Full disclosure: I fell in love with country I studied abroad in. 

Let’s start off by stating the obvious. I went to Italy.

But I did not just “go” to Italy.

I divulged into the gloriously, flavorful food. I strolled through the cobblestone streets (and into every dainty boutique that caught my eye). I immersed myself in the vast, historic culture scattered around every corner. I breathed Aperol Spritzes (as everyone should). I drank cappuccinos with a side of chocolate brioche BUT only before 2 pm. I sat in the kitchen with my roommates for countless hours sifting through travel sites to book the most cost-efficient trips possible. I stayed up till the birds’ song began making memories alongside strangers who soon turned into family.

About three years ago, I made a promise to myself.

“If there is one thing that I will do in my time at SCSU, it is to study abroad in Italy.”

Spring semester, Junior year, that promise had been fulfilled.

Come February 2023, I set out into the big world that was no longer constricted to just my childhood town that was starting to feel slightly too comfortable. I’m sure many can relate to that moment in our lives when we get too accustomed to the life we’ve been living, that physically our bodies start to crave something different, something new.

And if you can’t relate, listen to a Noah Kahn song, I promise you’ll get the gist.

After arriving in a completely new country, knowing it was about to become my home for the next 4 months, I had to make some adjustments.

3 things constantly repeated in my mind:

1. This is freaking awesome.
2. Say yes to everything.
3. Do not be afraid, everything will be okay.

And guess what!

It was way better than just okay. IT WAS AMAZING.

Often, we must give ourselves a gentle reminder that life will always fall into place. Things usually turn out better than we ever expected they would.

Each day presented a new adventure. Even days filled with the most mundane activities still managed to surprise me. How could it not? I was living in MILAN!

Whether it was a day spent admiring the Duomo with sore arms loaded with shopping bags, drinking Aperol Spritzes with our favorite Aperitivo snacks after a long day of classes, or sprinting to the Metro at 11:56 when it closes at 12 PM, the excitement of each day was never-ending. Luckily for me, I was blessed to live with a group of strangers that turned out to be the only people I could ever imagine living through such a euphoric experience with.

I’d like to think that sometimes, it’s not always just the place that makes you fall in love but the people you experience that place with.

Looking back on it now, it’s kind of crazy to move to a completely new place into an apartment with 7 girls you’ve never met before. This just goes to show how important it is to take a leap on an adventure you may be absolutely terrified to take.

But to be afraid is a valid feeling!

For me, it took some time to overcome the nerves. But if I didn’t jump at this opportunity, I would have missed out on one of the most valuable experiences of my life.

Which is why I’d like to become the poster child for studying abroad. Just kidding.

In all seriousness, studying abroad or even undergoing an experience away from your home base for a long period of time is something I believe everyone in their 20s should try if they have the ability.

Why? Here are 3 reasons.

Every day you face new challenges. And every day you overcome them.

“But why would I want to face challenges every day?”

This is the best catalyst for personal growth.

You make lifelong friendships.

Anyone you must handle a travel crisis with 24/7 is a true ride-or-die.

Side note: anyone who helps you whack a giant bug in your room at 4 AM is also a ride-or-die.

The world is your oyster. There is so much to do. So much to see.

I was a homebody before I left. Going on small trips three hours away from my hometown even made my stomach churn. And of course, there were moments during study abroad where I’d fall into a phase of homesickness. Home is still always home.

However, there is an abundance of beauty in the world that is outside of the comfortable bubbles we limit ourselves to. You’d be amazed by the culture that is intertwined within each place you visit. The stories, the people, the recipes, it’s fascinating!

But I can’t forget to mention the most important part. Thanks to Universita Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, my host institution, I was able to live out my childhood dream. Their support staff and university teachers provided a seamless educational experience that made the University truly feel like a home away from home. With the various programs they offer, I was able to participate in classes that were interesting, rich, and exciting taught by professors with a plethora of knowledge that they were so kind to share. Cattolica’s international program allowed me to immerse myself in a world of culture I truly never wanted to leave and create the unforgettable memories that every study abroad student raves about when they return home. 

And with that, I rest my case.

I fell in love with not only Italy, but the people I met, the university that hosted me, the surrounding cities & countries, the incredibly unique cultures, and to be quite honest, I fell in love with life.