Six months of studying in Italy was the most wonderful experience during my three years of study. Since my study experience had to be adjusted and I had to spend a long time at home in front of the computer screen because of the horrifying events of Covid-19, this adventure was exactly what I dreamed about.
A student exchange is not just about studying abroad; it’s about finding yourself in a new culture, getting yourself into unfamiliar experiences, and growing in unimaginable ways. My adventure took me to the wonderful Abruzzo region of Pescara and Chieti in Italy, where I was involved in the studies of psychology, among various foreign and Italian students and the rich history and culture of this beautiful country.
From this experience I learned to rely on myself much more, to look for opportunities to trust myself more, and to live life to the fullest. By pushing myself out of my comfort zone and fostering personal growth, I learned to adapt to new environments and look across cultural barriers.
In my opinion, the most true thing to say about this experience is that it was not just an adventure, moments full of joy and fun, as in every situation and in life in general, it was about big ups and heavy downs. About homesickness, about loneliness, about self-improvement, about fear of making mistakes. I am fully convinced that the negative experiences also made this adventure so special because without them, it would not be so challenging, but also so honest and beautiful.
Everything about Italy, what were my expectations and reality?
Haha, even as I write and remember all the events, the main thing in my mind is still their love for their own culture and the rules that must be followed. Italian cultural heritage is huge and the traditions are something worth experiencing. The profound appreciation for life’s simplest pleasures. It’s a sentiment that has left an indelible mark on my heart and continues to shape my life. I have learned to enjoy even the simplest life’s pleasures, good caffe and good cornetto al cioccolato and siesta time which is one of the things that I miss the most in Latvia. The idea of families getting together in the middle of the day, taking a break and forgetting about work, school and spending time together is something that really touched my heart.
Equally remarkable was the Italians’ not well commitment to punctuality and predictability. When they say the bus arrives at 9:10, you can already know that it will be at the bus stop around 10:00. This contrasts with the more relaxed approach I was accustomed to back home. Therefore, it is not for nothing that these experiences and moments taught me how important it is to make life easier, worry less and enjoy life from all my heart.
The locals hold their language and culture in high regard, not speaking Italian is often considered a misstep. It’s understandable, really; after all, how can one fully appreciate a country without understanding its language? This sentiment was echoed multiple times by one of our professors, who questioned our presence in Italy if we couldn’t speak Italian. However, despite the language barrier, the experience was both intriguing and amusing. From miming and gestures to the occasional game of charades, each interaction became a delightful puzzle to solve and added an extra layer of fun to our journey.
As for the question – Tina, how did you manage to do exams without fluency in Italian? The answer was surprisingly straightforward: in English, with a blend of oral and written tasks. For me it was a test for myself, because all the hard work was only my responsibility and this challenge was something I’m truly proud of. Yet, it was also a testament to never giving up and believing in yourself. In parallel with all this, there was also a bachelor’s thesis to complete at the home university, which required a lot of time, but it did not stop us from experiencing good times, traveling and gaining as many new experiences as possible. Because a lot lies in planning time and saying “yes” as much as possible.
The travel experience in Italy was indeed fantastic. It’s crucial to carefully choose your travel companions and ensure that your travel goals align. Fortunately, I had the pleasure of sharing every small and significant moment of my travels with wonderful people, which fills each memory with warmth and a smile. If you’re keen to learn more about my adventures in Ascoli Piceno, Villalago, Milan, or Sulmona, feel free to check out the videos.
These experiences taught me to seize opportunities, appreciate the present moment, and travel smartly within a budget. This approach allowed me to enjoy simple pleasures like delicious gelato, long walks, admiring majestic mountains, breathtaking views, museums, and most importantly, enjoying time with my new friends. It was an extraordinary journey filled with exceptional experiences, all thanks to the incredible people I met along the way. Our friendships turned this adventure into a cherished memory that I’ll forever hold close to my heart.
I wholeheartedly encourage anyone with the desire to try it, follow your heart, get out of your comfort zone and give this a chance. You are not going to regret it!
Ciao!
