As my semester abroad comes to an end, I can confidently say that this experience has been one of the most meaningful and memorable periods of my life. As time went by, my study abroad journey in Milan continued to be fun, exciting, and deeply impactful. The memories I’ve made here will stay with me forever, from the lifelong friendships I formed to the trips I was able to take across Europe and the countless adventures I shared with friends along the way. Leaving is much harder than I expected, and it makes me realize just how special this chapter has been. Italy itself is an incredibly beautiful country, and Milan became a place that truly felt like home. Every city I visited, every train ride, and every new experience reminded me how much there is still left to explore. I know I will always want to come back, not just to revisit places I loved, but to continue discovering new ones.
Looking back at my initial impressions from my first blog entry, I still strongly agree with everything I said. My perspective has not changed, but rather deepened. Bocconi University continued to provide a welcoming and supportive environment, and the sense of community I felt at the beginning remained consistent throughout the semester. Italian culture, especially the emphasis on social connection and shared moments, became even more meaningful to me as time passed. That being said, not every part of my experience was perfect. Toward the end of the semester, I unfortunately got robbed at a train station. It was a difficult and upsetting experience, especially knowing how close I was to finishing the year without any major issues. However, I’ve learned that experiences like this can happen, and I’ve chosen to let the past be the past and focus on everything positive this journey has given me.
The most important and emotionally impactful part of my time abroad has been the people I met, especially my friend Paola. She has been there for me through everything and truly made my experience ten times more exciting and meaningful. Her support, kindness, and friendship turned every moment into an unforgettable one. I’m so grateful for her and for all the friends I’ve made here. Each of them holds a special place in my heart, and I sincerely hope our paths cross again soon. This semester abroad has changed me in ways I never expected. It taught me independence, resilience, and the value of human connection. While I’m sad to leave, I’m leaving with a full heart, countless memories, and a deeper appreciation for the world beyond home.
