Why Studying Abroad Was Everything and Nothing I Expected All at Once

Although many are drawn to Susquehanna because of its study abroad requirement, I had never thought that much about it. Sure, I love to travel, but taking classes in another country while adapting to its cultural differences seemed intimidating. Yet, it also seemed inspiring – a dream come true, even. I have always wanted to visit Italy since I began Italian classes in sixth grade and this was the perfect opportunity. The catch, though, was that there wasn’t a GO short program that was of much relevance or interest to me in Italy. I didn’t expect that I would ever go out of the country for the first time all by myself on a Go Your Own Way – but I did – and it was everything I expected and nothing I expected all at once.

I expected there to be an adjustment period, but I didn’t expect the transition to come so easily.

There was a slight language barrier, but my Italian language skills – despite not having been used for a year or two – came majorly in handy. Plus, the time difference – 5 hours – wasn’t that bad thanks to an overnight flight and a good night’s sleep upon my arrival.

I expected to meet new people, but I didn’t expect to feel like I belonged nearly right away.

Setting off on this adventure, I didn’t know anyone so of course I expected to meet new people along the way. But right away I started building relationships with people who were just as uneasy to navigate through this once-in-a-lifetime experience as I was.

I expected the food to be SUPER good, but I didn’t expect it to taste noticeably different from American food!

Italy is notorious for being all about the food: pizza, pasta, gelato… you know the rest. Everything is authentically made– much less processed and without many of the additives that American food has. You could taste the difference in everything from bread to meat. I definitely ate more than usual over my six-week experience, but I actually lost some weight and overall just felt better in my skin. The food was so delicious and made me realize that American food is so processed.

I expected to grow as a person, but I never expected to discover as much as I did.

I had never been out of the country before and I wasn’t sure how I would adjust. I never had lived independently – sure, in a dorm, but not in an apartment where you’re totally on your own with no access to a dining hall or people to clean your space. I proved to myself that I am capable of so much more than I thought I ever could be.

In the end, I couldn’t have had a better experience if I tried and I can’t wait for my next adventure.

• expectations
• florence
• italy
• solo travel
• study abroad