From Rome to London: Lessons Beyond the Classroom

If you had told me a year ago that I would be navigating ancient cobblestone streets in Rome one week and reviewing marketing strategies in a London office the next, I’m not sure I would have believed you.

But today, I get to stand here and say that living abroad, first in Italy, then in the United Kingdom, completely changed how I see communication, business, and honestly, myself.

Let’s start with Rome.

Italy is a place where time moves at a different pace. There’s a tradition called riposo, where businesses close in the afternoon so people can rest or spend time with family. It’s a cultural rhythm that prioritizes relationships over routine, a reminder that connection comes first.

As someone who is usually focused on schedules, checklists, and hitting goals, this shift felt unfamiliar at first. But in that quiet time, I learned something important: effective communication begins with listening. And sometimes, slowing down allows you to move forward with more intention.

Our coursework focused on international advertising and public relations, but many of my biggest takeaways came outside of the classroom. I noticed how Italians value presence, not just productivity. I saw how conversations carried weight and how storytelling was woven into everyday interactions. It made me ask myself—was I communicating just to respond, or to truly understand?

Then came London.

Fast-paced, energetic, and constantly evolving. I interned at a talent agency where no two days were the same. One day, I was drafting client emails and analyzing engagement metrics. The next, I was watching how strategic storytelling could shape brand identity and drive business outcomes. I saw firsthand how pop culture, influencer management, and digital branding intersect.

It was exciting and empowering.

I had to think quickly, adjust to new expectations, and contribute in an environment where everyone was moving at full speed. There was one meeting where I was asked to present ideas with less than an hour to prepare. I was nervous, but I said yes. And in doing so, I learned that confidence often comes after the leap, not before it.

Of course, not every moment was perfect.

There were language barriers, missed buses, and a few cultural misunderstandings—like calling trousers “pants” and getting more than a few raised eyebrows in the office. But those moments stretched me. I learned how to adapt, find humor in awkward situations, and stay grounded even when things felt unfamiliar.

I believe that’s something every student and every future leader should experience: stepping outside of their comfort zone and learning how to thrive when the path is uncertain.

Rome and London taught me a valuable truth: success looks different in different parts of the world.

What works in Michigan might not work in Italy, and what makes sense in the U.S. might not make sense in the U.K.

If we want to lead in global business or collaborate effectively, we need to understand how culture influences communication. It shapes what people value, how they work, and how they interpret messages. These lessons cannot be learned through textbooks alone. They have to be experienced.

And I did.

I experienced it on early morning train rides in Italy, where inspiration struck on the way to class. I experienced it during long dinners in London, where business conversations felt personal and thoughtful. And I grew professionally and personally in all the small in-between moments—ordering coffee in Italian, asking for directions, and learning how to read the room in a different cultural context.

There was something special about being immersed in new surroundings, with new people and new expectations, and still finding a way to show up fully and lead with integrity. That’s a skill I’ll carry with me long after graduation.

This experience taught me the kind of marketer and person I want to be.

I want to lead with empathy, view challenges as learning opportunities, and tell stories that build bridges across cultures.

My time abroad didn’t just sharpen my skills. It strengthened my confidence. It gave me perspective. It reminded me that adaptability is a superpower, and that curiosity is often the key to connection.

So, what do I hope you take away from all of this?

Say yes to the opportunities that make you a little nervous.

Those are the ones that teach you the most.

Studying abroad and interning internationally taught me how to communicate across cultures, respond thoughtfully under pressure, and grow through discomfort.

I will carry these lessons far beyond the classroom, and wherever my next passport stamp may take me.