Navigating Italy: My Journey of Self-Discovery and Growth Abroad

Student Blogger: Sasha Hill, University of Michigan, Summer on the Italian Coast - Engineering.

From the beginning of my college career, I knew that I wanted to study abroad, so when my college released the CIS Abroad Engineering in Italy opportunity, I made sure I was one of the first people to sign up. Despite the joy I felt when accepted into the Sorrento program, I began my journey abroad with hesitation as it was the first time I ventured off on my own to a foreign country. I worried about my ability to make connections with others, to stay safe & healthy, and the language barrier. However, once in Italy, I pushed my fears aside and challenged myself to get the most out of my short time. This was possible because my biggest fear was missing out due to my traveling insecurities. Since then I’ve come so far as a navigator, an explorer, and as a “socializer”.

I’ve learned that the best way to immerse myself into Italian and just European culture in general was to begin with an idea (a desired location or activity) and just seek that out no matter what the obstacles are. I also sought out differences and would spend my days with people from all over the continent, gaining so many perspectives and insights about the world we shared. By speaking with Europeans, my trips became more of a learning experience that only furthered my appreciation for traveling abroad. Through my study abroad experience, I was able to socialize with locals, explore the sights and tastes, take classes, and participate in an Italian internship. Even with a packed schedule, I had so much time to just partake in the Italian lifestyle. Every morning was filled with opportunities to do something new and now that I’m home I’ve started to miss my daily runs to a bakery for a cornetto and coffee. 

I've taken many lessons from my trip to Italy but here are some values I keep close to my heart. Come to Italy with some Italian in your pocket. It helps a long way in making the locals smile and feel valued. Every interaction becomes so much more pleasant when you throw in a Buongiorno or a Ciao in your greeting. Secondly, keep trying and you'll find your group. As one of very few black students in the program and the city, it was challenging and isolating at first to branch out but I eventually made some good friends. Additionally, I was able to connect locally in Naples (a large metropolitan area of Campania Italy) and make great friends with Italians. The cultural exchanges I received from these relationships made them some of the most rewarding bonds I’ve ever formed. 

If I could, I would immediately do it all over again. However, since I can’t relive the program experience I’ve decided to create my own. As of now I’m currently planning a trip back to Italy for next summer with my partner as it was such an amazing experience. I can’t wait to return to Bel Paese (beautiful country) and reconnect with some of the friends I made along the way.