It felt like people from all over the world were coming together, which aligned with what studying abroad is all about. Being surrounded by different languages and cultures made me realize how big the world really is.
Of course, food became a huge part of my experience too. I know everyone talks about Italian food, but it really is different there. Pizza somehow tasted simple and perfect at the same time. Milan is also very diverse, so I was fortunate to indulge in a variety of cuisines. I am definitely going to miss being able to walk outside and find amazing food almost anywhere. Some of my favorite memories were not even the big trips or events; they were the random moments with friends: missing trains, embarrassing myself trying to speak Italian and staying outside late talking about nothing. Those moments are the ones that made Italy start to feel like home.
Now that my time abroad has ended, it feels strange to leave a place that once felt so unfamiliar. Italy became part of my daily life without me even noticing. I know I will miss the small routines I got used to every day. Studying abroad gave me memories I will probably talk about for the rest of my life. More importantly, it changed the way I see the world and myself. I think everyone should experience living in another country at least once because it teaches you things that a classroom never really can.
