This program has presented me with so many learning opportunities and new skills that I did not anticipate gaining whatsoever. First and foremost, my ability within the classroom has certainly developed to a level I am much more proud of. Through our very small classrooms and intimate nature of lectures, I have learned to be far more involved in what is being taught during lecture. I have become much more comfortable asking questions, requesting clarification, or even presenting my own abstract thoughts. Secondly, this program has taught me an extensive list of life skills I would have never obtained anywhere else. From flights getting cancelled, delayed, trains breaking down, and town’s having nothing open for service, the bumps in the road have been numerous. This program has thrown me to the wolves in very real life situations, and I have certainly came out a much more well rounded human. There are certain things you learn about yourself and the world when a train gets cancelled, and you must roam around Milan at 10PM to find a hotel with vacancies for the night.

Prior to the program, I wish I had planned to be more outgoing in the foreign environment I was entering. I have learned here very quickly that people do not bite. Almost everyone is willing to share their story with you and let you into their life. I have met so many fantastic people with an amazing story to tell. I wish I was more willing to approach people when I had first arrived here. The absolute best part of this entire experience has been the interesting and kind people I have had the pleasure of getting to know. Before embarking on this trip I had a relatively pessimistic outlook on the world and generally on the friendliness of other people globally. I am so happy that this program has disproven my theory about people and shown me how kind the world can be.

The most surprising part of this program has been the fluctuation of emotions you experience. When you initially imagine spending four months in Italy, you anticipate having the time of your life for the entire time. In reality living here, on an emotional level, is no different from being at home. There will be days where you feel like not doing much, and there will be days where you feel like you are on top of the world. Your location in the world does not dictate your emotions, and that is very important to be mindful of. Internal problems cannot be swept away by a beautiful living arrangement in a beautiful city, and it is paramount to be emotionally aware about what you are getting yourself into. Nevertheless, this program has showed me so many fantastic new perspectives that I would not trade for anything.