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.

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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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