Our Stories…
What began as a study abroad experience became one of the most transformative chapters of my life.
By: Sophia Walsh
While I have always been independent, this 7.5 week long experience pushed me beyond anything I had ever known. I applied to study abroad in Florence because I wanted to learn in a new country, immerse myself in another culture, travel to places I had only seen in pictures, and, admittedly, because everyone says studying abroad is something you should do if you have the opportunity. What I did not expect was how much I would learn about myself along the way.
My flight to Zurich, Switzerland was just the beginning. Before arriving in Florence for my studies, I solo traveled by train to five different cities in five days, exploring Switzerland and Northern Italy. However, being alone in a foreign country was both exhilarating and overwhelming. There were moments when I sat on trains, walked unfamiliar streets, and ate meals by myself wondering if I had made the right decision. Everything felt new and not exactly comfortable at first. The language, the routines, the people, and the constant need to figure things out on my own was hard to adjust to. It would have been easier to travel with a close friend and go right to Florence instead of travelling before, but each challenge forced me to become more confident, adaptable, and independent than I had ever been before.
Over the past two months, I have visited countless new places, met incredible people from near and far, and said yes to experiences that once felt intimidating. Some days I felt confident and adventurous; other days I felt homesick and uncertain. Yet those moments of discomfort became my biggest moments of growth.
So here is my message to the next traveler: Start the conversation, take the chance, say yes to everything, do the thing that intimidates you, and most importantly, be where your feet are. Do it scared. Do it alone. Do it for yourself. Do it and make yourself proud!
Finding Myself in Florence.
By: Brigid Danaher
I always knew I wanted to travel, I just never knew what that was going to look like. I talked to my advisor about studying abroad for a semester, but because of my schedule, it didn’t seem like it was in the cards. She mentioned a summer program, but I remember being a little turned off by the idea. None of my friends were going abroad, and I had never traveled that far alone. For those reasons, and so many others, I was honestly leaning toward staying home and working for the summer. Looking back, I can’t believe I almost didn’t do this experience. After a hard semester, I applied to the program hoping for a change. I felt like I needed to get away, challenge myself, and experience something new. This experience has been exactly what I needed. Not only have I been able to experience new cultures, places, and people, but I’ve also noticed such a change in myself. I’ve always been independent, but this experience challenged me in ways I never expected. I’ve grown even more confident in my independence and learned to trust myself while also opening up to people who were complete strangers before this trip. I’ve tried different foods, talked to people from all over the world, and visited places I never would have imagined going before. Honestly, this whole experience feels like a dream that I don’t think I’ll ever be ready to wake up from. I will never forget the memories, friendships, and experiences I’ve made over these past six weeks, and I know they will stay with me for life.
The Best Decision I Almost Didn’t Make.
By Stephanie Bilsky
I went back and forth a lot during my Sophomore year a lot deciding whether I wanted to study abroad or not. I was very nervous to do a program where I didn’t have any friends also doing it. I took a risk and decided to sign up for the ISI summer program. I was going to be traveling alone internationally, which was something that was new to me. Looking back now, I think it’s crazy I even debated coming abroad. This has been the best and most fulfilling experience of my life. I’ve met so many amazing people, seen so many great sights, tried food I never thought I would’ve, and learned so much while immersing myself in new cultures. In my time here I’ve visited so many new countries that I would’ve never even think to go to. I am so glad that I got this experience and my best advice to anyone is to just got for it! You never know what you will get from new experiences. Going back to Penn State in the fall, I feel like a way more worldly and cultured student than previously. Study abroad!!
Everything I Dreamed of and More.
By Emily Bonivita
For as long as I can remember, studying abroad was a big dream of mine. I didn’t know where I was going or when I was going, but I knew that I was going to do it. At the start of my sophomore year, I had to start considering my options. I wanted to do a semester, but I also did not want to give up a full semester at Penn State. Ultimately, I decided that the best option was for me to do the 6 week summer program. I signed up not knowing anyone and I was so nervous but I knew that this was something I had to do even if I was terrified. May rolled around and the thing that I had been talking about for years was happening in a few days. Something that had seemed so far away was about to take place and that was so hard to comprehend. I felt so guilty for feeling scared and nervous because this was something I was so set on. I wish I could tell myself 6 weeks ago that studying abroad would exceed the expectations I had set for it. I met some of the best people, explored some of the coolest places, and most importantly I fell in love with Florence. What was once fear, turned into dread because I really don’t want to leave this city. This experience has taught me so much about myself and it was truly everything I dreamed of since I was younger. To the students that are scared to study abroad, do it scared, do it nervous, do it excited. It will be the best time of your life!
Thank you Florence and ISI, for giving us the most amazing opportunity!💌🇮🇹#studyabroadlife #studyabroad #florence #isiflorence #italy By: Sophia, Brigid, Steph, and Emily
By: Emily Bonivita, Sophia Walsh, Brigid Danaher, Stephanie Bilsky