Ever since I went on my first college tour, I have always wanted to study abroad. I would comb through the Facebook albums of my older friends in awe of the places that they had traveled to and studied in. They all looked like they were having the time of their lives and now I am too.
Getting to not only take the same boring classes that I would be taking at Fairfield in Connecticut, but also having the opportunity to live in Italy is the biggest blessing that I have ever been given. I am so thankful for having such amazing parents who were excited for me. While I do miss home, I don't know how anything that I'll ever do again in my life will ever compare to the opportunity that I was given.
Walking to class in Florence, I walk by giant cathedrals and statues on the way that were here for hundreds of years. The city is magical and beautiful, and there is always something new to discover. My art history class involves class trips to the oldest bridge in Italy; not just sitting in a lecture room. I have the opportunity to go to a new country every weekend if I want — and if my bank account allows it — and don't even get me started about the food. Wine is cheaper than water and I don't know if I will ever be able to eat ice cream again after gelato.
Even though I am technically here to study, I can't help but feel like I'm on one giant vacation. When else in my life will I ever be able to go to Venice on a day trip or have Oktoberfest be a bus ride away? I am trying to memorize every day and every moment because I never want to forget one part of these three and half months. Although it's only been four weeks, I'm already looking at the world with new eyes and a new appreciation for everything that exists in the world. Before I came here, I had left the country a handful of times on vacation. However, I had never really experienced another culture or another way of life, and was totally immersed in my American life. While there's nothing wrong with that, I am going to be so sad when I have to leave.
Don't be scared about studying abroad; don't even think about it. Just go! You will never, ever regret it.
