Tell us about you!
Where did you study abroad?
Rome, Italy
How did you choose your study abroad location?
I was deciding between Rome and Barcelona. More of my friends went to Rome.
Had you been out of the country before studying abroad? Do you speak the local language?
Yes and no!
Did you have any concerns about traveling with food allergies?
Yes. Having anaphylactic allergies to eggs and nuts I was very concerned about the language barrier. It’s been super easy though almost everyone speaks English. In Europe, they also do a great job of posting the allergens on the menus. I even took cards that say I have an egg and nut allergy in many different languages but have rarely had to use them. Especially going to Italy, I was concerned about the pizza and pasta having egg in it, but I have found that in Italy they almost never put egg in bread and they have many egg-free pasta options.
What airline did you fly? How did you handle accommodations and airplane food?
American. I ate at the airport before the flight.
Where did you live and how were meals handled?
I stayed in an apartment. I often ate out at restaurants and had no issues.
What are your 3 favorite places to eat in Rome?
Osteria Da Fortunata: Egg-free pasta!!! Can see them make it in front of you, which added an extra layer of safety!
Koi Sushi: All-you-can-eat sushi for $20. Lists major allergens!!!
All’Antico Vinaio: Best sandwiches in Rome!!! So much variety. Super helpful menu that lists all allergens and cross-contamination. If you have a really serious nut allergy I would recommend staying away though—pesto everywhere with a shared prep area.
For anyone with a sweet tooth, were there any special sweet finds like ice cream shops or bakeries?
Lots of vegan options all throughout Europe. One of my favorites was Giolitti in Rome!
What other places did you visit during your trip?
Copenhagen, Venice, Florence, Prague, Budapest, Vienna, Barcelona, Amsterdam, London, Paris, Dublin, Croatia, Greece, Malta, Lisbon, and Porto.
Besides the food, were there any fun experiences or favorite things you did?
If studying abroad in Italy, a cooking class and a wine tour are a must!
