As I sat on the plane awaiting takeoff from the Milan airport, my senses were being assaulted. Although there is a popular stereotype of the Italian culture and language being loud and expressive, it is no comparison to a plane full of chatty Americans aboard a morning flight. I went from only hearing Italian for three months (which I could only understand bits and pieces of) to intaking and understanding all the speech swirling around me. There was a rowdy hockey team returning to the states, and it felt as though the flight attendants were yelling. Although I’m sure everyone was speaking at what was considered “normal” volume here in America, it felt overwhelming, to say the least.
As I flew back I reflected on how one doesn’t truly appreaciate the impact a place has had on them until they leave it. During the eight hour flight I felt a raw sort of sadness knowing that I couldn’t take a tram to greet the baristas at my favorite cafe and get a warm tarte tatin and a caffé. I wouldn’t pass by the Duomo on the way to run errands. I could no longer take a €40 flight to Paris or a €20 bus to Lugano, Switzerland. Living abroad was adventure to the fullest, every day. Everyday presented the opportunity to be exposed to something new, whether that be a food, cultural practice, or a country. It was a pace of life that I thrived in and loved.
As I return to the United States and my final year of school, I want to go in with a set of intentions: to pursue new experiences and cultural exposure within my own community at UA. I look forward to getting more connected to the study abroad office to help other students experience the incredible opportunity of stepping into a space where you are not the majority, to be an outsider, and to truly learn what it is to not only observe but be immersed in a new cultural dimension. Studying abroad was an experience that has forever shaped me to be a more curious, compassionate person. It taught me to not be quick to jump to conclusions but to take careful measures to slow down and learn how to make each new experience or moment of discomfort a learning experience.
