On my first morning studying abroad, I had no idea what I was getting into. I walked into class unsure of what to expect—and quickly realized this was going to be a completely different kind of academic experience. My classmates were a mix of local college students and adults from all over the world, and the professor spoke only Italian. At first, it was overwhelming trying to keep up with the fast-paced teaching style and navigating the language barrier during group work. But as the days went on, we became more comfortable and confident in our abilities—and we figured it out together!
That kind of real-world, immersive exposure helped me learn more Italian in a few weeks than I had in several semesters of classroom study. I highly recommend this kind of immersion to anyone trying to grasp a foreign language. What surprised me most, though, was how much I learned about cultures beyond just Italy.
Because my class was so diverse, I was constantly exposed to different worldviews, traditions, and ways of thinking. One group project might pair me with students from Japan, Brazil, and Germany. Suddenly, we weren’t just learning about Italian culture—we were discussing the differences in education, art, and daily life in each of our home countries. Those cross-cultural conversations taught me as much as any lecture ever could.
Even the university building felt different. Instead of a typical campus, our classroom had a view of the Duomo right outside the window. Afternoons often meant learning on the move: we visited churches, museums, artisan shops, castles, and went on unforgettable day trips. Each outing brought history and culture to life in a way textbooks simply can’t.
Overall, the experience was far more immersive, engaging, and inspiring than any education I’ve had in the U.S. I didn’t just learn about Italy—I got a crash course in the world. This past month was truly the experience of a lifetime!
