From May 24th to July 1st I will be in Rome to study Italian and American cinema. My studies will complete my full immersion in Italian society. For the duration of the trip I will stay in apartments near the campus of the American University of Rome, the campus where I will take my classes, and I will live like a local. In addition to course work, I will explore Italy through planned group excursions to Florence and Pompeii and through individually planned activities. However, this program is much more than just a trip to another country; it's the potential for me to expand my understanding of the world, the way I watch films, and the way I make cinema. Bernardi, a professor of film studies at Arizona State University, is one of the faculty members who will lead the trip. Since I have had a course with Dr. Bernardi in the past, I can confidently say that the courses will adhere to ASU's rigorous academic standards. This program offers a natural extension to current and future classes as it will sharpen my ability to search for deeper meanings within films, study characters, and better understand story elements. Therefore, it is understandable that the prospect of spending a month studying film excites me. From the point of view of someone who is eager to learn about Italian culture, I will look for cultural differences in the scenes and characters of Italian films. Details such as the portrayal of women and people from ethnic minorities or the use of comedy can say a lot about the culture. From the perspective of a film specialist, I will look at the different techniques and tools used in films. By......middle of paper......rica, and even though there is an endless amount of things to see here, I believe it is important for me to experience different cultures as well.Studying abroad in Italy promises to be an unforgettable experience. The opportunity to live in an apartment while in Rome is unique because most people would be expected to stay in a hotel while visiting. Since I will be shopping and eating where the locals do, the opportunity to live in an apartment while in Rome presents itself as an opportunity to better understand Italian culture. It is clear that the courses I will take will challenge me to be more aware of Italian culture, to look at films more critically, and to become a better director. This scholarship would allow me to worry less about work and focus on studying in class and producing the best film projects possible..