I am officially living in Milan, Italy! I still cannot really believe those words are true. What a surreal experience it was stepping off the plane in Milan and realizing that this would be my home for the next semester. Although it has only been 14 days here, I am already convinced to move here! The people, food, and experiences so far have been more than I could have hoped for. I have made so many new friends from all around the States and world! What an amazing thing that we all have gathered in Milan to study.
The first couple of days consisted of Orientation where we learned the basics…how to use the metro, why studying abroad is so important, much advice from faculty and past study abroad students, and much more. The first night, we took a tour of our dorm building and our neighborhood. Our dorm has a laundry room, bar where I get coffee every morning, a gym, an artist spot, a game room, and a huge kitchen. The area also includes many study spaces and hang out areas! What a cute neighborhood we are in! We walked to the closest market, which is a very nice and easy walk! I am there often haha! After the tour, I unpacked my bags to settle in before our pizza outing. What an amazing first meal I had. Besides the delicious pizza, I was able to connect to new people and make friends that I know I will forever cherish.
I do not have enough elegant words to describe how incredible the Italian cuisine is. I was expecting the food to be amazing, but Italian food is a new level. I should include that I cannot eat gluten or dairy in the States, but here I am able to eat all of the gluten and dairy I desire. AMAZING. I have been taking advantage of this every single day. I am probably in a caffè every day trying something new. This has definitely convinced me more to live here one day.
My favorite activity during orientation was our paint and sip while we met our Italian language teachers. My teacher, Paola, is the sweetest person ever and I have so enjoyed her class. Although learning Italian is difficult, she makes it so fun and engaging. The first two weeks are considered our “Intensive Italian” learning period where we spend our class time learning the language. Normally after class every day, my friends and I try a new caffè where we each get a coffee and pastry. What an amazing post class treat this has been.
I have already explored so much of this city, yet feel as though I have barely scratched the surface. There is so much to do and see, which is what I love about living in a city. Every single day can be so different if I so choose. I am excited to continue to explore the inner parts of Milan and surrounding areas and countries. I am hoping to travel as much as I possibly can! Until next time, Ciao!
