The decision to study abroad was absolutely the best decision I have ever made in my life. I learned so many new lessons and life skills I would have never thought I would’ve encountered. I met new lifelong friends and made connections with students around the globe. My time abroad will stick with me forever and I am so blessed that Alabama lead me into this life changing experience. Throughout study abroad I was able to visit 11 countries, 27 cities, and 3 continents. I did so much more than I thought possible and have really unlocked my passion for traveling and learning about new cultures. When people ask me to pick my favorite place i traveled i can’t because each place was SO different but equally AMAZING! I found my home in Rome and it will always have a special place in my heart, so for now this will be my response to “What is your favorite place you went?” It was one of the hardest goodbyes of my life. We had to say goodbye to all the students in our program, our favorite brothers at the local wine bar Matteo and Eduardo, have our last coffee at our favorite caffe and say “Ciao!” one last time to all of the girls working who now know our names and orders by heart. We went out all together for one last time and let me tell you that there was a magical and indescribable feeling in the air and on those cobblestones that night as we all embraced each other and our experience we shared. We laughed, we cried, and we all promised †o come back one day. Leaving this new found home and all of the community that came with it broke my heart and it was so hard to let go, But i feel so lucky that the heartbreak of leaving showed me how much this experience meant to me and how I will carry it with me for the rest of my life. If i could give one piece of advice to ANY college student, it is to take the leap and study abroad. I PROMISE you WILL NOT regret that you did.
Bama Blogger, Antonia Saparto, signing out :’)
