Isabella Spena, Global Business Institute: Florence Fall 2024
There is a saying here in Italy, particularly in Naples, that translates to, “In Naples, you cry twice: once when you arrive, and once when you leave.” I can’t help but think someone must have come up with that saying after watching my study abroad journey unfold. As I write this blog post with only eight days left here in Florence, I am filled with nothing short of gratitude. This experience has shaped me and helped me grow in ways I never imagined when I first submitted my study abroad application almost a year ago.
I started out as a nervous young girl, anxious about being in a foreign country. I cried the entire first night, fearful that I had bitten off more than I could chew. I wondered why I would travel to another country alone, and I questioned if this dream of living in Italy was too much for me. The version of myself who first arrived in Italy is so different from the confident woman writing this blog post today. As I type, I find myself tearing up at the thought of leaving a country that has given me more than I could ever repay.
Living here has been an incredible journey of self-discovery. Not only have I learned so much about my heritage, but I’ve also learned lessons about who I am and who I want to become. The most astonishing aspect of this experience has been my personal development. It’s not just me who notices the change; my family and friends back home do as well. I’ve always struggled with self-confidence, trusting myself, and embracing change. However, through all the learning, the highs, and the lows of this experience, I can now say those concerns are no longer an issue.
By learning about my culture, I’ve also rediscovered myself. In turn, I’ve regained trust in my abilities. From flying alone from Newark to Paris, then to Florence, to traveling around Europe independently, and navigating the challenges of my internship, I’ve grown so much. I now lean into change rather than fear it. In fact, change excites me now, whereas it once made me anxious. All of this has led to newfound self-confidence, something I’ve been seeking for years.
On a professional level, my internship has provided invaluable lessons. Working in an international law firm comes with its challenges, but rising to those challenges has helped me develop crucial skills like adaptability, efficiency, communication, and critical thinking. I’ve spent countless hours reading and summarizing case files, analyzing their significance, gathering evidence for civil trials, and conducting trademark investigations. This tangible experience will undoubtedly benefit me in my future career as a lawyer or in the business field in general.
At my internship in Italy, I wasn’t simply given tasks. Everything I listed above I had to seek out and pursue proactively—an excellent practice for any future job. Additionally, working with people from different countries has improved my universal communication skills and cultural intelligence. I now know how to quickly assess people’s communication styles and interact with them in a way that’s polite, clear, and respectful. These are invaluable skills that will stay with me no matter where I go.
Reflecting on my time here, I realize I need to see and learn more. Interacting with people from around the world offers a broader perspective on life than staying in the sheltered bubble of one’s home country. This experience has also taught me how invaluable it is to immerse yourself in a culture that resonates with you. Being here in Italy, attempting to integrate into daily life, has taught me so much about myself—especially when that culture is my own heritage.
So, if you’re considering studying abroad, let this be a sign to take the leap. Don’t let anything hold you back. It’s an experience that will shape you in ways you can’t even imagine, and I promise you, it will be worth it.
Leave a Reply