How did you decide which country/program to study abroad in?
The reason I chose to study abroad in Milan, Italy was because I am currently a merchandising major and I simply could not pass up the opportunity to study in the Fashion Capital of the World. My classes enabled me to experience my very first fashion week, a dream of mine come true!
What were you excited about and/or nervous about before your program?
The number one thing I was definitely nervous about was the language barrier as I had never learned Italian before or really heard it spoken here in the U.S. My nervousness around this was taken away as they have a two-week intensive period where the only class you have is Italian for 3 hours a day. Along with this class, I learned the language by not being afraid to speak to locals and test out my language as all locals were extremely understanding and helpful.
What was your favorite place that you traveled to or an activity you did while abroad?
During my time in Milan, I had the amazing opportunity to travel to 14 other countries. By far my favorite was Morocco as it has always been a dream of mine to visit Africa. Not only was the culture so amazing to see but I was able to ride camels and ATV’s in the desert with my friends from abroad!
How do you think the intersections of your identities and values impacted your study abroad experience?
As a Hispanic 22-year-old woman being the first to study abroad, the intersections of my identities and values deeply shaped my experience and education within Milan. My cultural background deeply influenced how I navigated new environments and interacted with others including not only my roommates but also students and professors from other schools that I have never met before. For instance, growing up in a close-knit Hispanic community, I strongly value family and friend bonds and a sense of belonging to a greater community. These values made me approach new relationships with an open heart, seeking to build meaningful connections and find community in my host country.
