Preparing for an adventure abroad is both exciting and nerve-wracking. As I prepared for my journey with the CIMBA program in Paderno del Grappa, Italy, I felt mixed emotions. Leaving my close-knit family, managing the chaos of packing, and navigating the long travel have all been part of this incredible experience. I’ve learned so much already, and I’m excited to share my story with anyone considering studying abroad.
Saying goodbye to my family was without a doubt the hardest part. We’re really close, and the thought of being so far away for months made me feel a little nervous and sad. My family has been nothing but supportive and their encouragement helps a lot. Still, when it came time for the hugs and goodbyes, there were definitely some tears. Although the 9-hour time difference is challenging we have been able to talk to stay connected, which makes me feel better.
I'll be honest, packing for Italy was a struggle. How do you fit months of life into a couple of suitcases? Spoiler: you can’t. I stressed over what to bring and worried about forgetting something important. Eventually, I realized it’s not the end of the world if I miss a few things. You can always buy what you need once you're there. That thought took some of the pressure off, and I focused on packing the essentials. Update: I somehow forgot to bring a single hair tie…
I tried to keep things simple. Neutral colors and versatile pieces that I could mix, and match were big on my list of items I brought. I also made sure to pack for the different seasons, so I’d be ready for whatever weather we encountered. I made sure to follow TikTok videos encouraging me to make sure I had my passport, student ID, international adapter, and some good plane snacks!
The travel itself went smoothly, but wow, it was long. Multiple flights and layovers made it a long day of traveling, and by the time I finally landed in Italy, I was beyond exhausted. The Jet lag hit me quite hard. Adjusting to the time difference has been tougher than I expected, but I’m learning how to work alongside it. Rest, staying hydrated, and being patient with myself are the most important steps!
Now that I’m here, I can already see how worth it all the preparation and stress was. This isn’t only a trip it’s also a chance to personally grow, learn, and experience a new culture firsthand. From the little lessons in packing and planning to the big lessons in stepping out of my comfort zone, this adventure has already started shaping me in ways I didn’t even expect.
One of the things I’ve noticed right away is how kind and welcoming the Italians are. Whether it’s giving directions or helping students find things in grocery stores, they go out of their way to make us feel comfortable. It’s also been so fun to see the Italian children at the school. They bring so much energy and curiosity, and it’s fun to watch them interact and learn in their own setting making it such a unique part of this experience.
If you’re thinking about studying abroad, here’s my advice: don’t stress too much about packing. You can always buy things you need when you get there. Keep in touch with your family and friends even though it might be weird hours. Be ready for jet lag but know that it gets better with time. And most importantly, embrace the unknown. Challenges are part of the experience, and it will be worth it in the end, and you will be so thankful you took a leap of faith trying something new. I can't wait to see where the next few weeks take me and the amazing new people, I will be able to meet.
Bon Voyage!