Vic Cosmo

Let's crack this post open with an obvious truth. It’s difficult. When studying in a new place, especially outside of your native language, it is beyond normal to feel thrown for a loop. There will be overwhelming moments that spring up as you adjust to life outside of Hanover, and my biggest pieces of advice are to find small victories in your day-to-day life. Whether this is calling your mom after class and filing her in on all your new vocab, or finding a new coffee shop to study at with peers, what most helped me was recognizing that adjusting to a new place is always cause for celebration. Be proud of yourself! 

The other day, I was roaming around a huge toy store in Rome after class with one of my friends. We spent a long time chatting and exploring the four floors stocked with bright—frankly, overpriced—toys, and laughing over the similarities between our childhoods. (insert picture) We hopped onto a bus afterwards and directly in front of where we stood, there was a man holding an enormous bouquet of sunflowers. To quantify the enormity, we could not see his face at all, and he was taller than both of us by at least a couple inches. The flowers themselves were beautifully wrapped in different shades of green tissue paper, interspersed with tiny stems of baby’s breath, and joined together at the center with a yellow ribbon.

I felt a little taken aback looking at the scene. I held up my hands making a makeshift camera and said “click” to the man, which I’m pretty sure translated well into Italian. He smiled and said “thank you,” proceeding to explain that he had bought them for a loved one. We engaged in a quick conversation about how no one purchased flowers anymore, and how I felt he had chosen a really special bouquet. When I got off the bus, shortly after – I was only riding two stops – I turned just in time to catch his wave as the bus drove off. 

This moment meant a lot to me. I was able to have a genuine interaction in a language that is not natively mine, and hopefully, make a lasting impression on a stranger. This was, to me, a cause for celebration. Though I often miss the ability to chat with strangers, see all my friends back home, or hang out with my parents, moments like this remind me that the experience is truly what I let myself make of it, and that going through these feelings of longing are part of what will motivate me to find my new normal and…

Oooooo, did y’all mess with the transition? Okay, moving on. 

In any study abroad program, you may feel as though you are placed at a fork in the road between attempting to conduct your stay as a local or as a tourist, and my advice is to believe that the “perfect” time abroad requires a balance between both. 

In my experience, we have had many class excursions with amazing, comprehensive tours of places like Villa Borghese, the Coliseum, and the Roman Forum, and in each of these, I have tried to embrace the view of Italy as a tourist—utilizing these experiences to absorb as much as possible about the history and impact of these places. 

In quotidian moments, like grocery shopping or grabbing coffee with friends, I attempt to really view myself as a fully immersed local, I speak Italian when I’m onn my own, and I do my best to start conversations and ask the questions I need answered when I’m out. 

It’s only by understanding the need for this balance that I’ve been able to maximize my experience abroad.

I cannot emphasize this enough. Sometimes the bus you’re looking for—the one you’re depending on—is just a fragment of your imagination. I have stood for a ridiculous amount of time at bus stops waiting for buses that will never come. This is NOT a metaphor. Simply a note from someone who has suffered at the hands of the 82 morning shuttle. 

So, what can I say about this? You gotta be way earlier than you think. Separate around an hour and a half before you have to be anywhere, and a lot that time for transportation. Using this system, I’ve gotten to where I needed to be either perfectly on time, or early enough that I can grab a coffee and chat with the old ladies at the bakery.

In all honesty, the bus is a really amazing way to get to know the people while passing through areas of the city. I’ve often roamed after class and hopped on a bus with an unknown destination just to watch people interact – eventually getting off when I see something interesting like the many murals, or a really popular restaurant outside of the city center. And yes, before you ask, there will be people loudly talking on the phone or just straight-up watching YouTube at full-volume with no headphones and this will slowly become something you value. There is nothing more culturally enriching than knowing what everyday people are chatting about. And this all makes the crowded bus rides – and I really do mean crowded—worth it.

Oh and if it rains, just take the subway. Otherwise, you’re better off just walking.

In my current study abroad program, I’ve been able to stay with a host-family. My family consists of one lady named Silvia, who teaches at the elementary school in our neighborhood. She lives in a suburb outside of the city, and her daughter restores art for a living, often joining us for dinner after work. Silvia likes simplicity. From her cooking—with whole ingredients—to her clothing, she has told me that she feels connected to the good in the simple. I like chatting with her at the table because she challenges me to use my Italian to deepen conversation rather than just for academic purposes. We talk a lot about her youth, and mine, and she asks thought-provoking questions about how I spend my time. 

I don’t think we would’ve been able to get to the point of conversing meaningfully were it not for the effort we both put into feeling at home. I chat with her about my classes, and sometimes I cook dinner, or bring home pastries for her to try, and I think that treating her home as though it was mine has really helped me feel more comfortable being away from home. Though I call my mom daily to fill her in on what I’ve learned— and, obviously, to see my dog, Mel—I don’t necessarily miss the physical place I’m from. 

While talking to my mother about this, she told me candidly, “the important aspects of home travel with you.” (I don't know how moms always know exactly what to say). This has really stuck with me. It has made it way easier to view the prospect of making home abroad as scattering seeds. 

This one is simple and self-explanatory. There are moments where I just stand in front of monuments, close my eyes, and feel the sunlight. And those are small but powerful. 

Yours in the little ways, 

Vic Cosmo