Week one in Ariccia has been a blast. Walking into a summer across the world and into one of the most beautiful places has already been a dream and I have learned more than I ever imagined and I am already so thankful for this experience.

One of my quickest realizations though was the difference between my hometown in America and Ariccia. But the differences to me quickly made me realize the different cultures and made me very excited to learn more about the depth of being an Italian and what exactly that looks like. Most Americans that I am around focus on working all the time and are always on a time crunch to get things done. Italians’ way of life is ten times simpler than I realized. They honestly enjoy life better in my opinion. The long meals filled meaningful conversations and enjoyment of food. They enjoy alcohol in a way that is healthy; like pairing a wine with a meal simply because they like the taste, not with their intentions to drink too much. The locals of Ariccia are practical, and have a specific way of living. They prioritize enjoyment but also take care of themselves in a very orderly fashion. They don’t drink milk after lunch, so just a shot of espresso is very common after lunch to keep their day going, and a lot of times a limoncello shot after dinner specifically for digestion.

In the past week I have gotten to experience most of these things. A cappuccino first thing in the morning, espresso in the afternoon, long leisurely dinners followed with a limoncello shot. All of these things have truly been so incredible and relaxing but also very insightful to have learned the Italian way.

General people that are from the USA look at life in a rushing way, constantly consumed by work, ordering lots of on the go meals because they don’t make time to sit down and enjoy an incredible meal. They are consumed by a lot of other things in their life that can be overbearing at times. Alcohol is used in an abundance or too much a lot of times, not as much as an enjoyment.

Before I left for Italy, I really pondered a lot. I knew that this wasn’t just a short vacation but this was 3 months of living across the world and that is a super big deal. I couldn’t just stick to my own American ways, I would start living accustomed to the culture around me, changing my American ways and enjoying all that Italy has to offer. So far the best way I have learned how to learn is just paying attention to my surroundings simply. Because, when you are an American from the south living in a small town in Italy, it is very obvious that you are not accustomed to the Italian cultures and ways. Parts of this have been very hard because I want to blend in and not be given an English menu when I walk into a restaurant, but I realize that it takes time and patience and that is okay. I have to take time to get used to the customs and just take everything in my surroundings, whether that be from locals in Ariccia, when I am traveling in different parts of the country, my teachers, and my peers who are also walking through the same thing that I am.

So, the biggest thing I have learned since I have been there is that morphing into an Italian will not happen overnight. But the steps I am taking to look more like the locals are slow but steady. I first started with the way I dressed. The Italians wear a lot of neutral colors but always look put together. You would never see Italians in workout clothes unless they are working out. So, getting dressed everyday has definitely been an adjustment but it has been so

much fun and I have enjoyed it so much. Something else that is simple and condensed in their life is their wardrobe. Italians look at quality over quantity anyday, and it makes me look at my own life and wonder if I have too much and how I can mix up my closet with just a few pieces in my wardrobe. I am slowly working on Italian phrases and words, but I would say that has been the hardest part of communication here. All that to say, it is just the beginning and I am excited and expectant for what this little Italian town is going to do in my life and what all I am going to learn from a world far away from my norm, and I 8am just very grateful for this once in a lifetime opportunity!

Ciao!
Ella Keenan,
Apparel Design, ’26