Blown Away: From the Colosseum to Spontaneous Switzerland

Guest blog by Isaac Rogers [link to https://www.irogmedia.com/], Marketing Major, Study Abroad Fall 2024

Hi! I’m Isaac Rogers, a third-year marketing major at Ball State University and County Ambassador for LaGrange County with a passion for photography, videography, travel, and hiking. When I’m not snapping photos or exploring trails, you’ll probably find me planning my next adventure. This past semester, I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad in Rome, Italy—an experience that pushed me out of my comfort zone and gave me stories I’ll be sharing for years to come.

If You’d Told Me a Year Ago…

If you had told me a year ago that I’d live within walking distance of the Colosseum, visit eight countries, and book a flight to Switzerland on a whim, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. Yet here I am—back from a semester in Rome that gave me the freedom to explore, step outside my comfort zone, and collect memories I’ll carry with me forever.

That First Colosseum Moment

The first time I saw the Colosseum, I just stood there, staring up at it. Blown away. You see pictures of it all your life, but nothing prepares you for the sheer size of it. Naturally, I couldn’t stop taking photos of it—trying to capture just how massive and incredible it really is.

We went on the first Sunday of the month, which meant free entry (pro tip for anyone visiting!). Walking around the inside loop, I couldn’t stop thinking about the history—everything this one building has seen, from gladiator fights to modern-day tourists like me. It’s surreal. I also realized my apartment was less than two miles away. How crazy is that? I could run past the Colosseum any day I wanted (which I did many times). That’s Rome for you.

The Last-Minute Swiss Adventure

If living in Rome taught me one thing, it’s that sometimes you just have to say yes. I spent weeks watching flights to Switzerland—dreaming about the Alps, but they were always out of my price range. Then, one day, I checked again—12 hours before a flight was set to take off—and the ticket was cheaper than it had been all semester and would be for the rest of the semester. I booked it right there at 8pm on a Thursday night. I was in the air by 9am on Friday.

Fast forward to the next day: I was in Lauterbrunnen, a little town so picturesque it felt like a postcard. The air was the clearest I’d ever breathed, and the mountains were just… wow. I hiked for hours, met kind locals, and soaked up views that were straight out of a dream. That spontaneous decision? Easily the best weekend of my entire semester abroad.

What I Learned Along the Way

Moving to Rome taught me a lot, but the biggest lesson came when I first arrived. I had this moment of “Wait, I’m really on my own.” The closest person I knew was a 9-hour flight away. That’s when I made the mental switch: this city, this apartment, this experience—it was mine to own. I took pride in creating a space that felt livable for the semester.

Being abroad also gave me a snapshot of my life in the States—one that I could see from the outside. It forced me to figure out what I value most and what I can let go of. I came back with a clearer understanding of what really matters to me, and I think that’s something every student should experience.

My Tips for Future Travelers

If you’re considering studying abroad, my advice is simple:

Find a program that connects to your interests. Whether it’s art, business, or adventure, or continuing with your major there’s a perfect place for you.
Talk to a study abroad advisor. For Ball State, it’s the Rinker Center. They’ll help you explore your options and answer any questions you have about studying abroad.

And once you’re there? Say yes to everything, walk everywhere, and take photos of everything—because trust me, it’ll go faster than you think.