Upon my return home, I have noted differences from Italy. One difference is not having to pay tolls every time I drive. When my group was riding our bus to different locations, the driver had to pay tolls to get on and off the highways. I have rarely seen tolls where I live in Indiana, so this difference has made me appreciate our road systems. I have also been hungrier between meals in the States because I am not having 2-3 courses every meal. Flying into the United States also felt good because even though the trip was amazing, I missed my friends and family and was ready to get to work on my internship and summer classes.
I do feel changed from this trip. I have learned that meals are a great time to connect with others instead of just a time to fill my stomach. I don’t think I will have two-hour meals like I did in Italy, but I will be more intentional in sharing meals with others. I am also interested in the quality of food in Italy. Americans and Italians eat the same amount of food, but we can seem more unhealthy on this side of the pond because the food we eat is heavily processed junk. I want to be more intentional about the food I eat.
My advice for future study abroad students is to put down the phone and experience. It is so easy to enjoy meals and excursions, then go right back to your phone. This trip is a great opportunity to learn not only in the location you are in, but also about the people you are with. Make the most of it!