Four months later, I am coming to the end of my study abroad journey in Rome, Italy. Over the past semester, I have learned so much about myself, the people around me, and Italian culture. That’s a lot of learning outside of school, on top of school. It’s safe to say that I am exhausted. But also so so thankful for the experience. About myself, I learned that I like to travel in groups, as opposed to being alone. I like a trip that involves hightailing it to three museums in a day as much as I like having no plans and spending the day wandering around. I know I simply cannot do schoolwork while on trains, planes, or buses. I know that I can trust myself and my gut––that I can handle myself in a foreign country and a tough situation. I learned how to be alone with myself and how to enjoy that time. I learned to fight for my preferences and opinions while staying respectful to people I had (most of the time) just met. And through all of this learning, I have gained not only confidence in myself but also a whole new understanding of how I view myself and the world around me. Studying abroad made that possible.

About the people around me, I learned how to make new friends fast and how to make those friendships last. No rental friends for me (a term I learned from someone I met at Springfest :)). I made friends that had entirely different backgrounds, likes and dislikes, majors, and social interests, and yet we somehow all survived this crazy experience together. Friends that I know I’ll stay in touch with and continue to build relationships with. I also somehow became even closer to my friends and family at home because the distance added a new dimension to those relationships. I also learned that you don’t have to like everyone you meet, and they don’t have to like you––the key is ensuring mutual kindness and respect regardless. Being surrounded by a bunch of random people––strangers, at the most basic level––while starting such a daunting journey was a challenge we all overcame together, and are stronger for it.

About Italian culture, I learned the art of living slowly and peacefully. Except when driving, of which I learned the art of pure, unadulterated chaos. I taught myself to be patient at restaurants because the nature of waiters and waitresses differs. I learned to ask when I needed something, which entailed the all-too-scary task of asserting myself in public spaces where I felt out of place. I learned that I cannot study in cafes (most of the time, sadly). I learned that there are very few taboo topics, and Italians talk about anything and everything that they want to, which was refreshing. I learned to eat my pasta al dente with a light layer of sauce and not to have a cappuccino past 12 p.m.

I will continue to use some of the things throughout my life, while others will stay here in Italy after I’m gone. Regardless, I LEARNED. I would argue that I learned way more outside of the classroom than I did in it this semester, but isn’t that what studying abroad is all about? Exposing yourself to a new place and culture with the goal of learning about yourself and your surroundings and not about finance, business, or archaeology? I don’t regret anything about this experience, which I understand is an incredible privilege. I would encourage anyone who has ever considered studying abroad to think about it seriously and to make the decision that feels right to you. Whether it’s a one or two-week trip, a month, three months, a year, or a semester, there might be an experience out there waiting for you. If you do end up taking that chance, make sure to keep your eyes open for all of the things you can learn outside of academics––those are the most important lessons.

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Learn more about this blogger’s study abroad program: John Cabot University