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CIS Abroad Blog

February 7, 2025

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.

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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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Hear what students, interns, and alumni have to say

BOLDLY COMMITTED to providing the best experiences abroad

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.

Kenae Turner

Elizabeth City State University

Semester in Tokyo - Toyo University

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

Coastal Carolina University

Semester on the Gold Coast - Bond University

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.

Alisa Geise

Virginia Commonwealth University

Semester in Costa Rica - Universidad Veritas

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.

Ashlyn Holmes

Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi

Semester on the Gold Coast - Bond University

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.

Katlynn Orloski

Michigan State University

Semester in London - University of Roehampton

Studying abroad changed my life in all of the best ways and CIS Abroad made it all happen!! Through CIS, I was able to make my first friends and integrate into the culture way easier than I would have on my own.

Amy Zochalski

Valparaiso University

Semester in Newcastle - University of Newcastle

My time abroad has been the most eye opening journey and I’m a more independent person because of it. I’m so grateful for all the experiences, friends, and memories I’ve made along the way!

Casey Ferguson

Kean University

Semester in Scotland - Edinburgh Napier University

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.

Dean Handler

University of Central Florida

Summer in Tokyo - J.F. Oberlin University

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.

Lexington Whalen

University of South Carolina - Columbia

Semester in Tokyo - Toyo University

Studying abroad in Japan was lifechanging! Embracing a rich culture, forging international friendships, and gaining valuable insights broadened my perspective, fostering personal growth and unforgettable memories.

Bricen Williams

West Texas A&M University

Semester in Tokyo - Toyo University

I knew I wanted to study abroad, particularly in Japan, because it was on my bucket list. Thanks to CIS, I was able to go to Tokyo! Even now, it is surreal to me that I got to go! I can't put it into words how much fun I had in Tokyo. I enjoyed every second of my time there, from walking around the bustling streets of Shibuya and Shinjuku, to going to class, eating delicious Japanese cuisine, and even going to the convenience store. Even the simplest things were incredibly fun to me. I was initially anxious about being homesick, my Japanese skills and traveling alone, but I'm happy to say that I very quickly made lovely, lifelong friends and was met with nothing but kindness from the locals. I learned not to let my worries get in the way of an opportunity of a lifetime. Thank you, CIS Abroad. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity I had to go to Tokyo.

Sada Chaudhury

Hunter College

Summer in Tokyo - J.F. Oberlin University

During my time in Costa Rica, I took Intermediate Conversation and Cultural Photography at Veritas University. I really enjoyed how relaxed the classes were and how the teachers taught us not only Spanish, but also culture and day-to-day life. I was also involved in the biology lab here (BIOMOL) and had fun doing some lab work every week. I got to explore multiple places with my program, such as Manuel Antonio, Curubandé, and Jaco. I went surfing for the first time and got to hike some amazing trails. I highly recommend traveling to Costa Rica for study abroad; it is a beautiful country with beautiful people and memories to make!

Lauren Adams

William Woods University

Summer in Costa Rica

I took Spanish for Healthcare Professionals and Conflict Resolution & Healthcare at Universidad Veritas in San Jose, Costa Rica. I really enjoyed how interactive my elective class was; the students often led the class by doing presentations on various topics. We also had a field trip to the local school. My favorite part of the study abroad experience was all the weekend trips. It was awesome to see so many different places in the country. My favorite trip was to Tamarindo and Curubande where I got to take a surf lesson and hike to waterfalls.

Faith Johnson

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Summer in Costa Rica

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!

Alana Bergin

University of Alabama - Tuscaloosa

Summer on the Italian Coast

I’ve always wanted to study abroad, even though I was initially very nervous since I had never been over seas before. But even my imagination could never have dreamed of the amazing things I got to see and experience while abroad. I didn’t get to just see all these new places but studying abroad allowed me to have the time to fully submerge myself into so many different cultures. I’ll never forget my time over here and I will forever be grateful I was able to experience studying abroad!

Mary Claire Vaughan

University of Alabama -Tuscaloosa

Semester in London - University of Roehampton

CIS Abroad planned a trip for our group to Orvieto for a weekend. It was one of my favorite things I have done so far. We got to make pasta dough and fully immerse ourselves in Italian family home culture.

Summer Megnia

University of Massachusetts Amherst

Semester in Rome - American University of Rome

I had the opportunity to work with the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources Research and Development Center in Thailand as a veterinary assistant this semester. Their facility here is funded by the royal family of Thailand and is a rehabilitation center for turtles who have become displaced, injured or are in need of surgical procedures (most commonly abscess removals). Thailand is home to 5 of the 7 species of sea turtles: the Olive Ridley, Hawksbill, Green, Loggerhead, and Leatherback! I was lucky enough to perform blood-draws, give injections, restrain, do a series of radiographs, calculate drug doses and assist in an abscess removal during my time here so needless to say I am having a blast and learning lots.

Scout Aulenbach

Berry College

Veterinary Science Semester in Thailand

My Drawing on Location class spends most of our class time outside, learning about local history and drawing our environments, rather than staying in a classroom. My marine biology class took us on a field trip to a turtle rescue center, where we learned about their processes in caring for injured turtles.

Hannah Chan

University of Massachusetts - Amherst

Semester on the Italian Coast - Sant'Anna Institute

CIS Abroad allowed me the opportunity to explore new places and ideas, and make some great friends at the same time! I really enjoyed my time in Japan as it let me explore both new and old aspects of Japanese culture.

Mads Muraoka

Berry College

Summer in Tokyo - J.F. Oberlin University

This was the experience of a lifetime being able to spend a semester in Rome. I’ve had the opportunity to be exposed to many new things, travel to new places, and make lifelong friends!

Corrine Drew

Kean University

Semester in Rome - American University of Rome

Expanding my Independence: Summer in Italy

Positano

Capri

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