I had the amazing opportunity to examine art history, religion, and society in the Eternal City of Rome during my semester abroad. I was able to engage with people beyond the MSU sphere because my program was through an exchange with the University of California Education Abroad System. Through this exchange, I connected with people whom I likely never would have met. This enriched my study abroad experience because I was able to learn with a whole new group of people who brought different perspectives to the classroom. While it could have been a little lonely to be the only MSU student, I was able to find pieces of home in the city that surrounded me. The Spartan community is so large, and I was shocked that on my first day in Rome, I found a coffee shop, or bar, which had an MSU flag and even a plush Sparty. I instantly felt like I had a piece of the Spartan community with me whenever I missed home.

One part of my experience that was unparalleled was the ability to live in and get to know an amazing city such as Rome. During my program, I lived 15 minutes from Vatican City, which allowed me to be at the front door of some of the most important places in the city. Walking by ancient Roman history and St. Peter’s Basilica daily felt magical. The city itself is an open-air museum, where ancient ruins like the Colosseum and the Roman Forum coexist with Renaissance masterpieces and baroque fountains. Every street and alleyway whispered stories of the past, providing a tangible connection to what I was studying in my classes. This immersion in history was educational and transformative, making every day in Rome an adventure in learning and discovery. I was lucky enough to take classes studying art history and religion in a city that has a rich history with both of those subjects. The city's museums, churches, and galleries offered direct access to works by Michelangelo, Caravaggio, and Bernini. Standing before Botticelli’s Birth of Venus or Bernini’s sculpture of Apollo and Daphne brought my studies to life in ways that no classroom could. I often found myself brought to tears by the beauty and amazement at my ability to see works of art I have appreciated all my life.

This journey would not have been possible without the generosity of the MSU Federal Credit Union through their Study Abroad Scholarship. This financial support relieved a significant burden, allowing me to focus on my studies and fully immerse myself in the experience without constant financial stress. The scholarship facilitated my educational endeavors while affirming the value of investing in cultural and academic exchange. My time in Rome was a precious gift that has left a mark on my heart and mind, made possible through the generous support of my scholarship.

Name: Jenna Koch

Status: Senior

Major: RCAH

Hometown: Traverse City, Michigan

Program: Art, Food, and Society in Rome