Featured Travel Diva Destination: Italy
Jasmine Adams, a Georgetown University pre-law graduate, defines optimism when it comes to pursuing her dreams of becoming a lawyer. The fire within to travel abroad was sparked when she first learned about the study abroad program in Italy sponsored by the university. When it came time to venture overseas to contribute to the manifestation of her lifelong dreams, she first hesitated. But knew this girl is on fire lyrics rang deep within and she couldn't let anything get in the way of pursuing her goals!
Read our latest Travel Diva Q&A on how Adams conquered her fear of separation anxiety from family/friends and pursued her passion for international affairs, all while forming lasting friendships as well as getting her hands on some of the world’s best designer threads!
1. Destination: Fiesole, Italy
2. Reason for Travel: College Studies (Government and Sociology [Double Major], with a concentration in Social Justice and Peace Studies
3. Number of Travel Days: Spring Semester (approx. three [3] months)
4. Estimated Flight Time: Approximately nine (9) hours (depending on the flight schedule/connections.)
5. Any fears about traveling abroad for the first time? I was nervous about not knowing anyone in the program, traveling alone, and being away from my close family and friends. It was ultimately about stepping outside of my comfort zone. I relied on God to get me through, daily talks with my mom, new formed friendships, and letters from family/friends back home.
6. Lodging: Villa le Balize (a villa owned by the university)
7. Cultural Experience: While I didn’t experience any language barriers, it is advised to at least know conversational Italian. The eating habits differed. Breakfast is light and dry, lunch is large, and dinner is once again light. Pasta is its own course. Local Italians do not like loud conversations. They already stereotype Americans for being obnoxious. They appreciate it when you try to speak their language and show interest in wanting to embrace their culture. I didn’t experience any negativity when it came to being African American as opposed to being American. Women, make efforts to dress appropriately to prevent negative gestures, especially African American women. Due to music videos, Black women are sexually exploited. There are not a lot of political/religious wars. If any, they are held at the Piazza de Republica (main center for protests).
8. Favorite Cities? I loved San Pietro (Breathtaking!) The Spanish Steps in Madrid were amazing as well as the Prado Museum. But Rome was my favorite by far! Everything is accessible via bus, metro, and plane in Europe. All forms of transportation are affordable.
9. Best Dining Experience: Everything is delicious! You must try the pizza and the bellinis. The paninis and gelato are excellent, too! My best dining experience was at a restaurant near the Trevi Fountain in Rome.
10. What encouraged you to travel to Italy?
When I first came to Georgetown and I learned about the program offered by the Division of Overseas Studies.
Jasmine, thank you for sharing your Italian experience with us and for paving the way for more Travel Divas to take flight!
Photos Courtesy of: Jasmine Adams
