Studying Abroad In Italy
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Studying Abroad In Italy

Expectations vs. reality.

15
Studying Abroad In Italy
Mary Murphy

If you ever get the chance to study abroad anywhere during your college career, do it! I know how cliché it is to say how life changing it is, but it truly did change my life for the better. While I may be biased, I suggest that you study abroad in Italy. After living and studying in Florence, Italy for four months I can tell you it is an experience you will never forget.

Expectation #1) The food there is amazing!

Reality--the food there really is amazing! Never in my life have I had food that tasted so good. Everything is made with fresh, natural ingredients. The only downside to this is in returning back to America your stomach suddenly recognizes all the preservatives used in food here and will be upset when first putting it back into your system.

Expectation #2) I need to know Italian

Reality--if you know English you’ll be just fine! I went to Italy not knowing a lick of Italian. I suggest looking over basic phrases before you go; I just learned them as I was there. But most likely you are studying somewhere in Italy that is heavy in tourist traffic, which means most of the Italians in the area will know some (or a lot) of English. So if you’re not fluent in Italian, don’t worry!

Expectation #3) You’ll find gelato somewhere

Reality--you will find gelato everywhere! Have you ever been to New York City? You know how there’s a Starbucks on every block? Well that’s exactly what it’s like to be in Italy, except with gelato shops! A trick of the trade is if its gelato stacked high in the case, it really isn’t that good. Try to look for places where the gelato can’t be seen as easily or is even covered; they’ll taste much better!

Expectation #4) All Italians are going to be warm and welcoming

Reality--some will be, but most will not. Italian culture is very different than ours here in America. You will suddenly realize how much customer service we have in restaurants and stores once you go to Italy and rarely see it. While it may seem abrasive at first, you just have to remind yourself that these are merely cultural differences and not the people trying to be rude.

Expectation #5) I’m going to gain weight eating all that Italian food

Reality--I lost about 10 pounds while abroad in Italy. Yes, the food there is filled with carbs, but you walk everywhere! I rarely used transportation, other than the train for long trips, so I really got those 10,000 recommended daily steps in. As long as you don’t take a taxi or bus every time you leave your apartment, I wouldn’t worry too much about gaining weight. Enjoy the amazing food available to you and if you’re really worried about it, hit the gym there or when you’re back home.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

38889
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

23371
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

949684
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

127577
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments