How Penn State expects you to behave in Rome
When traveling in Europe, you will experience a life that is very different than what you are used to in America. Penn State has high standards of conduct for all students who study abroad. It is imperative that you remind yourself of these values periodically during your visit:
- Be open-minded about other cultures
- Things may seem "weird", but they are just "different." Practice tolerance.
- Be inquisitive about other cultures
- Be respectful of value and behavior differences
- Be considerate of others around you, particularly the occupants of the same building. Other residents are permanent residents of Rome and not students. • Learn sophistication in cultural, political, behavioral and culinary tastes
Do NOT become a stereotype of Americans. You are a guest in Rome and must act as one. Be a gracious guest and a good ambassador for the United States.
- Respect their culture. In Italy, drinking a few glasses of wine is appropriate. Becoming drunk and loud is not. Do not export the American college drinking scene abroad even if others do. Being drunk is viewed as ugly, uncivilized and arrogant. Don't antagonize the context you are in.
- Acting irresponsibly causes damage to the permanent American community living in that country and jeopardize the future of sede di Roma.
- Often, the locals view the students in study abroad programs collectively. As a group, students should encourage each other to present themselves in the best light.
- Rights and freedoms enjoyed by American college students may not be available in the same manner in Rome. Behave as if you are the guest of the Pope.