Italy: Zena Chaban
Program: Santa Reparata International School of Art (SRISA), Spring
Major: Political Science and Legal Studies
How did your identities impact your experience? What advice would you give to students with similar identities who are considering a similar experience?
Having parents from Ukraine made my experience studying abroad especially meaningful. Being in Europe felt like a way to connect more closely with my family’s background and cultural roots. It gave me a deeper appreciation for where my family comes from and made the experience more personal than just travel. For students with similar backgrounds, I would encourage you to lean into that connection. Take time to explore places that relate to your heritage, ask questions, and learn more about your culture firsthand. At the same time, stay open to experiencing new cultures beyond your own, as those moments can be just as impactful. Studying abroad is a unique chance to both understand your identity more deeply and expand it.
What challenges or barriers did you face as you prepared to go abroad and/or during your time abroad? How did you work through them?
One of the biggest challenges I faced was being so far away from my family. It was difficult at times not having my usual support system nearby, especially while adjusting to a new environment. To work through this, I made an effort to stay connected through regular calls and messages, which helped me feel grounded. At the same time, I pushed myself to build a new support system abroad by forming friendships and getting involved in my surroundings. Over time, this helped me become more independent and confident in navigating unfamiliar situations on my own.
I realized that there isn’t just one “normal.” People live, communicate, and think in incredibly different ways. This experience helped me become more open-minded and adaptable, and it gave me a deeper appreciation for connecting with people even when there are language barriers.
What is your advice for someone considering your program?
My biggest advice is simple: do it. Studying abroad can feel intimidating at first, but it’s an incredibly rewarding experience. It pushes you out of your comfort zone, helps you grow in ways you don’t expect, and gives you the chance to see the world from new perspectives. Even the challenging moments are worth it, because they’re part of what makes the experience so impactful.
