Falgoust Discovers 'Lifetime Skills' During Study Abroad Experience at Rome Center

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Celeste Falgoust

Celeste Falgoust, a senior apparel merchandising and product development major, is a native of Thibodaux, Louisiana, who has always loved to travel. But her study abroad experience at the Rome Center not only opened her eyes to a new culture, it taught her skills that she will use for the rest of her life.

The program immersed Falgoust in the world of Italian fashion, where she designed clothing "all day long." She praised her apparel professor, Antonella, who taught them about the "entire creative process: drawing inspiration, creating mood boards, sketching and designing." Because the classes were so design-centric, she was able to improve her portfolio and design skills, preparing to enter the design world.

"I was immersed in Italian fashion design every single day," she said. "Both inside and outside the classroom, I learned skills in design that I will use for the rest of my life. My apparel professor, Antonella, did a wonderful job giving me and my classmates hands-on experience in the fashion world, and I adored the small classes and community that the Rome Center provided. It felt like I got a one-on-one education, and that really makes a difference."

Falgoust was no stranger to adventure while studying abroad, taking advantage of the vast opportunities that accompanies being in a country other than her own. She recounted how she spent "almost every weekend taking a train to various destinations in Italy or a flight to other European countries."

"Rome was the perfect home base for me. It is such a beautiful country — there was so much to see and experience, and the airport there was so convenient for travel," she said. "During the week, I loved exploring the city. There is so much history, delicious food and beautiful architecture to see. Italians have a slower way of life than I was used to, which provided time for me to walk the cobblestone streets, eat gelato in the park and even meet other study abroad students."

She found that these opportunities to travel while abroad gave her some of her favorite memories while studying at the Rome Center. Spring break in the South of France, visiting a local farmers market in Nice and enjoying the company of her friends and classmates were some of her fondest memories.

"There was a moment during spring break when we were all sitting along the rocky coast in Monte Carlo listening to music and enjoying the beautiful blue waters — that was so very special," she said. "I think we all felt very lucky in that moment. We had good company and gorgeous views!"

Falgoust recounted amazing experiences set in beautiful places, all while she was studying and working toward her degree. She highly recommended studying abroad in the Rome Center. She recently accepted a position as a design intern in New York. She hopes to ultimately work as a fashion designer because of her passion for creativity and design.

"To put it simply, studying abroad was the best experience of my life," she said. "Living in a different country is so different than going there for vacation. I grew so much as a person and expanded my worldview while also having so much fun!"

About The Rome Center: Since its inception in 1992, the Rome Center has served as a premiere locale for transformative study abroad experiences for University of Arkansas students. Originally founded exclusively for architecture students, the center was expanded for students from across the university in 2016. Students can study abroad at the Rome Center during the fall, spring and summer semesters, with courses offered across the university's academic disciplines. More information on the Rome Center is available on their website.