Italy: Keara Orlando
Program: UW in Florence, Spring
Major: Communication Arts and Information Sciences
What is your most memorable experience from your program?
One of my most memorable experiences from my program was walking into my apartment for the first time and meeting my roommates, who ended up becoming some of my best friends. At the same time, the first week of being in Italy was especially memorable because of the culture shock I experienced, which pushed me out of my comfort zone and made everything feel new and exciting.
What did you learn about yourself or the world because of your experience?
Through my experience, I learned that even just trying to speak Italian goes a long way. People are really appreciative of the effort, even if it is not perfect. I also realized how type A I am at home and how that mindset does not always translate well in a new and unfamiliar environment, where things are more unpredictable. Being in Florence pushed me to become more go with the flow and to let things happen instead of trying to control every detail, which helped me adjust and enjoy the experience more. At the same time, I learned how important it is for me to give myself time to fully reset, since I was constantly with friends or trying to see as much as possible, which can be exciting but also overwhelming.
I pushed myself to go out and do something simple, like going to the grocery store and buying everything I needed, but it felt like a big step because everything was new and unfamiliar. I was so nervous at first, but being able to do it on my own made me feel more confident and independent.
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 away from home for such a long period of time, especially not seeing my parents, who I am very close to. I also felt nervous about not knowing anyone in my program and wondered if I would be able to find my people once I got there. To work through these feelings, I reminded myself that this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and that it was completely normal to feel overwhelmed at first. Once I arrived, I started to realize that things do begin to fall into place, and building a routine helped me feel more comfortable in a new environment. I also found that everyone around me was going through similar emotions, which made it easier to start conversations and form connections.
What is your advice for someone considering your program?
My advice for someone considering this program is to stay on top of your academics because midterms and finals can come up quickly and catch you off guard. I also recommend being intentional with your time in Florence. I traveled almost every weekend, which I do not regret, but I wish I had made more of an effort during the week to fully experience the city and take advantage of everything it has to offer. Lastly, I would suggest doing as many of the activities that CET provides as possible, since they are free, really fun, and a great way to expand your experience and meet new people.