getting essentials you need in the US so that when you arrive in Rome you can focus on your orientation and other activities that the Study Abroad program has in store for you when you arrive.
Good Will Skirt that’s comfortable and flowy, long enough to protect from sun and comfortable for travel
Airport Tips & Black Girl Hair Care
As mentioned in the video, you are permitted a carry on bag (one that you keep with you on the plane) and a checked bag which gets put inside cargo until you land. For your checked bag, it must be under 50 lbs, and carry on can be up to 26 lbs for most airports! As a mixed girl, maintaining your curl pattern during your travels is a must! Complying with the airports rules; you can put edge control in a plastic bag with a label and an almost empty but enough to last you bottle of your leave in conditioner in its original container in your checked bag. For anything you may need during your flight or when you land place in your carry on bag, that you can access at any time. On that note, you’re going to want to put on an outfit that is comfortable for the overnight flight that you will also wear when you land in Rome.
What Can I Expect in the First Week?
The Artena summer program typically has a list of things for you to experience in your first few days in Rome, such as orientation, a walking to of Rome and more!
One thing you’ll want to refer back to in the video is comfortable walking shoes; since you will be walking a lot you will need a pair of shoes that is easy and comfortable to walk in. For example, I have my clogs that are decently comfortable, but would also recommend a pair of sneakers or supportive shoes.
