If I were to write a note to my previous self before I went on my study abroad self, there are many things I would say to myself to prepare. I would first tell myself that at first it is hard to adjust to a new country. Getting used to the time change takes a while, and getting used to the idea that you are going to be there for four months also takes a while. Adjusting to small cultural differences can be hard too. It’s best to expect these things and understand that it isn’t going to be the best experience immediately.
Next, I would say to understand that planning trips isn’t super easy, and to expect hiccups and obstacles, especially when planning your first trips. We had our fair share of difficulties, but we only ever learned from those experiences, and they always ended up working out.
Finally, I would say to try new experiences as much as possible. I had no idea that my friends from Pitt would make friends with students from California, but we were able to meet so many new people because we put ourselves out there. I had no idea that I would be able to travel to Morocco, but now I can say I have been to Africa.
This experience has forced me to grow in so many ways. I have been put in so many situations that have made me uncomfortable, but I have learned so much so from them. I have become way more independent than I previously was. When I first arrived in Florence, I felt extremely weird not experiencing it with my family, as I had only ever traveled with my family before. Last week, my mom came out to visit me, and I was able to show her all around the city on my own. I have grown to learn how to live in a new city, which is one of the most validating feelings in the world. I now know that I have been able to do that in Pittsburgh and also in Florence. This teaches me that wherever I move post grad, I will also be able to adjust. I have also become much more knowledgable about travel, and understand different ways to save money than I ever had before. I am so excited to take this new growth back to Pittsburgh, and also into my life in general.
