Hello friends! My name is Sam (short for Samuel), and I am a college student studying International Business at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). Right now, I am studying abroad in Rome, Italy, a city where ancient history and modern life exist side by side.
Growing up in Adelanto, California, I never imagined that I would one day be studying in another country. When I was younger, I believed traveling the world was something only rich people could do. What I eventually learned is that many schools offer programs and scholarships that help students study abroad—and that curiosity and courage can open doors you never knew were there.
Before college, I worked in emergency medical services and public safety, helping people during some of their hardest moments. That experience taught me the importance of teamwork, communication, and staying calm under pressure. Those same skills now help me navigate a new country, learn a new culture, and connect with people whose lives are very different from my own.
Rome is an incredible classroom. On my way to class, I pass ancient monuments and buildings that have stood for hundreds—even thousands—of years. Places I once saw only in textbooks are now part of my everyday life. Studying abroad has shown me that learning doesn’t just happen in classrooms—it happens when you explore, listen, and step outside your comfort zone.
Through Reach the World, I’m excited to share what daily life in Rome is really like—from trying new foods and learning Italian words to exploring historic sites and attending classes abroad. I hope my journey shows you that the world is bigger than any one place, and that one day, you could be standing here too. Big adventures often start with small steps, and I can’t wait to take this one with you!
Want to know more about how you can study or intern abroad when you are a college student? The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program is a program of the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and supported in its implementation by the Institute of International Education (IIE). Learn more about the scholarship by clicking here!
