Lessons Outside the Classroom

It’s been almost a month since I returned from my study abroad trip to Italy. I read my pre-departure blog and am reminded of how I felt before I left: the nerves and the fright. I had no idea what sort of adventure I was about to go on, and was completely unaware of how life-changing it would be.

Studying abroad showed me a whole new world beyond the small bubble I have spent my entire life in. And that world is huge. I fumbled my way through the train system, struggled to spit out enough Italian to get me from Sorrento to Pompeii, and walked through the ancient ruins of a town buried in the fiery entrails of Mount Vesuvius. Tourists from all over flocked to the cities I visited: Rome, Florence, Capri and Positano. English was not the first language, so I had to pick up phrases here and there to use. I was pushed to the very edge of my comfort zone, and then took a leap of faith and jumped over it. The experience could not have been any more rewarding than it was.

I celebrated with locals after Italy’s 2-1 win over England in the World Cup. We were embracing a new culture while running through the streets, cheering and waving Italian flags. And the culture embraced us right back. We were welcomed from the start, and it was a beautiful thing to be a part of.

Going into study abroad, I was very dependent on my family and friends to help guide me through life. As a result of this program, I am now much more confident in the individual that I am, and the direction that my life is going in. This realization did not come suddenly, but slowly and gently over the course of the five weeks I was there. And it presented itself in full during the final stretch of my journey, where I had to travel alone from Sorrento to the Naples airport, go through customs, and travel for 20 hours enjoying the company of only myself.

I am certain that there is nothing like studying abroad, and the lessons learned cannot be taught in a classroom. Letting go of any fears related to study abroad, and actually going forward with the program, will be the best decision made during your college years.