Italy: James Pease (Home Away From Home in Milan)

Program: IES Milan Business Studies, Fall

Since arriving in Milan, one place that has become home and where I need to start my day has been the café. When in the United States, whether at school or home, coffee is never a part of my morning routine. However, I have been influenced by Italians and their completely different approach to breakfast. In the US, I will usually eat a breakfast that consists of eggs, sausage or bacon, and toast. Meanwhile, in Milan and Italy in general, breakfast, or “colazione,” consists of a brioche and café, a croissant and coffee. I have never been a fan of coffee in the morning and never felt the need to have it to start my day, yet in Milan it’s a culture, and I began trying it.

Going to the café to grab an espresso or cappuccino is a way to connect with others during coffee chats while also relaxing and making sure you are ready to start the day. One example of this is the coffee chats I have every day just before noon at my internship. During this brief time, my coworkers and I will venture to the break room to have an espresso and quickly debrief. This exemplifies the extraordinary camaraderie and close relationship-building I’ve experienced at my internship.