With a desire to shake up her life and experience something new, Mia from Texas took a leap – and Italy was calling! What started as an adventure has turned into the best decision she’s ever made. Now thriving, she’s spending the 2024-25 school year abroad in Italy, living with a wonderful host family who has made her feel right at home. She’s also documenting her journey through her blog, Mia in Italy, where she shares the highlights of her year abroad and the unforgettable moments along the way.
I’ve dreamed of studying abroad for as long as I can remember. Traveling has always been a passion of mine, and I’m incredibly fortunate to have a family that has made it possible for me to explore the world whenever I can. However, the idea of spending an entire school year abroad never crossed my mind while I was still in high school. That changed two years ago when my mom came across a post about studying abroad, and at that moment, something clicked. The question “Why wait?” became crystal clear. I saw this as my opportunity to seize new experiences and embrace life as it was meant to be lived.
When I first arrived in Italy, I had absolutely no idea what I was getting myself into. I came with no expectations, fully prepared to embrace whatever the year had in store for me. My first few days were spent at orientation in Rome with the other exchange students, and I never could have predicted that I’d meet some of my best friends there. It was so easy to connect with the other exchange students. Despite coming from all corners of the globe, we shared a similar mindset – each of us had taken the leap to move here, and I think it takes a certain kind of person to be willing to make that jump.
Like the others, I was curious and open-minded, eager for whatever experiences lay ahead. Everything was fresh and exciting. Even now, I still get that warm, giddy feeling when I think back on those early days. I remember that first train ride to Padova, filled with excitement to meet my host family and see what they were like. My first impression of the city was how vibrant and alive it felt. People were out everywhere, picnicking, biking, shopping, just soaking up life. I fell in love with it right away.
I remember looking around my new home and thinking, “This is SO Italian.” It was still warm when I arrived, and they kept all the windows open, clothes hanging from the balcony, everyone dressed in sundresses and light-colored shorts. And to top it off, my first meal was homemade lasagna. It felt like the perfect introduction to my new life. My host family is truly one of the most amazing groups of people I’ve ever encountered. They are kind, welcoming, genuine, positive, adaptable, and incredibly supportive.
There’s a warmth to their home that’s felt immediately, with a bond so strong that you can sense their love as soon as you walk in. Rather than seeing the language barrier as a challenge, they’ve embraced it as an opportunity to improve their English and help me learn Italian. Every night after dinner, my host dad and I read from a children’s book together to practice pronunciation and expand my vocabulary.
During the holidays, I never felt like an outsider; instead, I felt like a cherished member of the family. I thoroughly enjoy our board game nights, especially since my host siblings are so competitive, and I value the long, thoughtful conversations with my host mom after meals. Whatever we do, it’s clear that everyone is fully invested and involved, always trying to find new ways to make me smile.
They’ve introduced me to countless Italian specialties I’ve needed to try, and they’ve planned wonderful day trips, including one to Monte Carlo, Monaco. I truly feel like a part of their team, as much as I am a part of their family. Most importantly, they are just as dedicated to making this exchange experience meaningful as I am.
When people read my blog, I hope they don’t just find entertainment in my stories, but also feel inspired. I want my experiences to show them that stepping out of the ordinary -whether it’s leaving home or doing something on your own – isn’t as scary as it may seem.
Whether it’s recovering from surgery that sets you back or moving to a new country solo, with no knowledge of the language or culture, and no friends to lean on, you’ll find your light. I want people to see that life isn’t just a series of repetitive days. You don’t have to stay in the same cycle because it feels comfortable or because it’s all you’ve known. If you feel held back by the idea that you need someone to go with you, I want you to know – you can do it on your own.
I grew up terrified of change. I never wanted anything to be different. I’d cry if my family even hinted at moving houses. When my best friend moved away when I was young, I cried every night because I just wanted things to stay the same. Honestly, I’m not sure how a kid like that ended up on this adventure, but I want my journey to be a message to others who might feel the same way. Change doesn’t have to be as frightening as it seems. We are so much stronger than we realize, and we’re capable of so much more than we feel prepared for.
Another lesson I’ve learned while being here is that life has so many chapters. It’s easy to get caught up in the one you’re in, but you never know how many more you have ahead. Never would I have imagined the deep connections I’d form this year. It’s made me realize that there are so many people out there – people you will love and who will love you – and you just haven’t met them yet. There will be moments when someone walks into your life, and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. There’s so much to seek and so much to look forward to in life, and I hope my posts inspire my readers to feel that same sense of possibility.
Ready to apply and begin an unforgettable journey? Visit our website to explore the countries we offer and learn about upcoming application deadlines. For more information, contact us at studyabroad@aspectfoundation.org. Click here to submit an inquiry form to start the process today!
