Living in Italy

By Valerie Ellis

It's everyone's dream, right? Though not many would take it seriously. But I don't like to dream about things that I don't intend on bringing to life. Do I have a logical reason for moving? Honestly - no, not a single one. I just wanted to. We grow up hearing, "You can be and do anything you want." So I am. I'm young, free and I have the opportunity, so I'm taking it. I didn't have it all planned out before I came, but if you spend your life waiting for just the right moment, you'll wake up one day and realize it was never coming - it was waiting to be made. After attending a summer course abroad in Perugia, Italy, I knew Italy was where I wanted to be. I finished up some required classes in the winter and then went back. I'll still be able to finish my degree program by attending the University for Foreigners in Perugia (where CCSU's partnership program allows students to study there at discounted prices and have their credits transferred back home.)
Valerie Ellis	It's not all about Roman ruins, romance and rigatoni - just like America's not all about Disneyland, Hollywood and surfing. I had no illusions coming here - I knew it would be difficult. My Italian is not bad - I'm in advanced courses, but there is a HUGE difference between being in the classroom and stepping off the plane into a new country. This afternoon I went to the store and used the emergency exit to leave. Alarms went off and everyone stared at me - I felt like an idiot. A few days ago I was out with some friends and the whole night I hardly understood anything that was talked about. Somehow just knowing they were talking fast and using slang and dialect didn't make it feel any less frustrating. Moments like those I think I hate being here. But it's not being here that I hate, it's not understanding. I don't want to leave and I don't want to get used to it - I want to learn. I grew up in California and they would always say, "When ya get kicked off the horse ya gotta get right back up there, 'cause if you wait until tomorrow you'll be scared and it'll be much harder." It's been about a month now and the last days I've felt like I've been kicked off the horse. Maybe this is where the homesickness comes in, but it's a crucial time to stay - it's important to prove to yourself that you can get through this. I've been involved with the International Relations Club (IRC) on campus at CCSU and worked with immigrants long enough to know it's not easy being in a country that is foreign to you, but now I know first-hand how hard it can be and I have greater respect for those who struggle every day to find a new way of life for themselves and their families. Even something as simple as grocery shopping can be a challenge. I know how to cook.... American food. When you go to the grocery in another country you first have to figure out what the products are, then how to use them.
So why would I still want so badly to stay? They say the harder the challenge the greater the reward. Adapting isn't easy but it's definitely worth it. Making new friends, learning new words and expressions and how to use them, understanding a new culture and seeing the world from a different angle... Even in the embarrassing and frustrating moments there is always someone happy to help or explain. And being the foreign kid can have its perks, too. Everyone is curious and eager to talk to you and mistakes are more readily forgiven. I really believe study abroad should be mandatory and language students especially should consider it so - there's no substitute for it and it's amazing how much it changes your life. It takes guts and determination to see it through, but you'll never regret it.