Hello prospective study abroad students!
Having the opportunity to study in Turin, Italy, for a semester has, by far, been one of the best experiences of my life. I initially chose the USAC Torino program due to affordability, but upon departure, I now know there were countless benefits to this decision apart from financial conscientiousness. I have learned so much about myself, the world, and have gained priceless perspective about my home-country and what it’s like to be a foreigner in another country. There is no doubt in my mind I have grown tremendously as an individual over this past semester. No matter how hard I try, words cannot illustrate the importance.
If I had to narrow down some of my favorite things about Turin, it would have to be the people, location, and Italian culture. Firstly, the University of Turin is huge, making it an epicenter of international study. The number of students in my exact position- young and studying in a country other than their own, was endless. It was so nice to meet people from all over the world- discussing their perspectives and experiences abroad truly enhanced my knowledge. I can’t recommend enough the value in intercultural communication. It’s so eye-opening. Italy overall has such a rich, diverse history and culture within its borders. The food is incredible, the people are much more relaxed (than Americans), and the history is remarkable. There are so many museums and restored ancient buildings to adore, and history to learn. Lastly, it’s an amazing location to travel from. Not only is it in Northern Italy, neighboring major Italian cities like Alba, Verona, Milan, and Venice, but it has an international airport from which you can go anywhere nearby. In addition to this, you can easily reach France and Switzerland with a short train ride.
"You should absolutely apply for as many scholarships as possible. The scholarships for studying abroad made my trip possible, for if I hadn’t applied and received them, I wouldn’t have been able to afford to go in the first place."
An insight I gained from Turin’s culture is learning about how little Midwesterners understand foreign ways of life. Of course, I knew things were different, such as measurement differences and temperature terms, but I never took the time to actually understand some of the differences until living in them. Our ways of living are incredibly different, and it’s beautiful. In Italy (as well as other cultures across the globe) many people live very humbly-with modest apartments, use drying racks instead of drying machines, and have limited options at the grocery store. It makes you think about your own habits, relationship to materialism, and mindset regarding the present. In the U.S., we value abundance, materialism, and money more than we can comprehend. By experiencing these new ways of life, and conversing with those who felt similarly, I started to re-assess the things I valued, materially and emotionally. It inspired me to think less about working hard, and more about valuing my quality of life- how to appreciate my present, rather than constantly worrying about the future.
In terms of expectations of studying abroad I guess I didn’t expect learning Italian to be as hard as I anticipated, especially with my prior knowledge of Spanish, but trust me: navigating a city is a lot easier when you are familiar with the language. I had to work hard to feel comfortable with communicating, and even harder to find the confidence to practice with strangers. Life is a lot scarier when you don’t understand what people are saying to you.
During my time abroad, my relationship with identity, race, and perception completely changed. Telling others I was Italian meant something completely different in Italy than in the U.S. In Europe, people identify by where they come from, because most of them come from various places. In the U.S., it’s a lot more complicated when most of those around you come from the same country. Suddenly, I just became ‘American,’ which felt strange. This made me reassess my relationship with identity, race, and what ‘being Italian,’ and ‘being Mexican,’ meant. Additionally, so many people my age could switch between three languages without a thought, and it was captivating. In the U.S., most of us hardly speak one language, let alone two. I suddenly felt incredibly ignorant, yet inspired, all at once. It challenged me to desire fluency in another language. “If they can do it, so can I!” Don’t let the unknown scare you, embrace the challenge and accept it as an opportunity to grow. So much about living abroad is challenging, so welcome it with open arms, and make the most of it!
If I had to offer any sage wisdom to anyone looking to study abroad, particularly in a non-English speaking country, I would highly recommend learning the basics of the city’s language before arriving. Like I said, navigating a foreign country is a lot less scary when you know what people are saying. It’s so easy to become afraid or intimidated when the words directed at you are unknown. As for unrelated advice, I would recommend PACKING LIGHT!! When I came to Italy, I brought what I thought was very little, yet somehow by the time I had to leave, it still felt like too much! I had to buy luggage and check an extra bag for my flight home. Souvenirs, thrifting, and gifts for loved ones add up. Lastly, you should absolutely apply for as many scholarships as possible. The scholarships for studying abroad made my trip possible, for if I hadn’t applied and received them, I wouldn’t have been able to afford to go in the first place.
LEARN HOW YOU CAN APPLY FOR A GLOBAL ACCESS AMBASSADOR SCHOLARSHIP
The Global Access Ambassador Scholarship program provides awards to study abroad for a summer, semester, or academic year. The scholarships are intended to support students who study abroad with the intent to serve as Global Access Ambassadors upon return to the UI campus. Upon completion of the study abroad program and return to UI, award recipients are asked to submit a photo and an open letter to prospective students or suggest an alternate means of sharing with prospective students.
Please note that the opinions and views expressed by ambassadors are solely those of the students and do not reflect or represent the views of International Programs or the University of Iowa.
International Programs (IP) at the University of Iowa (UI) is committed to enriching the global experience of UI students, faculty, staff, and the general public by leading efforts to promote internationally oriented teaching, research, creative work, and community engagement. IP provides support for international students and scholars, administers scholarships and assistance for students who study, intern, or do research abroad, and provides funding opportunities and grant-writing assistance for faculty engaged in international research. IP shares their stories through various media, and by hosting multiple public engagement activities each year.