Maiah semester abroad: the up’s & down’s

When I pictured myself studying abroad, from the flight to Italy to the flight home, I was filled with so much excitement & wonderlust. I was picturing all the amazing countries & cultures I would be able to immerse myself in and I could not have been more thrilled. What I didn’t realize before my trip was that the people I met would have such an influence on my time in Sorrento. Leaving and saying our goodbyes was one of the hardest parts. The life long friendships I made during my time abroad is something I hold so close to my heart. Looking bad, I would not have had it any other way. The town of Sorrento was so cute & quaint. During all of the amazing trips we took, from Ireland to Germany, to Croatia, to Greece, getting back to Sorrento felt so nice. It truly felt like home.
My friends & I were able to feel like locals. We fit in with our daily routines, going into town to grab a coffee or a gelato, seeing familiar faces that would smile & greet you so nicely.
I would recommend studying abroad to anyone. I was able to see so much growth and change not only within myself but within so many others around me. You create a bond with the people you travel with for so many reasons but I have found that the changes & growth you go through hold you together the most. Studying abroad gives you the opportunity to discover who you are, how you adapt to change, and to focus on yourself & what makes you happy. It may be hard at some points, but it is so worth it in the end. I wouldn’t give up my study abroad experience for anything. CIS abroad has helped me through it all and I could not be more thankful.