Italy: Kaylee Griep

Program: Santa Reparata International School of Art (SRISA), Spring

Kaylee’s Major: Journalism

What is your most memorable experience from your program?

When I reflect on my time abroad, the most memorable moment wasn’t at the famous, iconic landmarks like the Duomo or while watching sunsets over the Arno. It happened in my Discover Florence class, at Barsanti Middle School in Isolotto, a small suburb outside Florence, Italy. In a classroom filled with curious, bright-eyed eleven- and twelve-year-olds, I learned a lesson more profound than any textbook could offer: despite different languages, customs, and countries, the things that connect us are stronger than what divides us. I arrived expecting a formal, maybe awkward, day of polite classroom exchanges. Instead, I was welcomed with beaming smiles and endless curiosity. Assigned to a group of middle school boys, I quickly found that language wasn’t a barrier but a bridge. We played an impromptu game of charades, teaching each other English and Italian words with laughter and enthusiasm. Understanding, I realized, didn’t require perfect grammar, but rather just a willingness to connect. Simple questions revealed big cultural differences and surprising similarities. While in the U.S., sports like football and volleyball dominate, these students rattled off tennis, kickboxing, and of course, soccer. They weren’t just bilingual, rather, they were studying four languages, embracing a global perspective from an early age. Leaving that day, I realized the most powerful lessons abroad don’t come from seeing beautiful places, but from stepping into someone else’s world. In that small, vibrant classroom, I understood that curiosity, laughter, and the need to belong are universal, and they’re stronger than any language or cultural divide. At Barsanti, I didn’t just learn about the world. I became part of it.

What is a custom, food or tradition from your host country that you are taking forward?

One of the traditions from my time in Italy that I’m taking forward is the ritual of the Italian aperitivo. This tradition, where friends gather before dinner to enjoy small appetizers and drinks, represents much more than just a meal. Apertivo is about connection, slowing down, and taking time to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. The aperitivo has taught me the value of being present and savoring moments with others, and I plan to carry that practice with me into my everyday life. Another lasting influence is the appreciation for fresh, local ingredients and meals that are thoughtfully prepared. I’ll never forget visiting the Mercato Centrale in Florence, where every vendor proudly displayed vibrant fruits, vegetables, and freshly made cheeses. I remember one morning, picking out tomatoes so ripe they seemed to burst with flavor, and meeting the farmer who had grown them. From that day forward, I learned to value quality over convenience, and that’s something I’m applying not just to food but to my lifestyle in general. I’ve come to value simplicity in meals, savoring each bite and being mindful of where the food comes from. Whether I’m cooking for myself or sharing a meal with friends, I will always prioritize fresh, local ingredients, just as I saw in Florence. I’ll always remember the joy of enjoying a slow, multi-course meal with friends, taking the time to talk, laugh, and connect. This is something I hope to recreate in my own life, no matter where I am.

What is your advice for someone considering your program?

If you’re considering studying abroad, my advice is simple: absolutely do it. Be open to everything. Say yes to the unfamiliar. Chase the experiences that scare you a little. Especially if it scares you, because those are the ones that will change you the most. Moving to a new country can feel overwhelming at first. Everything, from the language to the rhythm of daily life, will feel different. However, it’s in those moments of uncertainty and discomfort that you grow in ways you never imagined. I’ll never forget my first week in Florence. I ordered a cappuccino for the first time at a small café, stumbling over my words and laughing along with the barista as I tried again. What felt intimidating at first turned into one of my favorite daily rituals. I started getting coffee at the same place every morning, slowly becoming friends with the people there. With each small moment like that, I became more confident, more curious, and more at home. The Italian way of life is beautifully different from the American pace. It’s slower, more intentional, and more rooted in connection. Allow yourself to fully immerse in it. Linger over a meal. Get lost in a winding street. Start a conversation, even if your words aren’t perfect. I used to love the fast pace of life in America, until I let myself experience something different. Now, I see the world in a whole new light, and I carry that slower, more intentional way of living with me wherever I go. The more you let go of what you think life should look like, the more you’ll discover: about yourself, about others, and about the incredible, complicated, beautiful world we all share. Studying abroad isn’t just about seeing new places; rather, it’s about becoming a new version of yourself, one that is braver, wiser, and endlessly open to the magic that lives just beyond your comfort zone.