How did you decide which country/program to study abroad in?
When I started looking into programs to study abroad I knew I wanted to be in Europe. As I narrowed my searches I found the ASPIRE program that allowed me to live in Italy for a low cost and that was one of the factors that I was worried about. I am a first-generation student on the maximum amount of financial aid and scholarships, so the only way to study abroad was to find a low-cost program. With this scholarship and others I was able to fulfill a lifelong dream of mine.
What were you excited about and/or nervous about before your program?
I was excited to experience Italy and the Italian culture on a level that not many students get to have. Visiting a country is not the same as living in it for months at a time. I was excited to become informed about the different regions and how they differ from one another. I was nervous about how my chronic illness was going to prohibit me from doing this study abroad trip, but in the end, it worked out for me. It was very anxiety-inducing and almost kept me from going but I trusted my gut and went for it.
What was your favorite place that you traveled to or an activity you did while abroad?
My favorite place that I visited while studying abroad was London. I took a weekend trip and fell in love while I was there. I loved the fast pace yet elegance that the city takes on. I loved the ease of transportation and the amount of free activities there were to do. If I could, I would have a second study abroad trip and live in London.
How do you think the intersections of your identities and values impacted your study abroad experience? Do you have any tips to share with future study abroad students?
My Latina heritage and having the privilege to see my parent's home countries (El Salvador and Mexico) both shaped my identity and gave me an insight into traveling to a country with a different culture. I applied this to my Italian study abroad by not only relating to their culture with my own but also being able to understand what actions were not acceptable. Things like speaking in English to the locals, but rather asking first if they speak English and also learning Italian. Just those two things go a long way. I would advise future study abroad students to be open to change. Things like cultural norms and boundaries are often pushed into an uncomfortable zone and you might feel awkward but the faster you embrace the culture and change the easier it will be for you to enjoy your study abroad.
What do you wish you knew before you studied abroad?
How fast it can pass you by. I blinked and before I knew it I was coming home. I would have appreciated my time in Italy more if I knew how fast everything came to an end.
