It has been almost a month since I have been home from Italy and it’s strange getting back into my normal routine. I have had quite a bit of time to reflect on my experience which has been bittersweet. I am sad to think that life goes on after I have immersed myself so deeply into another culture, but at the same time I am happy with how quickly I was able to adjust to my normal routine at home.

Studying abroad in Sorrento has been a life changing experience that has made me become a well-rounded individual, for which I am thankful for. Without being awarded an SAI scholarship I fear that my adventures would have been nearly impossible to reach and words cannot describe how eternally grateful I am to be one of the recipients.

Even though studying in Sorrento has changed me as a person in my thinking and habits in the present time, I know that it will one day open the door to many professional opportunities that would otherwise be unreachable without my experience. Not many people are able to say that they have traveled throughout Europe, and even fewer are able to say that they have studied abroad in Italy. I am ecstatic to be able to say that I have had a professional internship in Italy, and I would jump on the opportunity to do it again.

_____________

Lydia is a student at Seattle Pacific University studying at Sant’Anna Institute in Italy during the Summer 2014 term.