Study in Italy - Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore

"Amo Italia"

By Kyle Droniak

MILAN - I was a sophomore in college when I first contemplated studying abroad. I began saving up and researching colleges in Italy because I wasn't planning on studying abroad anywhere else. A lot of my friends chose to study at other well known Italian cities, but I wanted to study in an environment where I knew no one so that I could get the full experience of studying abroad in a different culture.

Kyle (right) at San Siro, Milano watching his    favourite Serie A team, Inter Milan

With that said I decided to apply to UCSC and was accepted shortly thereafter. Throughout my time at UCSC, I made many positive, energetic, lifelong relationships with fellow students, teachers, and staff. On top of that, I did very well in school and enjoyed each and every one of my classes which included two business courses, two Italian language courses, and even a history of Italian film class.

I also had a very strong connection with my roommates in the MIL Service Boscovich apartment which was by far one of the nicest apartments I have ever been in. We were all very independent yet always had a great time when we were together. Constantly laughing and making jokes definitely made us all much closer to each other and as a result made my time here in Milan that much more memorable. I couldn't have asked for better roommates and I am very fortunate to share some of my experiences with them.

During my stay in Milan, I also managed to travel throughout Europe with friends and visited London, England, Paris, France, Dublin, Ireland, and Hungary. I travelled throughout Italy as well and visited Rome, Venice and Florence. Each and every trip was a wise investment and just another incentive for me.

The amount of different cultures I experienced throughout one semester is incredible and as a result, has definitely made a huge impact on my life. My patience, open-mindedness, and analytical skills have all improved immensely. And on top of that, I have also learned to be more easy-going and positive when under pressure. There were many curveballs thrown at me this semester but I persevered and prevailed.

All in all, my decision to study abroad was definitely worth it. I loved the Italian food and aperitivo, riding the subway, metro every day, going out at night with my friends, and most of all, expressing my affection for the culture through my dedication and hard work learning Italian.