I am somehow already on week six of my study abroad experience and I am shocked. Everyone told me how quickly it would go by, but I honestly did not believe them because twelve weeks sounded like such a long time. But oh boy, was I wrong! My time in Italy, so far, has been unbelievable. I can truly say that I have already learned more being abroad, than a whole year’s worth of school at home. I learned how to make a fresco, cook Italian dishes, speak some survival Italian, had genuine conversations with locals, experience the nightlife, gone to countless churches, seen the Pope, and much more. I really have felt connected in the Italian culture, especially in the little town we are staying in, Ariccia.
I have also become a world traveler outside of Italy. Before coming abroad, I had not been to many places outside of the United States and the places I went I was always with my parents. It is not even halfway through the program, and I have traveled to Barcelona, Rome, and London with girls I did not know very well. I was nervous at first but now I am so confident in booking flights, hotels and traveling in unknown territory with these girls. I am much more aware of my surroundings and know how to get by, especially in stressful situations. My favorite place that I have been to so far was London. London was very pretty and had so many parts to it we obviously did not get to see everything we wanted to see in one weekend, but the places we did go to were unbelievable.
Overall, I have had the best time so far and I cannot believe it is almost halfway over. It makes me sad thinking about going home. I have made great friendships, seen amazing places and eaten outstanding food. I never would have thought I was going to have a place where I am comfortable calling home, so far away from America. Please do not make me leave!
XO, Sutton

Caroline Hargreaves and I on our last day in London!