Program and Location:
Summer, Italy: History and Italian studies in Florence with the Honors Program; Florence, Italy
Major/Minor:
Environmental Sciences Major, and Environmental Toxicology Minor
Why did you choose to study abroad?
I chose to study abroad to expand my worldview outside of what I have experienced as a student in NC for my entire life. Studying abroad is a chance to see an alternative way of student life. Traveling abroad is an extraordinary experience as you not only get to see a new place and culture but immerse yourself fully and get a chance to be a student in a new country with a completely different way of life. It’s unlike anything one can imagine. No other experience on campus, even in the country, will compare to the new experiences and knowledge that studying abroad can give you.
Also as an environmental science major, studying abroad enriches my cultural empathy which will help me envision better environmental solutions that work with real people’s needs. I knew a crucial part of understanding the environment is knowing it does not take place in a vacuum outside of humanity: our cultures are a key component of how we view the environment.
What did you learn about yourself?
By studying abroad I learned truly how resilient and strong I am. I did things abroad that I could never have envisioned myself accomplishing. I climbed mountains and bell towers; I spent the whole day exploring and woke up bright and early the next day to go to class. I realized how much life has to offer and how much joy I have in ensuring that every day can be an adventure. I was able to experience so much that I did not even know was possible and experience a new level of independence and strength that only studying abroad offered me. As exhausted as I was all the time, I also realized how lucky I am to live on such a beautiful planet and I realized how much travel means to me.
What was one of your favorite parts of your program?
One of my favorite parts of the program was the weekend trips. As much as I loved studying abroad in Florence, I loved being able to go to other places and experience more than just that one city. I specifically loved visiting Capri as it wasn’t even a place I knew that much about and I just loved absolutely everything here from the views, to the fashion, to the food! I loved getting to experience things that I would not have been exposed to if I had just gone on a trip by myself as I went with people who knew what would be the best use of my time in terms of the limited amount of time we had in each place.
What advice do you have to future study abroad students?
The advice I would give to future study abroad students is to lean into the scared feeling and know that what you are doing is something worth doing. I believe that studying abroad is one of the most rewarding things that you can do during your time at university. There is so much opportunity with financial help and scholarships, so don’t write it off just yet for you. The worst that happens is you have a bad couple of weeks or months, but the best thing is that it can absolutely change your life and all it takes is a few scary steps. You will become so much stronger, and studying abroad is a great way to make traveling less scary as you can find programs that fit into your degree/are faculty-led.
How were your classes abroad different than if you would have taken them at NC State? Did you take any field trips or do anything outside of the traditional classroom?
My classes abroad were different than those at NC State as I took classes related to the location I was studying abroad in. Both classes I was in took multiple field trips which were a quick walk away where we could go and physically see the locations or structures we were talking about. The classes abroad were oriented toward study abroad students so they took into account difficulties that students face with wanting to travel/explore while also studying. The work load was not too overbearing, but was supplemental to the lectures and served as an additional learning tool that aided the field trips as well.
In what ways did your identity have an impact on your experience abroad?
My identity impacted my experience abroad as I was constantly aware of my skin color and had to remain cautious of how I was treated differently as compared to my white counterparts. It was helpful that I went to a tourist-trafficked area so my identity wasn’t the first time people were seeing a person of color, however, I was still heckled/treated differently. Overall people were kind, but a few bad apples didn’t ruin my experience.
Is there any advice you would give to other students who share your identity?
I would definitely advise fellow students of color to ensure they remain cautious of their surroundings as well as to walk with a buddy. The most important thing you can do is to not engage with those who may say something ill. Make sure to keep a trusted adult- either NCSU faculty accompanying you or faculty at your host university to report any concerns and get any help you may need.
Where did you find support to navigate any challenges you faced abroad?
Finding support to navigate the challenges faced was found in my family back home who I made sure to talk with regularly. I also found solace in the friends I made abroad as I was able to look towards them for moments of support whenever needed. I also knew I had NCSU faculty to look towards for support if things ever got too bad- which they luckily never did.
Would you do it again?
I would absolutely, 100% do it again (I keep wondering if I can do the exact same program again). I already cannot wait to go back to Florence, as well as see more of the world.
