My Thoughts on Studying Abroad

About a year and a half ago, in my freshman year of college, I told a couple of my friends that I was toying with the idea of studying abroad the next year. I was really into the idea, as my freshman year was not as expected and I was ready to do something to really challenge myself in a way. However, most of my spur-of-the-moment ideas usually end in the romanticized world that I have created in my mind and stay there. Now, a year and a half later, I write to you sitting in my apartment 50 feet away from the Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence, Italy, where I have resided the past 4 months. About a week from now I will be on a plane back to Charlotte.

When I was little, I always thought I would study abroad in college; but never actually thought I would study abroad in college. (Does this make sense? No?) The world is so massive. And the idea of little me immersing myself into a different culture, place, region, time-zone on my own wasn't exactly something I thought a girl who cried when she spent the night a friends house 2 miles from her house would do. But I got older, and got a little more knowledgeable about the world around me (and a little less homesick). So I finally took that step out of my romanticized world and applied for the study abroad program in Florence, Italy and I am changed for the better because of that one leap.

Europe isn't exactly the most remote area in the world, or the biggest challenge to live in. It is a very wealthy continent (in respect to other parts of the world) and is technologically advanced. But it is a place or region that I have always wanted to experience. And Italy, for whatever reason (I think it was the food--- now it's so much more), was the dream country, the dream destination. And because of study abroad I not only finally got my chance to visit, but to LIVE there. And truly live. People express that going off to college immediately grants you the freedom of living on your own. Which, yes, in some cases it does. But in most cases, you are still in a dorm, on the campus of an institution abiding by its rules, eating in its cafeteria, etc. With study abroad, you are literally dropped into a culture that is completely foreign and forced to experience the world on your own and you are forced to learn HOW you personally live. You may not know the language spoken there, you may not know the traditions, the politics, the polite thing to do, the people... oh but you will.

Study abroad is an experience more than a classroom; its one where you learn about life as well-- which in my opinion, may be even more important. You learn how to travel, how to plan, how to organize, how to be PATIENT and ultimately what is best for you/what you want in life. It would be cliche to say, I studied abroad to see if I could "find myself" but in a way, I have and I have started to understand how I would like my life to be lived. (Really, I'm still clueless... but I've made baby steps towards the right direction...) Do I work well in a city, did I enjoy the countryside more? I really enjoyed meeting this person, and enjoyed learning about that person's lifestyle. I felt more alive when I was here, than when I was there. The lists, the questions, the critiques go on and on.

But really guys, why am I writing this? It's a reflection of sorts, but I also wanted to let the people who think they "are going to miss out on things" are really not. Because every place you visit and every decision you make while studying abroad is an experience so grand that it knocks out anything you are missing at home, (yes, even when the president, (two?) talk show hosts, and two bands all visiting your school in a matter of 24 hours). I'd be lying if I said I wasn't excited to go back home and situate myself back into my life. But home will ALWAYS be there waiting for you. Choose a place you've always wanted to go, and go. And learn (maybe not solely in the classroom...) but in the streets, in the museums, the mountains, the parks, even the supermarkets... And live.

Ebb and Flow

Ever since I was in the third grade and discovered the wonderful taste of olive oil and rosemary, my dream destination was Italy. A decade or so later, I am more than lucky to be able to fulfill my dream and I am taking a semester abroad in Florence, Italy. Cliche or not, I am so thankful to have such a great support system behind me. My friends, my parents, even my dogs... with their support and shared excitement, this trip is building up to be more-than-incredible.

I would be lying however if I told you I wasn't at all nervous. I've never been to Europe and never have been away from home for this long (5 months). As I get closer to the date of take-off (January 11--Less than a week!!) the ebb and flow of excitement and nervousness still exists. But each morning I wake up and realize I am one day closer to looking out my window and seeing that burnt orange color of Florence architecture. I am one day closer to living my dream.

I learned two days ago that I will be living in the center of Florence and...get this...ten feet away from the Duomo!! I will be living with 5 other girls from UNC in an apartment. It looks like there are plenty of markets right outside of our door, perfect for buying food for meals etc.

My classes are from 4:30 on Monday to 11:45 on Thursday. I am taking all things Italian that will hopefully immerse myself into the culture there: Italian Cinema, Italian Civilization, Sketchbook in Florence, Current Trends in Italian Cuisine, and finally Intermediate Italian. Classes do not start until January 31st, but the first couple of weeks, thanks to UNC, 30 other students and I will become acclimated with the Florence way of life and will take a 2 week crash course in Italian.

I have never been the best at putting my thoughts down on paper, so bear with me. (Even you Dad... I know you will be critiquing every word I write). But this is a small attempt at packing anyone who wants to join in my suitcase and share the adventure that lies ahead with them. I hope to blog as much as I can, but I am also bringing a journal (thanks to a certain someone) along the way to help keep track of my days: sketches, thoughts, experiences.

It is going to be a hard goodbye on Wednesday to friends and family, however I will always look at it as an "a presto" (or a see you soon)!

Ciao! Fino alla prossima volta! (Until next time)
-Ainslie