Student POV: A Semester in Rome
Hey everyone! My name is Mercedes Young. I have recently returned stateside from my semester abroad in Rome, Italy, with Living & Learning International! The past three months have been an invaluable time of cultural experiences, fascinating historical and Biblical classes, making connections, and BEING INSPIRED!!
Through Living & Learning International, I was able to take incredible, collegiate-level courses rich in history and Biblical integration. One of the coolest parts about the classes was the excursions we got to take. From visiting the catacombs, to taking pasta-making classes, to my favorite: visiting Athens and Corinth in Greece to learn about Paul’s missionary work and how it connects to the beginnings of Western thought. I have always enjoyed learning about the stories that come from Greek myths and ancient Greek philosophy, and it was mind-blowing to learn how these seemingly contradictory stories actually lead us to the Gospel! It was fascinating to see firsthand the culture and worldview that were Paul’s mission field, and how, even amid the grotesque practices of ancient Corinth and the incorrect doctrine of the day, God was still preparing the hearts of the Gentiles for the Good News.
My cohort at the Colosseum
Faith & Community
My small group and our Resident Coordinator
Another amazing aspect of faith life at Living & Learning was our weekly dinners and chapel, which we refer to as CEK. CEK was a weekly highlight for everyone in the cohort, offering the chance to learn to cook together and for one another, to fellowship over the meal, to worship together, to receive a sermon, and to have small-group discussions. Serving on the worship team is a core part of my walk with God, and I was so grateful to have the opportunity to continue to serve in this way during my time abroad! Small-group time was led by the Resident Coordinators, who are among the best examples of effective Christian leadership I have ever met. I am grateful for the encouraging community they helped foster among the cohort.
Being Inspired Abroad
Visiting the Acropolis in Greece
I am so blessed to get to say I lived in the Eternal City of Rome and was able to travel to 9 other countries during my time there! As a Graphic Design student, I was excited to be creatively inspired and challenged by stretching myself to try new mediums like ceramics and film photography, discovering my love for live jazz, and doing oh-so-much sketching during my time abroad. I collected over 400 photos of inspiration from colors, textures, and shapes across the continent.
As someone with a more grunge style, I loved exploring our neighborhood, Pigneto, and observing its unique graffiti culture. The city of Rome is full of inspiration and wonders. Everything from floor to ceiling is always intricately designed. Looking around the city points me back to God, the Ultimate Creator, and gets me excited to tap into that aspect of my identity as an image bearer of Christ. I couldn’t be more grateful for this opportunity and am looking forward to integrating what I have learned into my design work moving forward!
If you are considering studying abroad, DO IT.
I couldn’t recommend it more as a next step of independence, exploration, and spiritual growth. The world is so vast, and it all points back to the Creator!
Sketching in Florence
Visiting a street art museum
About the author: Mercedes Young is a Graphic Design student at California Baptist University and a Spring 2026 L&LI Rome Alumni. Originally from Washington state, she enjoys hiking, designing, and performing in musical theatre.