Studying in Rome | The experience of Symeon Christofyllidis

Exclusive Experience in Rome by Symeon Christofyllidis

Symeon, a very talented and outstanding student from the Master’s Degree in Political Marketing programme. As you may know, moving to a different country can be quite challenging, but at the same time, exciting! Read all about Symeon and his own experience in Rome, while studying at the Rome Business School.

1. Describe Rome in one word: multidimensional (ideal for students, families, couples, or groups as it offers a bit of everything)

2. What I like about Rome: the variety of options, from sightseeing around the Coliseum and the Roman Forum to the hidden bars and restaurants in Trastevere, San Lorenzo, Piazza Bologna, and, generally, in the whole district. I also enjoy it because, whenever I go to a so-called “Tavola calda”, I not only enjoy the pizza but—and I don’t know why—the people I meet in those places are always smiling and extremely friendly and I end up chatting with them. And, of course, what I like most about Rome is that I can walk around all day, discovering new areas, visiting cultural spots, tourist attractions, and local neighbourhoods; and this fascinates me. It’s a never ending experience!

3. What I find weird about Rome: not so many people speak English; but, still, it can be fun, especially when trying to buy an iron or a LAN cable from a local shop using my basic Italian knowledge as well as body language to describe what I want (no worries; I usually manage to buy all I need).

4. The things I miss most about home while abroad: the Greek “bouzoukia” (live music clubs where people listen to folk music singers, dance, and have fun) and the big, well-decorated seaside cafeterias with the picturesque views and relaxing music.

5. The major cultural differences that I noticed since being at the Rome Business School: Italians do not break spaghetti in half before cooking them and I still remember their shocked expressions when I did. Romans, in particular, tend to respect zebra crossings. Even if there is no traffic light, they will automatically stop their vehicles to enable pedestrians to cross the road. In Italy, also, coffee is drunk VERY quickly. Italians claim they enjoy standing at a bar, drinking coffee like a shot and then leaving; but, to be honest, I’m still not used to it.

6. Some of the positive experiences that I have had as an international student: I have met new people with different backgrounds, ideas and cultural environments. I have met Germans, Nigerians, Indians, Romanians, Russians, Swedes, Slovenes, even Italian Neapolitans, as well as… “Europeans”!! Everyone had a different story to tell and, given that I am a political marketing student, it was amazing how everyone was trying to explain their countries’ political positions and their personal points of view; all this worked constructively to everyone’s benefit. The most interesting thing is that I have become friends with those people with whom I had less in common!

7. The things that I enjoyed the most about studying at the Rome Business School and in Rome: the very friendly environment, the practical knowledge, the interesting and specialized courses, the pleasant staff always willing to support in the best way possible like Ema, Marco, and Irene the very inspiring lecturers like Alessio and the very professional and talented ones like Gherardo.