CIS Abroad Blog

Expanding my Independence: Summer in Italy

My name is Isabella Perez. I'm a business management and international business major at the University of San Francisco. I went on the Summer on the Italian Coast program in Sorrento, Italy. I chose CIS Abroad because I wanted to immerse myself in a different culture.

Throughout my summer in Sorrento, I became more independent much faster than I had anticipated. One of my goals was to expand my independence but I did not think I could grow so much over a short five week program. Initially before coming to Sorrento, I never thought I would do anything on my own since I am so used to being around people at college. In the United States, I am constantly completing my tasks with others so during my time in Italy, it was important to me that I could learn to be comfortable doing things on my own, big and small.

To accomplish this goal, I started by incorporating small tasks that I could complete independently. The first one being grocery shopping on my own at a supermarket in Sorrento. Although I was a little bit nervous initially, once I was in the store looking around, I felt more at ease. Afterwards, I felt proud of myself for challenging myself to do something on my own in a different country.

AA_Isabella Perez_Positano_Summer 2024
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Positano

I continued this process of developing my independence by slowly increasing the amount of solo activities into my time abroad. Another memorable solo adventure I went on was a day trip to Positano. Prior to leaving, I researched the bus route to get there, where I wanted to go in the town, and how I would get back. I learned that it is important to be well informed and have a plan before going somewhere especially when there is a language barrier. I did not expect myself to feel so excited to go on this day trip independently since I thought I would feel nervous. By the end of the day, I was proud of myself for completing my first solo day trip abroad and felt excited to go on another one.

Capri

Lastly, another solo day trip I went on was Capri. This was towards the end of my program in Sorrento but was definitely one of my favorite days of the trip. After my day trip to Positano, I learned about the importance of having a plan so before going to Capri I did some research on the best sights to see and how to get around. By taking the time to be well informed, I was able to maximize my time on the island.

Although expanding my independence abroad seemed overwhelming or nerve wracking at times, I am so happy that I pushed myself outside of my comfort zone. These independence growing experiences have allowed me to feel more comfortable doing things on my own back in the United States. I look forward to utilizing these independence skills as I enter my 20s and hopefully solo travel one day. I also feel inspired to continue expanding my independence skills and grow as an individual overall. I am so grateful for this opportunity to study abroad over the summer in Sorrento because without it, I would not have grown as an independent person so quickly.

 
 

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While studying in Tokyo for a semester, I aimed to live by the quote: "Life begins at the end of your comfort zone." Because of that, I have gotten to experience incredibly fascinating things and meet amazing people. Tokyo almost feels like a second home to me now. I am immensely thankful for the opportunity to have experienced the beauty of Japan and its rich culture.
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Based on personal experience from my home university, Australia does not tend to be a popular destination for study abroad, likely due to its distance. However, I am extremely grateful I made the decision to come here. The geographical diversity, numerous cultural representations, and major cities so close to nature make Australia a truly unique and unforgettable country. Spending three and a half months here will be an experience I treasure for the rest of my life.

Joshua Grossman
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CIS provided a brilliant network of people so I never felt alone, and everyday was a new adventure. I got to explore a place completely different from anything I could have imagined. It was challenging navigating a new culture, a language I didn't know completely, and a new environment, but that was the beauty of it all. No one goes abroad searching for comfort, but you learn that comfort can be found anywhere, if you know how to look.
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Studying abroad has allowed me to grow as a person. I have conquered fears, experienced new things, tried new foods, and met wonderful people who helped make my experience unforgettable. I am more confident in myself and the person that I want to be in the future.
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Studying abroad in London has been an experience I will never forget. Living in a new country is something I think everyone should experience in their life. I've made so many new life long friendships I never would have unless I came here. I've also grown so much as a person and become more independent. The CIS team has been so supportive during the whole process. From applying to my program to arriving on campus in London. My site directors have been so helpful and supportive answering any questions I have. The social program activities were amazing and helped me see a different side of London than I would have without it. I will never forget this experience; it really has changed me for the better.
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Unlike many people on this trip who come with the intention of being a tourist, I feel like I had a different goal. I wanted to rediscover my culture and where I belonged. Being a hafu living in America and not fluent in Japanese, I was never really able to get in touch with my Japanese heritage. This trip completely changed that and I now have a goal of one day living in Japan for the rest of my life.
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The CIS program was truly a one of a kind experience. I was able to meet many students from all across America, attend several events (such as food tours or a trip to Kyoto), and make many friends. I would not trade it for anything. I am thankful I decided to study with CIS Abroad. Before this, I was thinking about just plowing through my degree, getting my master's and PhD, and immediately entering society. However, this experience changed my life. Through meeting many people from many places, and living in a new area for an extended period of time, my view of my own philosophies, culture and place of living, changed. This would not have happened if I stayed in the States. I would say if you are able to go, you should go. There is no time like the present.
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This past month I spent my time studying abroad in Sorrento, Italy with CIS Abroad. The opportunity of being able to study in Italy was a dream come true! From my peers in the program to Frankie and Kayla, everyone has been so open and welcoming. CIS has done any amazing job making sure I felt prepared for my travels and was available to answer my many questions. Without CIS, this opportunity would have seemed like a dream, but they helped me turn it into a reality. I have met some amazing friends and grown into a better person during my time in Sorrento!
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