Fare Acquisti in Italia

Shopping in Italy is everything one would think it would be! I have spent the last couple of weeks, amidst all of our wonderful program activities, shopping in just about any city we go to. It is absolutely incredible, and not surprising since we’re in the fashion capital of the world, but there are some things I wish I had known sooner to prepare. One thing is that when you walk into a store, be sure to greet the store owners upon entrance, otherwise you can be given a look of “what is she up to?” No need to be shy or nervous, they are very friendly people! All it takes is a simple “buongiorno” if it’s morning or “buonasera” if it is the afternoon.

Since we are in Ariccia, it can be difficult to find people who speak English and the same goes for the neighboring towns of Albano, Genzano, Nemi, etc. Due to this, there are phrases (if you’re an avid shopper like I am) that would come in very handy to memorize before your first shopping trip! “Vorrei provare quello” means “I would like to try” and then you could use nonverbal language and point to what you would like or learn the phrase for what it is you’re wanting. “Questo va bene” can be used to say “this is good” if you are happy with what you have, are done shopping, or like how something fits. “Cerco una” translates to “I am looking for a” which you can once again finish with nonverbal cues or learn the words for what you are looking for and “posso provarla” means “can I try it.”

There are also some differences in shopping in America versus shopping here in Italy. When I went into a makeup store in Rome, I was a little confused because I saw one of each product but couldn’t find any more product anywhere. I asked an employee, who had to find a colleague that spoke English, and she told me that the product is kept in drawers that the employees find and get for you, not the customer. In shoe stores, you don’t just grab shoes and try them on or touch them like you do in America. You ask an employee for help and they touch and find everything for you. As an American, there can already be a pretty bad stigma attached to you (fortunately you are a JSB American so you have it a little better!), but because of this, you want to try and adapt as much as possible to show the locals you care about their culture and traditions. Being willing to learn this will get you so far!!

Caroline Avolese

Rome’s huge shopping corso

Stop Letting Fear Stop You

Tomorrow marks one month since I left America. This past month has flown by and I am happier than I ever have been. I haven’t always been this happy to be here though.

I spent the month leading up to us leaving crying and stressing out over everything. I was the kid growing up that refused to go to summer camp because I didn’t want to be in a place that I didn’t know. In fact, the one time I did go, I cried every single day until the counselors allowed me to call my mom. Moral of the story is I grew up being a huge homebody, but as I have grown up I discovered my love for traveling.

My love for traveling led me to being certain that I wanted to study abroad. Which then led me to finding this opportunity. I remember the day I found out I was officially accepted. I thought to myself “I’ve got this, it’s just like going away to college and I did great at that.” I kept that mindset for months because I was just excited to finally live out my dreams of studying abroad. That mindset slowly diminished as the realization of me leaving the country for two and a half months set in.

The month leading up to us leaving was incredibly tough. Suddenly, it was like I was back in elementary school begging my mom to not make me go to summer camp. I was still excited but the fear was setting in. The fear of the unknown. The fear of leaving the country for the first time. The fear of being far away from my friends and family. The fear of forgetting something. It was debilitating fear that was hitting me like a train.

Luckily, I have an incredible support system that was nothing but encouraging. My mother in particular is amazing, no wonder why I have always had the hardest time leaving her. I would call her just about everyday just to make sure I was gathering all the right paperwork, getting my credit card set up, and most of all just to have her reassure me that I was making the right decision. Even when I called her bawling my eyes out, she would calm me down and reassure me that I was going to be okay. If it wasn’t for her, I don’t know if I ever would’ve gotten on the plane.

I did get on the plane though. I faced my biggest fears and just kept walking. I am so thankful that I did.

This is from our first weekend here. You wouldn’t even know I was ever scared to come to Italy – my happiness is radiating.

Follow your dreams, no matter how scary they are.

Ciao for now & War Eagle always! -Maddie Harris