According to Merriam-Webster, homesickness is a feeling of longing caused by separation from people and places that you know. To be honest, as I was leaving home to study abroad, I was expecting to feel homesick often while in Italy. However, Ariccia has quickly become a place I can call home.

The second the bus arrived to the Chigi Palace from the airport, I could feel the love being poured into the JSB students from the people of Ariccia. From Cinzia and Roberta welcoming us with open arms, Paolo’s smiling face at Antico’s coffee shop, to Francesco’s delicious cake he baked to show her gratitude to the JSB students, we have felt so welcome. Each experience with the people of Ariccia has made it extremely easy to call the Chigi Palace home.

Throughout my time studying abroad, I’ve been on trips away from Ariccia on the weekends. These trips have been an amazing way to discover more of Italy and create everlasting memories with my friends on this program with me. Despite these enjoyable days away from schoolwork, I have found myself missing home, but not my home in Auburn, Alabama. On the nights away from newfound home in Ariccia Italy, I become ‘palacesick’ rather than homesick. While I do miss my family and friends in America, I truly feel a sense of comfort and love here in Ariccia.

The Joseph S. Bruno Abroad in Italy has taught me more than any class ever could. Through the wonderful people I have met through this program and the unforgettable experiences I have had, I’ve learned more than I could’ve imagined. The simple and loving Italian way of life has taught me to be more appreciative and to make each person I encounter feel at ‘home.’

Sara Manning Miller