Liz Wallin

Overall Experience

My experience studying abroad was life-changing in so many ways. It was eye-opening, exciting, and challenged me to step out of my comfort zone. I visited several different places in Italy and met countless new friends. Florence was an amazing home base, and I love being enriched by the culture of the city. It began to feel like a temporary home for me as I got into my routine of daily coffee stops, sunset strolls, and lively nightlife. My weekends were spent exploring different parts of Italy, such as Sienna and Cinque Terre. Each place I went felt like a dream because of the beauty each place held. Lastly, my favorite part of my time abroad was the people I met. I got to hang out with people from all over the world, and I learned so many cool life lessons from them. Overall, it was a transformative experience.

Learning experience

The difference in culture was big shock to me and took some adjusting to. As opposed to the busy culture of America, Italians tend to live a "slower" lifestyle. They value rest and time with loved ones. A lot of shops didn't open until later morning and would have an afternoon break. I had to slow down my brain and let myself enjoy the slow pace lifestyle. A valuable thing that came from this was more efficience on time and quality. I took a slower more detailed approach on my homework, meals, and everyday choices. Quality of life over quantity and speed.

Memorable experience

One of my most memorable experiences was seeing the Florence Duomo for the first time. It is one of the most beautiful buildings I have ever seen. You could stand in front of it for hours and still not comprehend all the details. This cathedral was my view every day for a month, and I never got tired of it. I felt grateful each time I passed it, remembering how lucky I was to have it as my casual pass-by spot.

What did you not expect?

I was unaware of Italy's strong passion for sustainability. In my cooking class, I went through my program, I not only got to cook but was also able to learn about the Italians approach to sustainable living. I learned multiple new life practices that better serve our planet and my daily life. This significantly helped shape my view on ways waste occurs and how we begin with educating our households to make a huge difference.

What advice would you give?

Something I have personally experienced and have noticed from every other person who has studied abroad is that you will not regret it. You may regret not doing it, but I have never heard someone say, "I wish I hadn't done that." Every person's experience is different, but that's the amazing thing: you get to create your own unforgettable experience.

How has this experience impacted your life?

This experience impacted my life in so many different ways. It allowed me to learn how to be comfortable with the uncomfortable. You are fully immersing yourself in a new way of life, and that comes with growth and patience. These are practices and skills that I can bring into almost every aspect of my life. In my personal life, I have a different appreciation for making new friends and connections. Educationally, I learned about sustainability in my class. Italy values a sustainable lifestyle, which can be better for health and worldly conditions. And lastly, I have gained new confidence in the interpersonal skills that I will bring with me into my long-term career.

How did you learn about this experience?

I first learned about this opportunity from the study abroad office. I was interested in studying abroad and set up a meeting with them. From there, they suggested my program and gave me all the information I needed to move forward.

International Connections