Coming to Rome, I knew exactly what I wanted to immerse myself with: Conversations with the
locals and get their perspectives on tourism and sustainability. So, you can imagine my
excitement when, on February 24th, I had the opportunity to volunteer at a Soup Kitchen during
my time studying abroad. Although I’ve volunteered in a variety of places, I have never stepped
into a soup kitchen before. Being part of something so delicate, humane, and authentic felt like
an honor.
Several Temple Rome volunteers and I arrived at Mensa, Giovanni Paolo II. We noticed two
other volunteer groups—One that seemed to be high school students, and another seemed to be a
scout troop. Their uniforms, especially shorts and long socks, immediately caught my attention.
After receiving instructions from the adults in each group, we were allowed to choose a task of
our choosing. I was eager to understand detailed recycled systems and chose to work with the
trash.
There were two main trash bins: One labeled Plastica (plastic) and another labeled Organico
(Organic). I was surprised to see food waste mixed with carboard in the same bag, but I learned
that this is part of Italy’s recyclable system which helps reduce the overall amount of waste
produced.
Saturday. They taught us new vocabulary, and their warmth made us feel right at home.
Watching them interact with the staff by teasing, gossiping, and laughing with one another, I felt
as if I was watching old friends interact. It was heartwarming. Their confidence and comfort just
show me how strong the relationships within this kitchen are.
As the plates of food came in, I noticed that they set aside untouched or good food scraps. When
I asked why, they explained that the scraps were meant for the pets of the people who came in. I
thought that was such an innovative way to reduce food waste. Feeding animals with leftovers
cut down on methane emissions, greenhouse gas produced when food waste decomposes.
As the plates of food came in, I noticed they were not served in small portions. Instead, they
were more generous than expected. The guests were very kind and surprisingly diverse, coming
from backgrounds I hadn’t anticipated. Some wore designers and fur coats, which wasn’t what I
expected to see at a Soup Kitchen. What really surprised me was the population of Hispanics in
Italy. It felt comforting to speak Spanish with people and ask where they’re from. As this
experience comes to an end, I start to think about migration in Italy and how welcoming people
here can be.
My favorite part throughout this whole experience was getting the chance to genuinely practice
my Italian. The two girls that I worked with were incredibly encouraging and understanding. I
asked whether they felt comfortable when foreigners try to speak Italian or imitate their accent.
They told me they love it because it shows respect for their culture.
After they left, the other Temple Student and I tried the few new Italian words we’ve learned to
understand what guests and staff needed from us. For example, “Una tazza,” translates to “A
cup.” Not long after, two scouts joined us. One of them shared that she was half Spanish and
half Italian. A combination of countries I did not expect to encounter. She told me she preferred
living in Spain over Italy, and it made me wondered whether grass always seems greener on the
other side.
This experience was exactly what I needed as I am starting my semester abroad. To be able to
connect with the locals and learn a little more about Italian culture made me feel grounded for
the next adventures ahead. As travelers, it is significant that we try to be respectful and give back
to the country that welcomes us.
If you’re thinking or already studying abroad, consider volunteering at a local organization. It’s a
beautiful way to give back to the country you’ve come to fall in love with. Check out our Temple Rome program page to learn more about getting started with study abroad!