Postcards From Abroad had a chat with Muhlenberg field hockey junior Rachel Richards, an economics and math double major who studied in Rome, Italy, this semester.
What classes did you take? Which was your favorite?
I took International Economics, Introduction to Italian, Computer Programming and Concepts, and Food and Agriculture. I found all of my classes extremely interesting, yet as an economics and math double major my favorite class was International Economics.
Were you able to travel?
Yes, I went to Switzerland, Paris and Budapest.
How did you train while abroad?
I went to my school gym, as well as doing at-home workouts in my apartment. Walking is one of the best ways to get around Rome, so luckily I was constantly moving.
What was the overall hardest adjustment?
The language barrier can be difficult at times; however, since I took an introductory Italian course, I found myself able to translate it into my everyday life. It was really cool to be surrounded by this new culture and language.
What made you decide to study abroad?
Overall, it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I have always had a passion for traveling and knew that studying abroad would allow me to see what it's like to not only visit other countries but to fully submerge myself.
What did you learn about yourself while studying abroad?
I have definitely become more independent. Between learning how to travel alone and dealing with everyday things like public transportation, I have grown immensely.
How did Covid-19 affected your study-abroad experience?
Unfortunately, my study abroad was cut short due to Covid-19. I'm thankful for having the opportunity to study in Rome for the past two months, but I'm disappointed it had to end so soon.
Previous "Postcards":
Fall 2019
Declan Walkush, Cross Country and Track & Field (London, England)
Nicole Atkins, Softball (Seville, Spain)
Victoria Cabellos, Track & Field (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
Ethan Grossman, Men's Lacrosse (Maastricht, Netherlands)
Jessica Sommer, Women's Tennis (Jerusalem, Israel)
Spring 2020
Rebecca Shear, Volleyball (Florence, Italy)
