As my time abroad in Milan comes to an end, I can honestly say this experience has changed my perspective in so many ways. Looking back at my first impressions, some of them were accurate, but a lot of them changed the longer I stayed here. At first, Milan felt crowded, overwhelming, and very different from home. Now, it feels comfortable and familiar, and I have really grown to love the lifestyle here.
One of the biggest things I will take away from this experience is learning to appreciate a slower pace of life. Back home at Texas A&M, life always feels busy and scheduled, and it can feel like everyone is constantly rushing from one thing to the next. In Italy, people make time to enjoy life a little more. Meals last longer, people spend hours talking with friends, and there is more of an emphasis on enjoying everyday moments instead of constantly being productive. Some of my favorite memories from this semester have honestly been the simple nights spent with my roommates having aperitivo after class, sitting outside talking for hours, and just enjoying each other’s company. Those moments made me realize how important it is to slow down sometimes and appreciate where you are and who you are with.
Living in Europe also completely changed my perspective on travel. Before studying abroad, traveling between countries felt complicated and unrealistic, but once you are actually here, Europe is so interconnected that traveling becomes surprisingly easy and affordable. Over the course of this semester, I was able to visit 13 different cities throughout Europe, which is something I never imagined I would get to do. Being able to experience different cultures, languages, foods, and histories all within just a few hours of each other was honestly one of the coolest parts of this experience. It also made me realize how much influence America has on the rest of the world. Everywhere I traveled, I saw American brands, music, fashion, and conversations about U.S. politics, which made me more aware of how connected everything really is.
Another thing I am proud of is how much more independent and confident I have become. At the beginning of the semester, figuring out the metro, trams, and train systems felt stressful and confusing. Now, I feel like a complete pro navigating public transportation and traveling between cities on my own. I’ve actually grown to love how walkable Milan is and how convenient public transportation makes everyday life.
Of course, there are definitely some things I am excited to return to at home — especially air conditioning, ice in drinks, unlimited refills, and free public restrooms. Those are all things I definitely took for granted before living abroad.
Overall, I am really sad that my time abroad is coming to an end, but I feel incredibly grateful for everything this experience gave me. I have learned so much about myself, the world, and the way other people live. Studying abroad pushed me outside of my comfort zone, helped me become more independent, and gave me memories and friendships that I know I will carry with me long after leaving Milan.
