INTRODUCTION
If you ever thought about studying abroad this is your sign to do it. Studying abroad has changed our lives forever and is one of the most rewarding choices we have ever made. Studying abroad offers a unique opportunity to gain a global perspective, experience different cultures, and build a diverse network of connections. It enhances language skills, boosts independence, and fosters personal growth by pushing you out of your comfort zone. Beyond academics, it’s a chance to explore new cultures, travel, and enjoy unforgettable life experiences that shape who you are and how you see the world.
THE FOOD
One of the best ways to connect with a new culture is through food. In Italy, meals are experiences. Meals are more than just eating, they’re a chance to slow down, connect, and truly experience the local way of life. Every bite of handmade pasta, fresh mozzarella, or gelato is amazing. But no matter where you go, trying local food teaches you about tradition, community, and even history. Trying local food helps you understand a place on a deeper level. It’s a way to learn, to connect, and to create memories that stick long after the meal is over. Experiencing this food in each new country was definitely one of my favorite parts.
LEARNING
Although you learn a lot in your classes, real education happens outside of school. When you’re surrounded by a different culture you are challenged to navigate new cities, speaking a new language, figuring out public transportation, and even simple things like grocery shopping. You grow in ways you never expected, and you build a sense of confidence and independence that you didn’t even know you had in you. You start trusting yourself more, making decisions on your own, and stepping outside your comfort zone without hesitation. Even outside of the classroom every day brings a new opportunity to learn, adapt, and grow.
MAKING MEMORIES
Studying abroad means you’re not just visiting a new country, but you are living in one. You become part of the community, and weekends turn into mini adventures. From Florence, for example, we’ve taken trips to Rome, Venice, and even other countries like Tenerife and Switzerland—all within a few months. We have collected memories from all over the world that we will take with us for the rest of our lives and for the future. You get to experience more than you could ever imagine within four months. From traveling every weekend to staying in Florence during the weeks, there is so much to see and do.
MAKING CONNECTIONS
Whether it’s new friends from around the world or bonding deeper with people you already know, studying abroad brings people together in such a unique way. You experience highs, lows, and everything in between with others who are going through the same thing. Even your teachers or school friends that you didn’t realize would become such a big part of your life. Some of your favorite memories might come from late-night walks to get gelato, weekend trips, or just hanging out in the streets of Florence. Each person you meet on this journey becomes such a major part of your life and you cannot trade that experience for anything.
CONCLUSION
It’s not always easy. You’ll feel homesick and miss your family, friends, or even your pets. You’ll probably miss a train or two and think it’s the end of the world. But you’ll also grow. You’ll learn so much, explore new places, and most importantly you will experience the greatest thing of all which is making memories with your best friends. You’ll return home with a love for countries you never imagined visiting, with stories to tell, and with a new sense of confidence you didn’t know you had. And above all, you’ll have memories that’ll stay with you forever, shaping who you are for the rest of your life.
So, if you are deciding to go abroad take it from us, who just experienced the best four months of our lives and do it!