I’m leaving for Italy in six hours! I cannot believe how fast time has flown. It seems like just last week I was imagining what it would be like to study abroad and how amazing it would be to experience such an adventure. I am really excited for this trip and expect to be way outside my comfort zone. Growing up, I found happiness to be where I was most comfortable and could relax and act myself, and here I am about to embark on the biggest adventure of my life all alone. That being said, that is the main reason why I wanted to do this trip, to expand my horizons and go outside my comfort zone. The good news is that I have already made contact with some people through CIS (Center for International Study: the company in which my trip is set up through) who are also going on the trip. Also, I have been told that I am living in an apartment (European colleges do not have dorms like most American ones) with four to six other people which I have yet to meet.

My interpretation of Italy is that it is kinda like Portland’s Saturday market. Lots of people walking around, a friendly vibe, lots (and I mean LOTS of walking), and a good variety of locals shops to visit. However, that is based on movies, books, and pictures, and is sure to change when I get back to the US.

The biggest thing that is on my mind right now is how much cultural shock I will experience while over there. Will I feel really homesick and just want to hang inside my apartment and not do anything, or will it not affect me at all? Of course I hope that I will not see any effects of cultural shock, but I am confident that if I do, I will work through it.

My number one goal once I get there is to get out and make friends as soon as possible because those are the people I will rely on to keep me sane and help me fully enjoy my once in a lifetime trip.

Michael