Well, my son is finally heading east across the Atlantic on Monday for his semester of study in Rome. I think we have everything under control from this end. Not quite done packing yet, but the lists are all done. We decided to have him buy a cell phone when he gets there, plus we have Skype on the computers. He'll get power adapters in Rome also. Just seems easier to have him see what he actually needs and get it rather than guess.
Thanks for all the advice along the way. We really appreciate it. If he sends me any worthwhile pictures, I'll post them for all to see.
Any last minute advice, feel free to give it !!
Jeff

Jeff, what's his major? I know a few people who have done the Temple architecture program in Rome. It is really a fantastic program and can be a life-changing experience.

Skype will clearly be the best way for you all to communicate with each other. What will his living situation be--is he living with a family or in a student apartment?

ps. I am a bona-fide product of the Altoona Campus. Spent my first two PSU years there. I have some great memories, and some even better stories....

You may want to consider getting the power adapters in the US. Last trip to Italy I needed a power adapter and I could find only adapters for italian equipment to be used in the US, not adapters to use US equipment in Italy. I was in Ferrara at the time, not Rome.

Diana,
He is a sculpture major at Penn State UP. I work at Penn State Altoona. You wouldn't recognize the place today. We have over 4000 students. Just a bit more than when you and I were there !
Jeff

Hello
just wanted to chime in-my daughter in landing in Milan shortly for her semester there. She will be studying music. What an event to pack for 4 months including a french horn and music stand and all the accesories and stay under the wgt limits. We did it with a few pounds to spare. Now I can't wait for our October visit!!! Rosemary

A semester abroad is a wonderful way to round out an American (or Italian) education! My daughter is doing the opposite: spending a year as teaching assistant for Italian language at Wellesley.
Oh how hard to pack everything in those suitcases!