![\"Jonathan](\"http:\/\/blogs.butler.edu\/studyabroad\/files\/2024\/05\/Jonathan-Shinn_IES-Milan_FA23_San-Fruttuoso-scaled.jpg\")
\u00a0<\/a>to\u00a0<\/a>most people who have studied abroad in college, you will probably hear the same few phrases over and over again; \u201cstudying abroad changed my life\u201d\u2026.\u201cI learned so much\u201d\u2026.etc. At first, I didn\u2019t think this would be me, but by the end it was. I thought I would come in and out of this experience mostly the same, I knew a lot would probably challenge me and I was excited for all of the change. However, while I felt prepared for the culture shock (which never really hit in my case) I was not prepared for the more subtle ways studying abroad forces you into a world of self-discovery.<\/p>\nHow I was pushed abroad: Being independent abroad is amazing because you feel as if your fate is finally in your own hands, away from all the pressures of life in the states. With this newfound Time, time, time. I haven\u2019t had this much time to myself since what seems like middle school! I don\u2019t have class on Fridays, I have a smaller workload, and I am in class less compared to Butler. As a person who enjoys being busy 24\/7, this was a struggle at first for me. I feel as if I have finally found a healthy school-work-life balance and I have Italy to thank for it. In my experience, it seems Italians work to live, not live to work.<\/p>\n I was also pushed to struggle with my identity overall abroad. Interacting with a different culture allowed me to reflect on my own values more. I feel as if my values are more defined than they were before because living in a different culture has given me the opportunity to understand myself better. For example, I identify as a gay man and I feel as if my time here has allowed me to become more comfortable and secure in that identity.<\/p>\n How to accept self-discovery abroad:<\/strong> 1. Let yourself be in new and uncomfortable situations<\/p>\n 2. Take time to relax and slow down<\/p>\n 3. Slow down, but also use the extra time abroad wisely<\/p>\n 4. Fail with the language<\/p>\n 5. Let yourself be comfortable being alone-it might surprise you<\/p>\n Written by: Jonathan Shinn\u00a0 |\u00a0 Fall 2023 IES Abroad Milan \u2013 Music: Voice, Composition & Instrumental I will never regret studying abroad. When you talk \u00a0to\u00a0most people who have studied abroad in college, you will probably hear the same few … Continue reading <\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
\nindependence came more decisions. Do I stay with the Americans in my program and make friends with them or do I push myself to practice Italian and make friends with the locals? What do I do with all of my extra time?<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n\n
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<\/a>Studying abroad can be a life changing experience where you can understand yourself and those around you better. Doing this has given me more perspective but it wasn\u2019t always easy. I had to seek uncomfortable and new situations so I could learn and be immersed. Study abroad-push yourself and engage, you won\u2019t regret it!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"