Christina, originally from Littleton, Colorado, is majoring in justice studies with a minor in pre-law. She’s graduating this spring after only three years. She has wanted to study abroad ever since she attended a general meeting about the program that GCU partners with. Once she met with her SSC, she felt it was meant to be since everything fit into place perfectly. At the same time, it was a difficult decision to leave GCU for a semester since she is graduating an entire year early. After conducting research, Christina decided she wanted to go to Italy since its history, beauty and of course, pasta have always fascinated her. She also added, “I thought I loved Italian food before I left but I had no idea how much I would love the food and the simplicity of Italian dishes after I lived there.”
Christina spent her semester living in Reggio Emilia, Italy which is a small city in the north about halfway between Milan and Bologna. “Studying in Reggio Emilia was easily one of the most amazing experiences of my life,” explained Christina. The initial adjustment was difficult due to differences in culture. She was surprised how much it impacted her day-to-day activities.
Her program was only 38 people, 37 Americans and one Brazilian, but it allowed her to make many amazing friendships with people from all over the U.S. Since Reggio Emilia is a small city, she was fully immersed in authentic Italian culture and had to use Italian to communicate, which she enjoyed because it gave her a true taste of Italian life (unlike the touristy cities that attempt to cater to foreign travelers). Even traveling around Italy, she loved going to the touristy places, but her favorite experiences were in small towns, small family-owned restaurants and places off the beaten path. She truly appreciates the Italian culture and although it took a while to adjust, she didn’t realize until she returned to the US how the phrase la dolce vita Italiana (the Italian sweet life) is true, how impactful the slower the pace of life is and how valuable it is to be intentional with your relationships.
