You seem to really be getting the full Italy experience (go out into Rome and exploring, rather than just sitting in the classroom). It sounds like you'll have an amazing time!

Hi Lisa,

Were you in Ames, Iowa for the Special Olympics USA National Games in July??? You look just like a young lady who was there with either a younger brother or relative at our Young Athletes program. Just wondering.

Also, my wife and I just got back in August from Italy for our honeymoon and it was fantastic!! Rome was great! Tell the Trevi Fountain we said hi! :)

Good luck,
Ryan

So far the pictures you have taken look amazing. The architecture of those buildings is incredible. Can't wait to hear more about your travels. Good Luck

Hey Lisa! I just went to Rome last semester through the same program!! I hope everything is going well so far, and DDV is on top of his game for you guys. Keep me posted on the things you do, as Rome was the best semester of my life, every second!!

PS Do you know who is living with Mamma Brusca? E chi e tua insegnante di italiano??

Buona Fortuna Lisa! I had the opportunity to travel throughout Italy while I was living in France during my JYA experience. Loved Italy- the food is awesome, the people are so friendly. Enjoy the gelato! My JYA experience was my first time out of the country too & it will definitely change your life for the better!

Hey Commenters,
Lisa here. Hi Ryan-- no, sorry it wasn't meet in Iowa at the Special Olympic games. And yes, I have gone to the Trevi Fountain many times and will say hi for y'all!

Thanks for the comments on the photos. More are comiing soon; I have tons on my camera, but am just working on posting them on the site w/ captions, but don't know the names of all the buildings yet. So keep checking back for additions.

Yeah, Dan, I am really enjoying the program. DDV is awesome as always! Two guys (not from Loyola) are staying w/ Mamma Brusca this semester. E il mio professore di italiano e Mario.

I plan on visiting Paris over our semester break, so I look forward to seeing France! Any tips for while I'm there?

And stay tuned everyone for my first episode in Rome, later this week...

Ciao, Lisa

make sure you eat lots of ice cream!

gelato is the best ;-)

good luck with everything!

Hey! How are you ? My name is V and i am from Russia, but living in the USA. My English is not so good, because i studying it just for a 1 year. I want ask you how you filling in different country, how you overcome homesicknes, because i feel realy bad in new place !

Hi! Lisa here! Thanks, Tara; I have been making sure to eat gelato just about every day! It's so amazing!
Hi V, Your english seems rather good for just having studied it a year! That's awesome that you're studying abroad in the USA. In Italy, I can feel frustrated sometimes by the language barrier and different culture, but I just try to go out into the city and have a good time, embrace and enjoy the differences and the beauty the place has to offer. I overcome homesickness by keeping in touch with my family over email and the telephone. Also I try not to think about missing my family back home or my country, but I just take my mind off of it by enjoying all Rome and Italy has to offer. Are you staying with an American family or living by yourself? How long are you going to be in the USA? Hope you start to feel better!
Ciao, Lisa

ionolsen20 Very good site. Thanks for author!

Hi Lisa,
It's always good to see what great things the old Alpha House group is up to... Hope you've enjoyed your time abroad... I'm sure you've learned alot about Italy, yourself, and the many new people you have met over the past several months. Remember: "ogni cosa si fa, amano"

-Rich

Hey! Lisa here.

Thanks Karel!

Rich-- Thanks for checking out the site! I have most definitely enjoyed my time abroad. It was an amazing experience!

That's funny that you mentioned that Italian phrase b/c the Italian cell phone I bought from a previous student in Rome had that phrase as the welcome message! It's a great one.

Thanks,
Lisa