FINALLY! I am finally going to Italy, after so long of what feels like just wishing to go; I am making it happen this Summer! Now, not only as an International Business major required to go on this trip, but as an individual trying to live out my dreams. There will be more in-detail updates to come, however this is just the foundation of this international experience. I want to talk about a few things that make this so special (to me)!

STEPS I TOOK TO GET HERE

As you can imagine, trying to plan and put in motion the process of studying abroad, was tedious and chaotic. Like most of the other students that study abroad at Ohio University, I am going through an affiliate program partnered with the school. Many decisions had to be made: what program to use, where to go, how long to go, classes to take there, how to finance the trip, etc. I feel like I was in an endless amount of meetings just to get the ball rolling. I met with my advisor a ton and decided on a program: CIS Abroad. I picked my specific trip and I was ready to start the application process! I filled out countless forms and had to get approval for almost all. I chose CIS, not only for the location options, but because of how thorough they are. There are so many opportunities offered and they had everything I was looking for. Now, I am finally on my way to spending my Summer on the Italian Coast (Amalfi Coast) in Sorrento!

WHY ITALY

You are probably thinking, after the long process of deciding which program and place, how I ended up deciding on Italy? I have big dreams and goals that I have set for myself. Not in a strict way, in more of an encouraging way to get out there and live. Let me give you some background – I have always had a business and entrepreneur mindset that I knew I would expand on. I have always been and prioritize being active in my entire life. Whether this was sports or extra curricular; I was always out, doing. Senior year of high school, I decided that I wanted to work in the motorsport industry. I was in sports my entire childhood, so I have a natural competitiveness and drive for sports. Knowing that I would go into business one way or another, combining this factor led to me one conclusive (and obvious) career… I dream is to work for Ferrari in the F1 division as a marketing manager, events coordinator, PR specialist – something or another. I know, it’s a lot and it’s specific.

I am currently taking my second Italian language course here at school. I have the DuoLingo premium subscription and had an Italian tutor all of last school year. I’d say I am rather prepared, but that’s just me. In all seriousness, I have spent hours researching Italy, where I want to be, where I want to work. Reaching out and connecting on LinkedIn, building a network of peers. I have met with my career coach and advisor all with the same mindset of helping me to reach my goals.

WHAT I AM EXPECTING

I am going to be in Italy for a little over 2 months. There is a lot that comes to mind in terms of preparation and things to think of before actually arriving. To kickstart expectations: I am FULLY expecting to check-in two large suitcases at the airport. As a 21 year-old, I have never checked-in more than one bag before because it is an extra fee….but if I am going to be there for 2 months, think of all the necessities. Second expectation: I will be taking a lot of pictures. So much so, I will need to get a camera because my phone will not suffice. Third expectation: I will be busy every day exploring something new and immersing myself in the culture. I definitely want to stay in close contact with my Professoressa di Italiana because she goes every Summer. She may have good tips or recommendations of things to do and places to go. Fourth expectation: I am going to come back home happier and more fulfilled than when I left. This would be checking something off of my bucket list and taking a step in the direction of my future.

Knowing myself, I will come back home motivated to go back and actually stay. I feel this experiencing is going to be a great thing for me and for my future and growth. We will see if any of these line-up with the real thing (and I am hoping they do). Stay tuned for more Italy content!