Arrivederci (for now)!
As I mentioned in my first post when I began this journey to Italy, this was my third study abroad. I spent time in both France and England prior to Italy, and this was my last chance to take classes and explore another country. I travel so frequently for a reason. Each time I learn a little more and grow in another unique way. During this trip, I met some friends that live in Italy and one is now coming to study abroad in Boston in the fall. Interacting with them and meeting their Italian family and friends has inspired me to learn the language, so I can communicate with them in their native tongue. I’ve come to understand another culture and another country, and was able to see the nation where my ancestors come from. My family is from a small town in Sicily, and my grandmother went back to visit a few years ago the area where her parents grew up. The past five weeks made me love Italy and proud of my heritage, I cannot wait to visit again with my family soon!
Prior to studying abroad I was fearful about meeting people, and potentially having to travel alone if I did not make any friends. I think it is important to be outgoing and friendly when you first arrive in a new area. I met a friend from Egypt, some from Italy, and many from the United States. You must be open to differences in culture and opinion, and when you come to accept these differences you can be exposed to a whole new world of thought! I learned to be accepting, and willing to adapt. The phrase, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” resonated with me. It is not enough to just accept the culture, but you must embrace it. I learned to try new things and expand my comfort zone either further.
I think the greatest benefit to studying abroad is experiencing a new culture and meeting new people. I fell in love with Rome and Italy while I was there. I also met some lifelong friends that I plan to visit all over the world in the future. When you have an international network of friends, you can travel practically anywhere and have a point of contact to show you around. It is always fun to meet new people that change the way you think and act, and to hear their stories of how they have grown up and where they live today.
I advise future participants to jump into studying abroad! It is normal to have apprehension and be nervous to commit to five weeks halfway around the world, but the experience is life changing. There is nothing comparable to living in another country. Visiting a country is great, but you do not have the same appreciation or understanding if your stay is short term. I encourage you to dive in, and Rome is a great location to do just that! Unfortunately, based on my credits and the classes I need to graduate, I do not have it in my schedule at Northeastern to study abroad again. However if I did, you would find me in another country next summer!
