Studying in Italy is a dream for many Americans growing up, myself included. Ever since I was little, I dreamed of seeing the art and landscapes I read about in my books. While I didn’t get to have a semester-long study abroad in college due to the pandemic, the stars aligned after college and permitted me to do an intensive Italian language course for eight months. Just having finished it, I wanted to share my reflection on how studying in Italy has changed my perspective on the US.
These are all observations and feelings from my personal experience here, and I acknowledge that others may feel differently. With that being said, let’s dive in!
#1: Studying in Italy made me more grateful for Americans
This is nothing against Italians. They say that there’s no place like home, and that’s definitely true. While I have made amazing friends here and would never give up the different cultures, mindsets, and ideas we exchange, it is always so nice to talk to someone from home. It’s a mix between familiarity and being able to be understood (in your mothertongue) without navigating various cultural layers 24/7.
On top of that, I’ve realized that there really is something special about the American people. Don’t get me wrong; I’ve seen the “Ugly American” often here, and it’s something that I wish we could curtail. However, the friendliness, constant desire to innovate and improve, and willingness to help strangers are things that I sometimes miss here.
Of course, Italy and the US are different cultures, and from my experience, Italians tend to focus their warmth much more on the people within their circle. Yet politics divide us so much at home, it is nice to have this view abroad.
#2: It’s made me more aware of the good and the bad
Being one of the major world powers, it’s natural that the US is talked about, scrutinized, and questioned. When you’re abroad, you automatically become a representative of your country–whether you want it or not. Sometimes, this can be exhausting; other times, it can be a great way to explain the complexities of the culture that headlines and politicians don’t represent.
Through this distance, different cultural perspectives, and constantly explaining the US, I’ve reflected a lot on the good, the bad, and the ugly of the US. I think often of Plato’s Allegory of the Cave. When something is your “normal,” or you take it for granted, you don’t think about it with as much clarity as you do when you’re in a different context. Studying in Italy, I have encountered many things that I prefer here when compared to the US. However, I have also found many ideas and attitudes that I miss–likely only because of the clarity that distance permits.
Yet there are also several Americans who I’ve encountered here or seen on Instagram who exclusively bash the US and seem to find some sense of superiority in monetizing their new status living abroad. The worst, for me, are the Americans that I meet here who fanatically glorify Italy and can’t find one good thing to say about the US.
While everyone is certainly entitled to their own opinion, my view is that there will be good and bad to most things. Everyone has personal preferences. However, it’s important to reflect and really consider the full picture in order to ground yourself and ensure that you have an informed viewpoint. That’s one of the really beautiful things about studying abroad, and why I recommend it to anyone who has the opportunity.
#3: It’s really increased my belief that we should be focusing more on language learning
If you’ve spent any time on Dreaming Upwards, you’ll know that I am a huge advocate for both studying abroad and language learning. From an international relations standpoint, these are great ways to practice citizen diplomacy, but from a human standpoint, these are ways to encourage personal growth, enhance communication, open doors, and learn so much more about yourself and the world around you.
Studying a language this intensely has only increased my belief in language learning. This isn’t a disparaging comment toward the US’s current education system, but rather a hope that our country sees the opportunity to connect with the world by creating global citizens and that our students take language learning seriously.
#4: Studying in Italy has allowed me more time to appreciate the arts
I’ve always loved the arts, and Italy is naturally the perfect place for this. In Italy, the cities are open air museums. It’s not only impossible to avoid the arts (just look at the architecture and monuments, not to mention the museums like Palazzo Madama), but they are also encouraged and easy to access. Through initiatives like the Abbonamento Musei and discounts for students, culture is affordable, close, and accessible for the masses.
In the US, there can be options (i.e., Free Tuesdays in Balboa Park, some free museums or discounted rates for students and military), but I haven’t experienced them like I have here. Beyond that, cultural events, museums, and exhibitions are constantly advertised here, reflecting the value that the country puts on the arts. Because of the proximity, it is also easier and less stressful to visit. When I return to the US, this is definitely something I would like to incorporate more into my life.
#5: It has made me more connected to and appreciative of nature
Before studying in Italy and living in Turin, I’d never lived in a city. Adjusting was a challenge for me. As you can imagine, there are a lot of differences between a sunny suburb in Southern California and a metropolitan city in Northern Italy. The main two? Space and nature.
I’m not trying to say that Turin doesn’t have greenery. It definitely does, and it’s one of the greenest cities in all of Italy. However, there have been many days where I miss the easy access to nature, parks, and silence that I was used to at home. At times, it can feel suffocating being surrounded by concrete.
In these moments, spending time in parks has become more important than ever for me. I never realized how much I would miss the nature of the US and the beauty I took for granted before. In the US, I spend so much time indoors and detest hiking. Over here, I’m constantly struck by the abundance of nature that we have and how much it impacts our national character.
Of course there is beautiful nature in Italy and in the surrounding Piemonte area. It takes a little more effort to seek it out, but it’s there. However, this newfound appreciation for finding peace and silence in nature is something that I hope to continue–wherever I end up next.
A Final Word
My time studying in Italy has been incredibly instructive, and I have been fortunate enough to make wonderful friends along the way. This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to my reflections abroad, and I’ll be adding more in other posts.
Have you ever studied, worked, or spent significant time abroad? How did it change your perspective toward your home country?
