Name: Allison Cherry
Program: AIFS Rome, Italy
How did you get to study abroad?
I used financial aid (loans and grants) and personal scholarships that I would have used or taken out even if I had stayed at Pitt. I also worked two jobs the summer before leaving to pay for items that could not be paid for using financial aid (flights, damage deposits, etc.).
Â
What do you wish you knew before you left?
I wish I realized how big of an impact the language barrier would have on my experience. For some reason I did not anticipate it being as difficult as it is. If connecting with people from your host country is really important to you (like it is to me), study in a country where you know the language. It is very difficult to build relationships with people and learn about their culture when it is a struggle to communicate.
Â
What is the most important lesson you learned?
People are more important than places. The connections I’ve made with my host mom, the teacher and students in the class I volunteer in, a few people in my program, and hosts that I’ve stayed with when traveling have been the best parts of studying abroad. Likewise, I now have a much greater love and appreciation for America and the people in my life at home. This experience has been wonderful and I would not trade it for anything, but I can’t say I haven’t thought about how amazing it would be to share it with someone from home.
Â
Photo Cred: Allison Cherry