With its sunny climate, stately umbrella pines, and an unparalleled wealth of history around every corner, Rome’s beauty quickly overtakes all who enter its ancient walls. With a population of roughly three million people, Rome constantly conjures up vivid reminders of its rich cultural heritage and glorious past. From the open-air food markets of Campo de’ Fiori to the Botanical Gardens in Trastevere that overlook the city, Rome has countless adventures to offer. Although Rome is a fairly large city, you will soon learn that the efficient public transportation system will allow you to travel just about anywhere in Rome in about forty minutes or less. A walk or bus ride through even the most commonplace quarters of the city yields encounters with innumerable monuments, towering pillars, and major imperial buildings that still stand imposingly just as they have for 2,000 years. Many other eras have left their brilliant mark on Rome as well. The city's catacombs, countless cathedrals and churches, as well as world-class museums boast an incredible array of Renaissance, Baroque, Medieval, and Paleo-Christian art.

From the very beginning you will notice that things are different in Rome: The look and style of streets, the way people stroll every evening, the taste and smell of food, the sounds of voices and traffic. These are the tangible things that you will notice right away. To understand and become comfortable in your new environment, you have to start getting used to the city, the ways of your household and the habits and tastes of your new Italian friends and acquaintances. Soon you will start to see the reasons behind Italian customs, and you will come to enjoy your ability to fit in. Be prepared for a wonderful adventure that brings you towards an understanding of Italy and its people, as well as a new understanding of yourself and your American heritage.

THE ITALIAN CULTURE

MODERATION
One of the most fundamental rules of Italian culture is moderation. At first glance, Italians might seem to drink a lot, but upon a closer look, quite the opposite is true. They do drink - spumante to celebrate, limoncello to digest, aperitivo to taste and vino to mix with food - but with moderation, not in order to get drunk. In fact, the quickest way to lose the respect of your Italian friends and neighbors is to get drunk in public. Drinking on the streets is also considered very disrespectful. Keep in mind, the legal drinking age is 16 years old.

THE ITALIAN PACE
In Italy, patience is truly a virtue. Take a restaurant, for instance. Italian servers may seem to be ignoring you, but in reality, they just like to give customers time and space to talk and socialize. The slower pace and long waits also apply to many public offices and events. Italians do not like to stress over things, but rather tend to relax and enjoy life to the fullest with a slower pace. And since you are a foreigner in Italy, try to make an effort to adapt to this culture.

SOCIETY
Family has a very important role in Italy and life evolves around family. The majority of young adults move out of the family homes very late (in their thirties), partly because of unbearably high living expenses, and partly due to strong sentimental attachments to the family.

Dating rituals are complex and very different from the U.S. Since the majority of Italian young adults live with their parents, the occasions to invite boyfriends or girlfriends to their house are also rare. Living together before marriage is slowly gaining popularity.

How will I improve my Italian?
Perhaps the most gratifying part of living in Italy will be the thrill of learning to communicate in another language. The ability to understand what people say in ordinary speech and to reply in a similar form is often the strongest immediate goal of students studying abroad. Your new Italian friends you make in social gatherings will be your most constant teachers of everyday speech. The best advice is not to hang out with other English speakers all the time. Your language classes will deepen your understanding of what you hear, and widen your repertoire of possible responses. You have chosen the absolute best way to really learn a language. In bocca al lupo!

Parla Inglese? Do you speak English?
Non parlo Italiano I don't speak Italian
Permesso Excuse me. (Used when you want to cut through a crowd.)
Prego The response to "permesso"
Vada via! Go away, useful for people who are bothering you
Aiuto! Help! (If Vada via! Is not effective.)
Come sta? How are you?
Buon giorno Good morning/afternoon
Buona sera Good evening.
Arrivederci Goodbye
Non capisco I don't understand
Cone si chiama? What is your name?
Che ore so no? What time is it?
Dov'e' I'albergo? Where is the hotel?
Dov'e' un telefono? Where is a telephone?
Dov'e' II bag no? Where is the restroom?
Attenzione! Caution, look out!
Quanto costa? How much is it?
II conto The bill
Sono vegetariana I am a vegetarian