Hi everyone!
Oh my goodness.. I can’t believe after studying abroad for four months, this will be my last post! I am so grateful I got the chance to live and study in Italy, a beautiful country known for it’s amazing cuisine, history, and beauty. As my final post, I really want to reflect on some of my favorite memories during my study abroad experience. Therefore, as a heads up, this will probably be my longest post!
Tivoli
Oh… Tivoli! As my first day trip outside of Rome, the town was truly magical. I felt like there was something enchanting about walking through the Villa d’Este. Not only did I take breathtaking beautiful pictures here but I was able to share them for the first time on Facebook with my family and friends. Therefore, I would say Tivoli opened by eyes to Italy’s unique beauty and I am forever grateful for that. If I could I would definitely go back to Tivoli again another time. Overall, this trip inspired me to document all that studying abroad had to offer.
Meeting an Italian Blogger
Following her on Instagram, I never thought I would meet Francesca in person. She found my Instagram by watching the scholarship video I posted on my page. In the video, I talked about my three reasons for why I love Italy: the language, the scenery and the gelato. She was very intrigued by the gelato reason, living in Italy, she’s practically used to trying it everyday. I’ve been following her blog called How to Italian for a couple of months prior to meeting up. She currently resides in Bologna, Italy as a student at the University of Bologna. Therefore, as a quick day trip, I decided to hop on a train to Bologna, in order to meet her. She showed me around Bologna, a city whose street life instantly resembled NYC’s, as well as the University of Bologna’s campus. She even got me to try “tigelle” and “prosciutto cotto” for the very first time. Both were delicious! I’m so glad I met Francesca, because for once it felt so good to get out of my America bubble and try some authentic Italian food. Overall, Italians are lovely and take pride in their country.
Seeing Giorgia In Concert
Prior to studying abroad the only Italian singer I favored the most was “Giorgia”. I found her scrolling through YouTube as I looked for some interesting Italian singers. Her sodzng “E L’Amore Che Conta” caught my eye and from the moment I played it I haven’t stopped playing it since. Therefore, while in Rome, I noticed numerous ads showcasing a concert that she would deliver from March 2-3. As a sign from above, I knew I had to find other Italians to go with me! Luckily, while in Italy, I met some Italian-Americans who had a great interest in her as well. With them, I went to the concert and it was absolutely amazing. Not only did she sing some of my favorite Italian songs but she also sang some songs from Titanic in English. Therefore, after seeing her in concert, Giorgia is funny, talented and oh so sweet!
Feeling Like a Celebrity in France
Ooh la la..Paris! For the first time in my life being a tourist in Paris apparently made me feel like a celebrity. As I was taking some eye catching pictures and selfies in the garden of Versailles. I seem to have caught the attention of a group of tourists traveling together. I’ll never forget the look on their faces that day. Filled with surprise and admiration, these tourists looked at me like I was some kind of celebrity casually visiting Versailles. With a few words, they told me they wanted to take a picture with me, I just didn’t realize it was with everyone individually but of course I didn’t mind! I believe a huge part of the interaction had much to do with the fact that they were not used to seeing someone like me. Therefore, I felt honored taking pictures with them since this was huge thing from their perspective. Anyways…who wouldn’t want to be treated like a celebrity every now and then!
Hiking Circeo (Expert Level)
In the middle of March, I decided to go on a hiking trip with JCU Athletics to climb Circeo. I’ve been on one other hike prior to this one with JCU and it was quite easy. However, Circeo wasn’t exactly what I was expecting. In fact, as someone who’s only been on a couple of hikes, Circeo is definitely for proficient hikers. Surprisingly though, I was able to make it up and down the mountain in one piece with all of my fingers, toes and legs intact. In fact, I went from falling behind the group up the mountain to being the first one down! After completing the 6-hour hike I was quite proud of myself because not only did I improve my skills as a hiker but I also managed to do it by climbing a mountain made for experts. In the end, we made our way back down to the beach where I couldn’t help but soak in the sun after such an accomplishment.
Solo Traveling Across Europe
This semester, I took a big leap of my faith traveling by myself. I was so scared of the unknown and the uncertainty of it. However, after doing traveling solo these four months abroad I can truly say that I feel like an expert at travelling! In fact, traveling by myself has made my eyes more open to the world. Traveling can also be a personal thing because what I like to do may not be what someone else likes to do. Therefore, doing this helped me to avoid a lot of conflict and drama that I would’ve experienced in a group. In fact, there have been many times where I’ve just completely gotten lost in a foreign city but in a good way of course! Sometimes I just can’t help but wander around for some reason. All in all, studying abroad has taught me how to be confident and comfortable in my own skin whether I was with other people or not.
Living My Cheetah Girl Dream in Spain
In addition, I’m so glad I got the opportunity to live out my “Cheetah Girl” dream in Barcelona. From strutting down “La Rambla” to visiting Park Guell, it felt like a dream come true! In fact, I even got to practice my Spanish with the locals here and there. My Spanish may not have been perfect but it was definitely a work in progress. The food was also… so …so good! Everyone needs to try Paella and Sangria at least once in their life. Also, I can’t forget about La Sagrada Familia, even though the church is still under construction, I plan to come back to Spain after 2020 once it is finished. Inside, the church was completely breathtaking from its columns to its colorful stained glass windows. All in all, Spain was such an unforgettable cultural experience I will definitely treasure forever.
Using and Speaking in Italian
Furthermore, I will always treasure the times speaking Italian made other locals smile. In fact, I remember on this one Sunday I went to a “Tabacchi” to buy a tram pass for the one day. I told the clerk “un biglietto, per favore” and immediately he was so impressed by Italian he started to clap. Even the other Italian customer next to me said that my Italian was very good. In fact, I’ve never felt such a great boost of confidence whenever I get an A++ on my Italian presentations for my Intermediate Italian II class. Studying abroad has made realize that learning Italian can be so helpful in many ways. Not only can I interact with the locals but it also helps me with my Spanish!
My Final Thoughts
Overall, I just really want to give a big thank you to the Global Experience Office for giving me the opportunity to study abroad in Rome, Italy. This is truly a semester I will never forget. I’ve met so many people, traveled to so many places and made so many memories that will last a lifetime. Even though coming back to the U.S. will be a huge readjustment I can’t wait to share my experience with the Northeastern community.
When Will I Be Back?
Honestly, I could definitely see myself coming back to Italy within the next 5 years. I don’t know how… and I don’t where.. but I’ll definitely make it happen somehow. Maybe as an au pair.. or a tourist.. or possibly a local. Overall, I feel like Italy will always have a piece of my heart. Therefore, why wouldn’t I come back? Since this is my last post, I wouldn’t necessarily call this a goodbye but more like a see you soon farewell
Therefore, a presto Italia!
Ciao,
Jade <3
