Saying Goodbye: Reflections From My Semester Abroad

Today, having been back in Minnesota for about a week, I am thinking about a younger version of myself, waiting anxiously to start her semester abroad. Wow, how far away that feels to me now. Over the last four months, I have learned so much about myself and grown in so many ways. I’ve met people whom I’ll know for the rest of my life (my friends cannot escape me), and had several once-in-a-lifetime-wow-this-isn’t-real moments. I know that studying away and moving to a new country with a different culture is scary. But I’m here to tell you to take a leap of faith and do it. I have not met a single person who regrets studying abroad. 

A while ago, a prospective student reached out to me and asked me about my time with IES Abroad Milan. He was nervous because he didn’t have any friends who were going to do the program, and so he’d have to come alone. If you’re in a similar situation, let me assure you that you will be totally fine. Out of all of my close friends abroad, I was the only one who knew anyone coming in, and I only knew one person! So many students are in the same boat. 

On that note, I know that for some people, the friends they make abroad are close for the semester, but distance and time lead them to drift away. For me, that is absolutely not the case. I have met so many amazing people while abroad. With them by my side, I have made incredibly special memories. I’ve learned countless lessons and grown into a version of myself that I never could have imagined I would become. And I owe so much of it to them. To my silly, fierce, and beyond thoughtful friends. If any of you are reading this, know that I miss you so much. And no amount of distance can separate us (I will be stalking your Find My iPhone locations and I will be abusing FaceTime like nothing ever seen before). 

Sorry, thinking about my friends has made me sappy. Okay, back to what I was saying. Do not be afraid to make new friends while abroad. You might just meet people you can’t imagine your life without. 

Alongside the people, living in another country was an eye-opening experience. Italian culture, and even more so Milanese culture, is so different from the culture in the United States. This semester I learned the value of a work-life balance, and how to remind myself of the bigger picture when I get too worried about the little things. I learned the value of hours spent at a dinner table, and how sometimes a good meal isn’t (entirely) about the food, but about the company you keep. I learned the value in getting properly dressed every day. And so much more. Countless lessons and valuable memories. 

What I’m trying to say, is that if I could do it all over again, I’d do it in a heartbeat. Milan will always hold a special place in my heart. And if you’re studying away in Milan soon, my advice to you is to live in the moment. Keep a travel journal and take countless pictures. Time will fly by before you know it. Also, maybe pack an umbrella. It rains an unfathomable amount in Milan.