Studying abroad in Bologna, Italy was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had and I wish every day that I can return. Not only is the country itself beautiful but there were incredible differences between my life abroad and my life here in America.

I went to Italy on my own with no initial friends in my program, but I felt confident figuring out myself once I was there. I experienced a freedom like no other and it was invigorating.

My program included a nine-day trip to Malta and Sicily where the students had an opportunity to all meet each other and explore complex social justice issues. I met some friendly girls who weren’t a part of the group of students that I lived with in my apartment and we became quite close.

Overall, I became really good friends with two of my flat mates, M and J, another student who I didn’t live with, T, and an Italian student who lives in my building, N. Without them, this experience wouldn’t have been the same.

I found myself spending a lot time alone and exploring on my own. I walked throughout the city alone and I also ventured to other cities like Venice and Florence.

Before Italy, I couldn’t imagine traveling on my own. I’ve always been the type of person to need company when I travel but I thought I shouldn’t let being alone stop me from these opportunities.

I tried to take every day one at a time. There were moments when I felt sad to be alone away from families and friends but it also pushed me to socialize and step out of my comfort zone.

As for my usual self, I kept myself busy by taking on an internship with a non profit and volunteering at a local homeless shelter. I met some wonderful people through these two outlets and it was a great experience learning from different perspectives.

I also met people at bars and clubs which was a new experience for me since the legal age in Italy is 18 years old. I enjoyed the experience but I definitely noticed an immediate difference in Italian culture versus American culture.

In Italy, I felt safe. I didn’t feel unwanted advances from men and I didn’t feel like I had to worry about who I was with. The men were friendly and they knew what they wanted, it wasn’t some chase with them. If I wanted to be left alone, they would leave me alone.

Bologna is more progressive than most cities in Italy, so there was always something new to learn while I was there. They have a very open LGBTQ community and the Bologna community itself was always very inviting with all their social justice activities.

I visited many Italian cities including the aforementioned cities of Venice and Florence as well as Rome, Naples, Milan, Syracuse, and Ferraro. Each place had its own unique identity that I fell in love with. The food and wine was great, but I also tried new foods like sushi and falafels.

The architecture in Bologna brought me back in time to the medieval ages and the smells of pizza and warm croissants reminded me that every day was a new day. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience and I hope that one day I can return.

If I can recommend anything to anyone, it would be to study abroad or visit your dream country, especially if you have the chance to do so when you’re young. My life changed after studying abroad and I don’t regret anything I did while I was out there so I hope you can say the same.