Studying abroad is a big transition. It’s an exciting time in your life that you’ll want to take full advantage of. At the same time, it’s also normal to feel a little nervous and wonder what you can expect in your first few weeks abroad.
Your orientation week will help you get settled in so that you can meet new friends and jump into your studies and extracurriculars while getting to know Rome. Read on to learn about a few things you’ll encounter during the first month you spend in Italy.
What to Expect at Orientation
The Orientation Program will help you get settled in housing, give you information on university services, and help you get your bearings on campus. This all occurs in your first week at school. The program will also prepare you for stress management and immersion into a new culture, to give you support and reassurance that your wellbeing will be prioritized.
Navigating a new city can seem a bit tricky at first, so the Orientation Program also includes help with getting around Rome and using public transportation. You can expect to meet your orientation leader as well as your advisor—these people can support you in starting off at school and registering for classes.
Meeting People Is a Great Reason to Study Abroad
You can count on meeting diverse, interesting people when you study in Rome—it’s a culturally rich city that draws a student body that loves exploring the world and learning about it. Expect to be diving into a new community during your first month at school, and prepare to be open and friendly to make sure you make connections.
Make the most of your campus life and participate in clubs and activities. Trips, fitness opportunities, and student groups can all give you a chance to meet other students who are having a similar experience to yours. It’s important to remember that you’re not the only person on an adventure far from home—you have many other explorers by your side. Study groups are also a great way to bond with classmates, hopefully with the added bonus of raising your grades!
Emotions You Might Experience when You Study in Rome
There are a lot of emotions that can come up when you venture outside of your known environment to study abroad. Excitement is certainly a big one—studying abroad is an inspiring and energizing adventure. While this is a positive experience, it’s normal to feel a bit of culture shock at first. The Orientation Program will cover this in the wellbeing workshop.
Culture shock occurs when you are adjusting to a new culture and can cause a bit of homesickness or disorientation. It’s actually a great opportunity—with a positive attitude, you can integrate the new culture surrounding you within your own background, enjoying and embracing Italian customs and attitudes that are new to you. Patience, an eagerness to learn, and kindness can go a long way in helping you fit in and enjoy yourself. Understanding that there will probably be some things that are different or surprising will help you get ready for your time abroad.
Are you interested in studying abroad?
Contact John Cabot University for details.
