I have been dreaming of this my whole life. In high school, I used to beg my parents to send me on an exchange program. It feels like I waited an eternity for everything to finally fall into place so I could go abroad and I would wait forever just to do it all again. Take it from me: this is the experience of a lifetime, and it will never be replicated quite the same way. With that being said, here’s everything I learned…
Meet people spontaneously!
I know the urge to connect with future classmates and roommates online before you leave; Instagram, Facebook groups, all of it. But try to hold off. Go in blind. Don’t stalk your future roommates beforehand; let those first impressions happen in person. It’s okay to be nervous or scared of the unknown. It is incredibly rewarding to meet that one person, instantly click, and know you’ve made a lifelong friend.
Two of my roommates and I went on a day trip on our first weekend in Italy. We booked a tour to Cinque Terre through Smart Trips, and on the bus, three other girls sat down next to us. We started talking and realized we were in the same program. From that day forward, we were inseparable. Every weekend trip, late-night kebab run, study session, last-minute shopping trip, brunch, aperitivo, and afternoon workout included each other and wouldn’t have been the same without them.
Remind yourself how lucky you are.
It’s easy to feel down when you’re far from home in an unfamiliar country, especially with a language barrier. But don’t lose sight of all the hard work that brought you here, and how many people would give anything to stand in your shoes. Homesickness happens, and so do off-days. It’s okay. Take time to do things alone that recharge you and bring you peace. Mental clarity is the key to enjoying these months without missing out on the memories happening around you.
One of my roommates would remind me weekly how many days we had left. It was bittersweet, but it also gave me perspective: this won’t last forever. Take advantage of every opportunity while you still can.
Stray from the beaten path.
Make an effort to find the restaurants, clubs, bars, and cafés that everyone doesn’t talk about. Florence, and many cities around the world are full of rich history, yet countless local families and artisans are being pushed out by globalization. Support them when you can. Try local restaurants and post about them. Buy handmade goods; bags, shoes, jewelry, anything. These items will mean so much more when they have a real story behind them.
I had a custom ring made by a local artisan in Santo Spirito, engraved with the coordinates of where I lived during my stay. I will cherish it forever.
Practice kindness.
This may sound obvious, but traveling exposes you to new experiences, people, foods, and lifestyles. Lead with an open mind and an open heart. Don’t be the person making faces at unfamiliar foods or giving rude looks to people trying to introduce themselves. It’s everyone’s first time living, too. We have so much to learn from each other’s cultures and stories.
My first hostel experience was in Barcelona, and I was nervous. It was a packed mixed-gender room, and I felt overwhelmed, but I ended up meeting so many people. I talked to a law student from Africa, a PhD student from the Czech Republic, high schoolers from Germany, a man traveling solo from England, and several others. We exchanged stories, asked questions, and bonded over curiosity. You’ll quickly realize that people want to know about your life, whether it’s really like the movies. Stay humble and respectful, and you might make friends in countries you never imagined… friends who give you an excuse to visit someday.
Wherever you are and whoever you’re with, make the most of it.
Time is limited, and you never know what tomorrow will bring. Soak up every moment. Be a villager, surround yourself with a full, happy, healthy village of people and let yourself grow through every experience.
Written By: Kirsten Amendola, Sophia Lloyd, Angelo Celli, Ryan Alexander