When living in a different country, it is almost guaranteed you will have feelings of uncertainty and challenges to face. One of the hardest challenges is having to adapt to the local culture, norms and customs. In my opinion, the most challenging aspect I’ve had to adapt to is the slower pace of life. I am a very structured, time-oriented person. I am used to adhering to the strict class, work and meal schedules that are prevalent in the US. In Italy, things often feel more relaxed and flexible. People slowly wander the streets for fun, take hours on end to eat one meal, and only check emails once or twice a day. It can be difficult sometimes, if I am trying to rush to class or if I’m expecting a response to an email. However, I’m beginning to understand that this pace of life is what allows people to make time for themselves and their relationships. It emphasizes the idea of just enjoying every day, mundane life. To help manage this adjustment, I’ve been trying to let myself relax more often and take things slow. For example, I leave earlier for class now so that I can leisurely walk and take in my surroundings. I’ve started to appreciate the work-life balance that Italian culture prioritizes and it has helped me slow down and be more grateful in my every day life.
In the classroom, norms and expectations are a little different. Arriving late to class is a big sign of disrespect, which sort of contradicts the idea of taking things slow. This is why I feel like I have to rush to class sometimes, rather than enjoy the nice walk to get there. Additionally, sometimes there are unclear directions for assignments or in activities. I feel that in the US, most of the time, assignment directions are laid out exactly as the professor wants them and expectations are made known the minute you arrive to class. In classes here, assignment directions are more vague and expectations aren’t always laid out so clearly. I believe it’s because professors here care less about following directions and more about the student’s comprehension of a task. To help navigate these expectations, it has been helpful to be able to check in with classmates or the professor. In some classes, I work in groups, allowing me to ask questions and get support when things are unclear.
Cross-cultural situations occur everywhere, in the classroom, in restaurants, or even on the street. Learning how to navigate these situations has been one of my most valuable lessons here. I enjoy interacting with locals in coffee shops and I try to be as respectful as possible. I’ve learned basic sayings such as ‘good morning,’ ‘how are you,’ and ‘please and thank you.’ Simple signs of respect like these can go a long way in having smooth interactions. I’ve also noticed how locals interact with each other, always with formality and kindness, which is, unfortunately, not always seen in the US. I try to reciprocate this as well, speaking formally to strangers and my professors. These interactions and experiences have also made me reflect on my own identity. Being in a new environment has made me more aware of the actions and habits that I have from the US, that aren’t normalized everywhere. I’ve also become aware of actions and habits here that are normalized, but I would never see in the US. I’ve become more adaptable and open-minded in situations I am unfamiliar in. It is often a two-way street. I may have habits and values that aren’t normal here, but that doesn’t mean I have to completely change them. I can adapt to these new habits, while maintaining my own values. I am learning how to appreciate different perspectives in correspondence with my own.
Overall, there have definitely been moments of time where I am uncertain and I have to adjust my thoughts or actions. However, these challenges have been some of the most valuable lessons of study abroad. Each experience, good or bad, has helped me grow and learn about others with open-mindedness and excitement. Included is a pictures of the city and things I’ve tried!
