Studying abroad is often associated with a highlight reel of adventures and incredibly picturesque moments like strolling down cobblestone streets, sipping cappuccinos at sidewalk cafes, and soaking up new cultures. While there have certainly been plenty of picturesque moments like this, they don’t tell the full story, and they don’t show the not-so-Instagram-worthy moments. Like everything, studying abroad comes with its share of unglamorous, challenging, and frustrating moments. However, despite these challenges, these moments made the experience so meaningful and made me even more resilient to challenges.
First of all, the public transport strikes. Almost every weekend, like clockwork, the metros, buses, and trams would strike for a day. In a big city like Milan, public transport is the primary way of getting around, so each time these strikes happened, I was left with two options. Those options being walking or paying for a taxi. I always chose walking, which was slightly inconvenient but encouraged me to slow down, take in my surroundings, and explore new areas of my city that I may not have otherwise seen.
Then, of course, was the struggle of obtaining my permit of stay. Just one day after arriving into Italy, I was welcomed with a mountain of paperwork that I had to complete, all of which was in Italian. Completing this paperwork was certainly a struggle and was followed by multiple appointments and long waits at the post office and immigration office. While the process was time-consuming and challenging, I felt a great sense of accomplishment once I finally received my permit. Navigating this important part of living abroad taught me the importance of patience and flexibility.
Weather was another unexpected challenge. The idea of walking to class in the bright sun and warm weather sounded lovely until torrential downpours became a regular part of my daily commute. With 2024 being one of Milan’s rainiest years, there was no escaping the rain, meaning that even with an umbrella, I had to embrace the squeaky shoes and wet clothes. These rainy walks taught me resilience and made me even more appreciative of the rare moments when the sun decided to shine.
And we can’t forget about how my water heater broke in the middle of December. Cold showers in the freezing weather became an unwelcome part of my routine for a few days until it was repaired. Instead of dwelling on the fact that it was broken, I learned to adapt, bundling up in many layers and warming up with endless cups of coffee and tea. While the situation was certainly not ideal, it encouraged me to adapt and be resourceful.
Despite all of this, the challenges and struggles of studying abroad were far outweighed by the incredible positives and opportunities that came with it. For every rainy walk to class, there was a sunny afternoon spent exploring the city with new friends. For every hour spent at the immigration office, there was the excitement of immersing myself in the Italian culture. The unglamorous and imperfect moments added depth and meaning to my experience, as for each hiccup there was a memory that made it all worth it.
Looking back, it is clear that the not-so-picture-perfect moments of studying abroad were just as important as the postcard-worthy ones. Each of these experiences taught me important lessons in adaptability, resourcefulness, and resilience. These moments allowed me to find joy in the small things and really savor the present moment. Studying abroad is not supposed to be perfect. It is meant to be unpredictable and is about embracing a full spectrum of experiences, the good, the bad, and the unexpected. I wouldn’t trade a single one of these imperfect moments for the world. They were a critical part of my experience and they are what makes studying abroad one of the most unique and incredible experiences.
Maya Welch
Fall 2024
GW Exchange - Bocconi University
GW School of Business
International Business Major