Hi everyone! My name is Emma Gugliemini and I am a Marketing Major & Business Intelligence Minor from Chester, NJ. I'm currently studying abroad in Florence, Italy - I've been here for approximately a month and wanted to share some of the lessons I've learned!
Although I've only been in Italy for a month, I feel like I've been here so much longer. I've traveled to so many different cities in Italy already, and I'm excited to explore even more! One thing I've learned from my time abroad is the importance of flexibility. While being in a foreign country, there are so many things that can go wrong - your essential technology can break, miss an important bus or train ride, etc. Through all of these low points, it's so important to be adaptable and know that in the end everything will work out. The Apple store has saved the day for many of my friends, and Trainline has allowed me to get to my destination, even when I missed the bus. Second- lean on the people around you. You'll be living with your roommates for the short time you're abroad together, so it's important to look out for each other. You never know what someone else may be going through, and being an empathetic roommate will get you far! 9 times out of 10, you'll grow super close to your roommates abroad, as this experience brings people together like no other.
Lastly- live in the moment! It's easy to get fixated on a certain date of a future trip or date when your loved ones are scheduled to visit, but live in the moment as much as you can. I try to take a walk as often as I can to reflect on how I'm feeling and observing my current surroundings. I also try to take it all in whenever I'm in a breathtaking place, and take a few moments to sit with myself and the view in front of me.
I was so nervous to study abroad and leave my closest people back at SJU, but this experience is truly one you'll never forget or regret. You'll stay in touch with the ones who truly care about you, and maybe they'll even come to visit (shout out to my bros coming to visit over spring break!)
Ciao for now! See ya soon DSP- miss you all too much!