Hello! My name is Tonian Williams, and I am a senior architectural design student who studied abroad in Italy in the fall of 2022. I was given the opportunity to live and study in Rome through the assistance of the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship which funded most of my expenses. My view of living in another country has been altered by my experience of living in Italy. I was able to travel to many parts of Italy, meet interesting people, and developed my Italian linguistic education. I had the most life-changing time looking at the city of Naples and Mount Vesuvius from Castel Sant ’Elmo to traveling in the underground tunnels under the city where WWII survivors hid. This was an unforgettable experience, and I would recommend it to anyone who has the chance to go! Check out my blog and video diary to see a glimpse of my personal experience while living in Rome, Italy.

“My intentions while living abroad were to immerse and challenge myself in the culture. I wanted to go back home with life lessons and unforgettable memories of growing and failing while trying to find my footing as an individual in the world. I hope to become a curious thinker and take more chances as I continue to go through life.”