First time traveling to Europe - Rome or London?
 

I'm 20 years old and hoping to study abroad next summer (May 29th - July 12th) but I'm not sure which city I should travel to. It will be my first time traveling to Europe and I'm looking to experience a lot of culture, while also getting the quintessential European experience; which is why I've narrowed it down to Rome and London. I was initially leaning towards London but after doing some research, Rome seems just as appealing. I think Rome represents the perfect European experience and my study abroad program offers an excursion to the Amalfi Coast; however, I've heard that Rome can be somewhat disorganized. I honestly can't decide and I'm completely torn between the two. Any guidance or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Hi kemperd93!
What a great opportunity for you. I've lived in Rome for 3 years and traveled to London perhaps 25+ times... and you can't go wrong with either choice.

But I guess I'm bias... as I'd choose Rome. I think you'll get a deeper, more-immersed experience in Rome. and yet I;m sure you'll hear many people say the same about London. But if you want something "different" and unique, I'd do Italy.

Yes,m it is TERRIBLY dis-organized, but that's part of the beauty of Italy. Things just happen at a slower pace, and if you can adapt and enjoy, it will be quite an experience (Of course we weren't saying that when our toilet was not working for three months one August!).

There are may great schools in Rome and we would speak to American students daily on the bus and walking the streets. Your money might also go farther in Rome (I cringed every time I paid for something in London). And of course we now terribly miss our friends in Rome... and the FOOD!

But it can be maddeningly frustrating.. but it will change your life - It did ours - Good Luck!

What type of study? I vote Rome for a first trip because it seems more "foreign" due to the language difference (assuming you are from the US).

Another vote for Rome. I much preferred it over London for the quintessential European experience. I actually enjoyed it way more than I initially thought I would.

Thank you for the help so far! I'm not exactly sure what type of study I'll be doing; different programs are offered for different cities. For example, if I choose Rome, there's a Language and Culture program. If I go with London, there's a program geared towards business. Does the language barrier make things difficult in Rome?

Both cities are wonderful. You should base the decision on the programs of study offered. Pick the one that you will find to be an interesting and enriching learning experience. If you like what you are studying, you will enjoy whichever city you are in.

Rome for sure. Its very appeal is that it is disorganized, plus y0u get to learn a foreign language.

>>>Does the language barrier make things difficult in Rome?<<<

Not difficult, interesting. There's enough tourism that you will find plenty of people that speak English, but also many that don't.

Where's the program in Rome located?

It says it's located along the Tiber River across from the Castel Sant’ Angelo and the Vatican.

If you have deep pockets: London

Sparkchaser that is just not true. We have more disposable income living in London than we did living in Vancouver Canada. As a tourist you are likely to think that as you are in areas where prices reflect tourism although there are cheaper places in those areas as well. As someone living here you would buy groceries (we find them much cheaper here than Canada), you would buy monthly passes for transit, you would drink and eat in less touristy places, and you can still take advantage of free museums etc.

I'm just saying that London will be more expensive than Rome.

If you can't decide, I would go with the one that offers the courses for your major. If a business major, I'd take the business courses in London. If more interested in liberal arts-Rome. You are lucky since either way, you will be able to visit the other city on a weekend trip-which is what most study-abroad students have done.

I've known many friends who have studied in London and all have love it and wanted to return. London is more like the US but it has just enough variety to make it fun. And it has more free activities than Rome.

Rome is different-more European and dare I say laid back in many of it's business practices-but would also be an eye-opening experience and of course learning Italian is a bonus.

Um - what type of course are you taking? Which city has the best program in your field? Will you receive full credits?

And how is your Italian (I wouldn;t go anywhere long term without speaking at least the basics of the language - but you can probably pick that up in a fairly short time of intensive study).

Am I right in thinking that London is the largest city in Europe? If that's the case it could be that Rome will be more manageable for you size-wise as people can find London a bit overwhelming in that respect. Plus, I would think the weather would mostly be better in Rome. However, coming to London would probably mean you'd get to meet a lot of young Italians and other young Europeans many of whom are drawn to the city by the work opportunities not to mention the nightlife!

<i>Am I right in thinking that London is the largest city in Europe? </i>

Istanbul and Moscow are larger.

Ah thank you Sparkchaser perhaps the largest in Western Europe then.

Aye.

Concur with Emily and nytraveller--you should choose the educational program that fits in with your long term plans. Either Rome or London will offer a very interesting, rich experience.

Rome, you are young. GO FOR IT!! I would think it would be a bit more challenging but nothing you can't handle, and for me, the courses offered?? Rome for sure.