Anna is a current student at the University of South Carolina studying at Sant’Anna Institute in Italy during the Fall 2014 term.

Tell us why you chose to study abroad.
I chose to study abroad, specifically in Italy, in order to get to know a new culture completely different from my own. I also really wanted to solidify my Italian minor, and what better way to do so? I chose Sorrento because I knew I wanted to study in a small town where I could really immerse myself and learn as much as possible about Italian life, and I can’t wait to get there!

Tell us about your school, major, interests, clubs (you in a nutshell).
I am a senior at the University of South Carolina, majoring in Biology and minoring in Italian (odd combination, I know). After graduating I want to continue on to graduate school and study Public Health. My favorite thing in the world to do is travel; basically everywhere on the planet is on my bucket list. We’ll see how that goes, but dream big, right? I’ve taken up cooking in the past few years, out of necessity to feed myself in college, but I’ve actually started to really enjoy it and I’m looking forward to getting some awesomely delicious Italian recipes! I also LOVE music, it’s rare to find me not listening to something, and I’m very curious about Italian music and whether or not I’ll like it.

What are you most excited about re. studying abroad?
I’m most excited about all the new places I will get to visit and the people I’m going to meet during my four months abroad. Also-I know it’s going to be tough, but I’m actually really looking forward to improving my Italian. I’ll probably embarrass myself profusely along the way, but being able to speak a new language (albeit not fluently) will be awesome!

What are you most nervous about re. studying abroad?
I’m most nervous about the first few days, during the adjustment period. It will be hard getting settled into a completely different way of life, especially because its impossible to prepare since I don’t really know what to expect. But, I’m sure it will pass and that the memories I make and experiences I gain will be amazing.

What are three goals that you would like to achieve/accomplish while abroad?

1. Push myself to practice as much Italian as possible. It won’t be easy, but I know it won’t get any easier unless I embarrass myself a few times, learn from my mistakes, and keep trying.
2. Avoid the temptation to be lazy and really take advantage of every opportunity to learn and explore. Four months sounds like a long time, and it is, but I’m also sure it will fly by.
3. Try all the food.