My first week studying abroad at John Cabot University was interesting, new, and unique. From seeing beautiful buildings with great architecture to missing home and feeling homesick, I experienced many things. I met so many new people in such a short period of time, filled out so many pieces of paperwork, and experienced severe jet lag. Besides the busyness of my first week abroad, it was very different from what I was used to from my home school in America. Instead of being surrounded by people I had known and grown with for years, I was now surrounded by people who I had never met before in a city that I had never traveled to.
A New Experience
When I arrived in Italy it was challenging for me as I had never experienced being in a place so far from home and away from the people I knew and loved. There were times where I felt very homesick and missed certain things from home. The unfamiliarity with the new environment that I was in was difficult to adapt to at first. However, this unfamiliarity progressively changed into a strong sense of belonging as I began to learn my way through the large city of Rome.
Christina Gambrell at the Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy
Facing Challenges
During my first week abroad, I faced various challenges like navigating through the city and feeling homesick. Instead of avoiding these challenges, I decided to face them by stepping outside of my comfort zone. I decided to meet, talk, and engage with other people and this made me feel more comfortable with the new environment that I was in. I learned how to use public transportation for the first time and tried many amazing foods. At first, certain things like walking through the city and meeting new people was intimidating. However, as I stepped outside of my comfort zone, I progressively became more comfortable in my new
environment.
Fontana dell'Acqua Paola in Rome, Italy
Stepping Out of my Comfort Zone
Stepping outside of my comfort zone was very helpful to me during my first week
abroad because I was able to see how much I was capable of doing in a new place. Because I
stepped outside of my comfort zone by talking to new people, engaging in new activities, and
trying new things, I am now more aware of who I am and what I can accomplish. I now know
that I can handle many challenges that may appear to be insurmountable at first and I can face
various challenges that help me to think critically.
Are you strongly considering an American university in Italy?
Be sure to contact John Cabot University today!
