Name: Allison Cherry
Program: AIFS Rome, Italy
How did you get to study abroad?
I used financial aid (loans and grants) and personal scholarships that I would have used or taken out even if I had stayed at Pitt. I also worked two jobs the summer before leaving to pay for items that could not be paid for using financial aid (flights, damage deposits, etc.).
What do you wish you knew before you left?
I wish I realized how big of an impact the language barrier would have on my experience. For some reason I did not anticipate it being as difficult as it is. If connecting with people from your host country is really important to you (like it is to me), study in a country where you know the language. It is very difficult to build relationships with people and learn about their culture when it is a struggle to communicate.
What is the most important lesson you learned?
People are more important than places. The connections I’ve made with my host mom, the teacher and students in the class I volunteer in, a few people in my program, and hosts that I’ve stayed with when traveling have been the best parts of studying abroad. Likewise, I now have a much greater love and appreciation for America and the people in my life at home. This experience has been wonderful and I would not trade it for anything, but I can’t say I haven’t thought about how amazing it would be to share it with someone from home.
Photo Cred: Allison Cherry