Meet Study Abroad Student Aliyah Howell
Aliyah Howell, from Castle Rock, Colorado, studied at John Cabot University in Spring 2025. She is a Texas Christian University (TCU) student double majoring in Marketing and Journalism. During her time at JCU, Aliyah was an intern for the Web Communications Office.
Why did you decide to study abroad in Rome?
Ever since I began college, I have always loved the idea of going abroad, and TCU offers great study abroad programs. Italy was also a bucket-list destination for me, so the TCU-In Rome program at JCU sounded perfect. Having the opportunity to travel to as many places as I did while in college has been an experience I will never be able to replicate. I am forever grateful for the opportunities I had at JCU to experience as much as I did.
Why did you decide to pursue a for-credit internship with JCU?
As a junior double majoring in Marketing and Journalism, I wanted to grow my skillset and build my resume. Being an intern for the Web Communications Office at JCU has helped me meet people I never would have met otherwise. Through reporting, writing, and photography, I have gained more appreciation for different cultures, and it has been cool taking the lead on some stories. My favorite story that I wrote was about the JCU maintenance staff. I had the opportunity to meet with some of them and share their stories, and it was rewarding to feel like my work was making an impact.
What was your favorite trip while studying abroad?
My favorite trip was going to Amsterdam. Since coming abroad, I have made great friends who have been awesome to travel with, and we can all say this was our favorite trip together. Amsterdam is such a charming city with great Dutch pancakes and beautiful tulips. Everyone in the city bikes everywhere, making it feel peaceful and out of a movie. My friends and I met so many different people in the Netherlands and were even able to see the Keukenhof gardens and Zaanse Schans, known for its collection of historic windmills. Our hostel was also a lot of fun, as our room consisted of two sets of three-level bunk beds. Overall, Amsterdam was a very memorable trip, and I can’t wait to return one day.
What are your biggest take-aways from studying abroad?
I learned that the best way to understand the world is to see it. Immersing myself in different cultures has been an eye-opening experience I would recommend to anyone. I also learned how capable I am as an individual after travelling to so many different countries. Being able to navigate foreign areas and adapt to language barriers is something I have become more accustomed to after studying abroad. I have developed a deep appreciation for meeting others who come from different walks of life, and I feel it has made me more cultured.
What advice would you give to prospective study abroad students?
It is important to get to know Rome and treat it as your home. It is easy to take Rome for granted because there are so many opportunities to travel elsewhere, but make sure to see Rome for the beautiful city it is. I would also recommend meeting as many people as you can and being open-minded. Living in a new country is hard, and I think a lot of people don’t talk about how difficult the adjustment period can be. Having people to go out with, travel with, and talk to will help shape your study abroad experience.
What are your plans for the future?
This summer, I will be interning as a social media marketing intern with Pulte Group, a residential home construction company in Denver, Colorado. I would like to pursue a career in digital marketing after graduation, so I am eager to gain more experience through this position. I am also excited to be spending this summer in Colorado with my family and friends before going into my senior year at TCU. I am looking forward to seeing what the future brings and will always reminisce about the many memories I have made abroad!
