Dear Pre-Departure Sikai,

You’re about to have one of the most exciting and life-changing experiences. During your time abroad, you’ll learn not just about the world around you, but also about yourself. You’ll uncover how you want to live your life, how you prefer to experience things, the type of people you want to surround yourself with, and what matters to you. From discovering your preferred walking pace to understanding your ideal environment, every step you take will reveal more about who you want to be. So get ready for an incredible journey abroad! 

Over the coming months, prepare to see growth in the way you carry yourself. You’ll find yourself becoming more independent, confident, and curious about the world that surrounds you. You will have a deeper appreciation for your environment as you dive into the history and culture of the places you visit. Whether it is reading wikipedia pages, travel blogs, scanning reviews, you will learn about your surroundings before you experience it firsthand. Navigating new countries will also teach you how to manage your time and resources, and balance your responsibilities. Never stop learning and you will see incredible growth.

Before you set foot here, learn some Italian so that you can communicate comfortably with the people. Also, my advice is to not save any lists. Instead, embrace the spontaneity of discovery and craft your own unique experiences. Wander and discover places organically- it will make a more rewarding experience.

The two things that will surprise you are how fast the time flies and that you will go through a series of emotions. There will be ups and downs. Just let the emotions unfold naturally and live in the present moment. Our time here is too short to worry about the small stuff. Make the most of your trip but also make sure to take care of your health.

Keep an open mind and be curious. Have fun!

-Sikai