Italy: Amir Castillo Cano
Program: UW in Florence, Spring
Amir’s Major: Political Science
What is your most memorable experience from your program?
My most memorable experience from my program was the extracurricular day trips that CET organized for us. It was a chance to learn more about Italian culture outside of a classroom, with trips organized to cities outside of Florence. For example, in Bologna, we learned how to make authentic fresh pastas from hand, making tortellini and tagliatelle, which are specialties of Bologna and the region of Emilia Romagna. We also explored and learned more about the history of the city. These day trips allowed us to learn more about cities and regions outside of Florence and Tuscany, as it helps one see the many differences between the different regions of Italy.
Be open-minded. Open to different ideas and perspectives, especially given the fact that you are visiting an entirely new country with a different culture.
What did you learn about yourself or the world because of your experience?
Living outside the U.S. for several months really makes you learn more about yourself and the world. Having always lived in the U.S., suddenly living in a new country reveals many new things about the world that you wouldn’t have learned about had you not left the United States. They range from the practical to the more cultural. For example, it’s common to not have drying machines at home, meaning you have to hang dry everything. You learn how to use the extensive public transportation that European cities often offer, or you just walk everywhere. You learn how to communicate with others despite perhaps not knowing the same language. Hearing several different languages during the day is a much more common experience in Europe than in the United States. This experience also really demonstrates how different cultures can be from one another. For example, it’s common in Italy for restaurants and businesses to close for a couple of hours in the middle of day, as meals are an important time of the day for Italians.
How were your program academics similar or different from taking classes at UW-Madison?
I plan to be an immigration attorney in the future and I know that my experience abroad will help and be of benefit to me in my future endeavors. While studying abroad, one comes across many different people who have different cultures, experiences, and speak different languages. Studying abroad has also allowed me to participate and live in a culture that is different than my own. Given that I am likely to interact with others who have different cultures and experiences than me during my planned career, this experience has allowed me to chance to do this interaction beforehand. It has allowed me to learn more about other parts of the world, to learn more about how to communicate with others, and to be more empathetic through understanding.
What is your advice for someone considering your program?
Be open-minded. Open to different ideas and perspectives, especially given the fact that you are visiting an entirely new country with a different culture. This also applies to being open to new experiences. Try things that you wouldn’t have the chance to do in the United States. CET organized many extracurricular and cultural activities for students to participate in and engage more with the locals. I would also advise that you explore the country you are studying in. I knew many people who travelled outside of Italy almost every weekend, which although is not bad, exploring the country you are studying in is also important. Italy is a very diverse country, with large differences existing between the different regions. There are so many places in Italy (Milan, Venice, Naples, Cagliari, Palermo, Cinque Terre, etc.) that you don’t want to miss out on. Plus it’s cheaper than flying out every weekend.