When I got off the flight to Bologna in early August, I truly had no idea what the next week, let alone the next year, would look like. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been able to predict my next steps with pretty good accuracy, but this was the first time I had been handed a completely blank slate. Being accepted into Johns Hopkins SAIS Bologna was a life-changing moment for me. I knew my career would lead me to the U.S. State Department, and living abroad felt like a critical part of that path. But living in Bologna has been so much more than I expected.
The School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) at Johns Hopkins is designed to prepare students for careers in international relations, and as someone committed to this field, every class feels like a step closer to my dreams. I’m learning about issues I’m genuinely interested in—like the complexities of United Nations peacekeeping missions and the economic impact of sanctions on nations. Having the chance to hear from practitioners who have firsthand experience in these areas is inspiring and adds depth to my education. These are the very topics I hope to tackle one day, and being here has solidified that commitment.
Studying at SAIS Bologna has also reshaped how I view Europe. Before this, I had mostly focused on the U.S. and the Middle East academically. I saw Europe as a homogeneous “Western bloc,” but living here and interacting with classmates from across the continent has shown me just how diverse Europe really is. It’s amazing to see the unique roles that different European nations play in global politics, and I’m beginning to understand how these dynamics shape the future of international relations.
Living in Bologna has been an incredible, if sometimes challenging, experience. One of my biggest hurdles has been the language. Coming to Italy with only a basic knowledge of Italian, I quickly realized how vital it was to start practicing. Knowing Spanish at an intermediate level has been very helpful due to the similarities, however. The language barrier has led to some memorable interactions, from struggling to order food to my attempts to ask for directions in local markets. These moments have made me more resilient and, honestly, better at laughing at myself.
In a way, life in Bologna has reminded me a lot of life in DC. There’s always something happening here—festivals, open-air concerts, or simply the lively gatherings of locals in piazzas at all hours. In contrast, however, is the slowness which I’ve also come to love. The Italian way of life is truly one where you savor the time spent with others. Meals are not rushed, and everyone takes the time to enjoy good food and good company. This slower pace has taught me to enjoy the present and reminds me daily of the importance of balancing work and pleasure.
Adjusting to a new life in Bologna has pushed me to grow in ways I hadn’t anticipated. At first, I dealt with a lot of homesickness and adjustment, not just to the language or lifestyle, but to a whole new pace of life. I’ve had to learn to be more independent, to handle unexpected situations with a bit more grace, and to trust that I can navigate a different culture without needing to have everything figured out. It hasn’t always been easy, but each challenge has shown me that I’m more adaptable than I thought.
I arrived in Bologna a month before classes started so that I could explore Italy and start to acclimate. It was my first time in Italy, and I made the most of it. I traveled to Rome, Venice, Florence, Rimini, and the breathtaking Cinque Terre. Each of these cities offered something unique, from Rome’s ancient history to the vibrant art of Florence. But the real beauty was embracing a culture that truly values pleasure—something that felt completely different from my previous life in Washington, D.C., where work often took center stage.
Taking that time to explore before classes began was one of the best decisions I’ve made. I realized that while I’m here to study, I’m also here to experience life differently. This is a lesson I’ll carry with me long after this year ends: that it’s okay to take a step back, appreciate the moment, and not rush through life. Take time to stop and smell the roses, if you will.
Looking forward, there’s so much more I want to accomplish here. I’m excited to continue my studies and to deepen my understanding of the world through this unique lens. I’m also looking forward to exploring more of Italy and possibly even neighboring countries. But, more than anything, I’m excited about the personal growth this journey has inspired. I’ve learned so much about who I am and the type of person I want to be, both professionally and personally.
If you’re considering studying abroad, my advice is simple: go for it. It will be challenging, and you’ll face moments where you’re outside your comfort zone, but it will change you in the best ways. If you have questions or want to follow my journey, feel free to reach out. Studying abroad has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life, and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the year holds.
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