Ciao! My name is Rowen Jensen, and I am the blog ambassador for the Fall Semester here at CIMBA. I hope my blogs bring you along for the adventure, sharing the excitement, challenges, and the little moments that make studying abroad in Italy an unforgettable experience.
Why I Chose CIMBA
I find myself in a unique position as I wrap up my college experience with CIMBA in Italy. With graduation set in December, this study abroad experience feels like both a final farewell to college as well as my long-awaited chance to study overseas. I always had a desire to study abroad these past 3 years but got very comfortable with my experience at the University of Arkansas and found myself putting it off.
When I found out I would be graduating a semester early, I knew I couldn’t wait any longer. After talking with advisors and past students, CIMBA quickly stood out as the perfect way to end my college experience.
My goals were simple: finish credits for graduation, have flexibility to travel, immerse myself in a new language and culture, and ultimately grow personally and professionally. CIMBA offers all of that, prioritizing academics during the week with the freedom to explore Italy and more on the weekends. As I begin my journey, I feel grateful to end my college career in such a meaningful way.
Packing & Prep
Luckily, the CIMBA staff and advisors share a packing checklist months in advance, but if you’re anything like me - an overthinker and a bit of a procrastinator- packing still comes with its fair share of chaos. Preparing for three months for a country you have never visited, with unexpected weather and limited suitcase space, can feel overwhelming. To make it a little easier, here are some tips and lessons I learned quickly while packing for this adventure.
1. Sort out your phone plan early.
Don’t wait until the last minute as I did. There are many different options, some more on the expensive side, such as going through your home United States carrier, and some more reasonably priced but can be confusing, such as an e-SIM or an Italian SIM card. If you choose to stick with your carrier, I recommend reading the fine print of the plans they market. I decided to
use an e-SIM through the app “Airalo”. I finally got it set up during my layover in Chicago and was thankful to have service the moment I landed in Italy. Save yourself the stress and figure this out weeks before leaving.
2. Weigh your luggage.
Suitcases fill up faster than you think. Toiletries especially add weight, so it is important to prioritize your favorite products, but know there is a convenient store full of toiletry options close to campus. I spent the whole night before and morning of my flight balancing out my suitcases, making sure they were under 50 pounds. A luggage scale saved me from paying overweight fees when getting to the airport (my bags were exactly 50 pounds!)
3. Don’t forget a few “comfort” items.
Being away from home for 3 months, I am glad I brought small things that remind me of home: my favorite sweatshirt, a trinket dish with a sweet message gifted from my mom, my favorite snacks, and a journal to write about my experience to share with family and friends. These little items don’t take up much space but have already made a big difference while I have been adjusting to a new place.
First Impressions of Italy and the CIMBA Campus
After a long journey, I found myself in Venice, Italy, where I stayed a few nights before heading to campus. Even through the slight jetlag, I was completely in awe. The people have been so kind and welcoming, the food is delicious, and the views are stunning. Connecting with the locals has already made me feel more comfortable and has given me my first glimpse into Italian culture. Transportation started kind of intimidating, but has already gotten easier, and I have found the staff at train stations are very helpful. Mealtimes run later than what I am used to in the States, so having packed a few of my favorite snacks has been very useful.
This is my second night staying on campus, and every morning starts with a beautiful view of the mountains outside my window. Just down the street is a gelato shop I already know I’ll be visiting often this semester. With the first week approaching soon, packed with workshops and events to grow professionally and bond with my cohort, I couldn’t be more excited for what these next 3 months will bring.
I can’t wait to share this journey with you, ciao for now!