Culture and Identity Envoys, Sofía and Sumayyah, were fortunate enough to have been invited to John Cabot University’s third edition of Living in the Diaspora: A safe space to discuss culture, identity, and the complexities surrounding being a Third Culture Kid.
The Panel
Hosted in collaboration with the American University of Rome and the Arab Student Association at JCU–an American University located in the Trastevere neighborhood of Rome–Living in the Diaspora provided panelists from different backgrounds the chance to facilitate conversations about race, diversity, equity and inclusion as expat students studying in Rome. The panelists, who had cultural ties to and roots in nearly every corner of the world, considered different experiences of growing up, clothing styles, and social perception. We as envoys represented Temple Rome and the Culture and Identity Envoy Program, and discussed our experiences as foreigners, women, and bicultural students abroad.
Both John Cabot University and the American University of Rome are four-year institutions. Their students who attended the event seemed to have differing expectations and realities of studying abroad for a longer period, rather than those who complete just a semester or academic year abroad. Where leisure, travel or gastronomic purposes are often quoted in study abroad experience anecdotes, many of these students had a clearer picture of what actually living abroad is like, not only studying and occasionally traveling on the weekends.
Reflections
Beyond the average adversities that many study abroad students face such as homesickness or overwhelming schoolwork-life balance, many students at the event described feelings of isolation and difficulty in immersing themselves in a foreign culture, even after continuing returning upon each semester. Unfortunately, some students felt extensive ostracization from Romans, especially students of color. Overall, many of the students at the event felt they have ultimately had a more enriching undergraduate experience abroad, because of these same and shared experiences with other multicultural students. Multiple students also expressed how much they love the Trastevere neighborhood as a liberal hub with a large LGBTQ+ community and vibrant art scene.
Takeaways
It was so interesting to hear students’ perspectives about how their sense of belonging and identity has shifted over time, particularly in a city as rich in history and culture as Rome. Many noted how the local community, despite its challenges, had allowed them to grow and form connections with others who understood the complexities of being far from home. Some even spoke about how their experiences in Rome had sparked a deeper appreciation for their own heritage, while others found new ways to connect with people from different parts of the world. The event ultimately highlighted the resilience of students navigating their identities in a foreign landscape and language. It is clear that the sense of community formed through these types of dialogues is a crucial part of personal and academic growth while studying abroad. We at Temple Rome feel grateful that our Culture and Identity Envoy Program brought us to this wonderful event and connected us with other students in Rome!
Thank you to John Cabot University and the American University of Rome for leading this amazing event and for inviting us! And thank you for the delicious pizza! 🍕For questions or more information about future events like this, email the Arab Student Association at JCU arabstudentassociation@johncabot.edu.