"I can't" doesn't exist

I chose Florence as my study abroad destination because I was looking to go out of my comfort zone and experience and learn a cultural completely different from my own. I enjoy learning new cultures and immersing in them. CAPA Florence definitely fulfilled that expectation and desire. I arrived in Italy, knowing not a single word in Italian. I was placed with a host family who spoke not a single word of English. More people than I expected did not know English or not well enough to understand what you were asking or trying to say. I struggled in the beginning because I couldn't speak the language and some days it was just so frustrating, but you have to keep trying. Florence is a huge city compared to my small hometown in the mountains in the middle of no where. I had no idea how to use public transportation, let alone in another country with a different language that I did not know. I was never good at directions. My study experience definitely forced me out of my comfort zone. Sometimes the cultural differences were irritating and unbearable because you couldn't understand them or you didn't like them, but overall, you grew to adapt to the cultural differences and learned to appreciate them. I appreciated and loved that CAPA emphasized a lot of out of the classroom experiences to teach us. I think there's no better way to learn about another culture than being actors and active observers of it. The first hand experience and interactive learning is my preferred method of learning; it provides you with the ability to learn so much about a culture and also a lot about yourself and your values. CAPA's teaching staff is incredible. They act as a resource and a family away from home. CAPA's 4 day class week not only helped students travel to experience the world, which is one of the most important educational tools and advantages individuals should take advantage of, but it also allowed us to personally dive further into the Florentine culture. I learned that I can adapt to new situations quicker than I thought I could because you have to. I know now that I can do anything if I need to, and I can survive and make do wherever I am with whatever I have. "I can't" is no longer a phrase in my vocabulary. My study abroad experience has changed my life and has given me a new-found perspective of the world.