As my study abroad experience is approaching closely, I am looking forward to the opportunities that I will be afforded during my time in Italy. As I have grown in my Italian education over the past years of studying in the classroom, I feel as though being in Italy will provide me with an entirely different academic experience. Through living and using the language every day, I hope that the immersive experience will challenge me to grow my Italian language skills beyond what can be taught in the classroom. I hope to get a better understanding of facial expressions, gestures, and the important common phrases for Italians today.
I also expect that being immersed in the culture will teach me more than the readings I have done about it. The opportunity to talk with Italians about their daily lives, explorations, and what they feel is important within their culture will provide me with the knowledge that I feel can be lost in readings. In addition, seeing art and architecture, tasting food and drink, and hearing how Italians talk with one another will be an experience that you cannot have in a classroom. My goal while abroad is to grow my ability to speak, and my vocabulary, and to actually experience the culture rather than just learning about it. I hope to learn about the way the country functions and specifically find out information about their history or their economy through our culture classes.
During this time abroad, I hope that I will not only grow academically but also individually. This experience will teach me about independence, communication, and to truly take in every experience to the fullest. I have never left the country before and am excited to see what life outside of the United States is like. I am open to learning about the culture of Italy, the culture of other students whom we may encounter, and I look forward to this opportunity for self-growth. My hope is that this experience will not only teach me about the Italian culture but that it will teach me a lot about myself and my ability to interact with differing cultures. I hope I grow academically and become a more well-rounded individual.