Throughout this global experience I have grown a great deal. Some growth that I have seen within myself is the fact that I am more comfortable being alone and traveling by myself. I have learned that I like to be independent and explore the city on my own, as I think I observe my surroundings more this way. I have also grown in a way where I feel more comfortable talking to strangers, especially strangers who speak a different language than me.
What I know now that I wish I could’ve known at the beginning of the program is that it’s okay to take time for yourself and that you do not have to be constantly doing something. There are many times where traveling all the time can be exhausting so knowing that you can just sit at home for a little is something that I wish I could’ve accepted more in the beginning.
The most surprising part of my global experience is how easy it was to become adjusted to a city and become acclimated. Although there can be times that I experience culture shock and am homesick I didn’t expect to be so eager to be in a different city and country so fast. I am very happy with this surprise because it allowed me to make the most time out of my time here in Florence.
