After just one week at CIMBA Italy, I can already tell this is going to be way more than just a typical study abroad program. It honestly feels like I’ve been here longer than a week, not because the days are dragging, but because so much has happened in such a short time. The vibe reminds me a bit of summer camp, in the best way possible. Everyone here is from all over the U.S., and we’ve all been tossed into this unfamiliar space together. That shared experience of not knowing what’s going on half the time makes it super easy to connect with people. It’s been nice to see how quickly friendships have formed just from all of us trying to figure things out together.
This is also my first time traveling internationally, and I did it completely solo. I’m not going to lie, the airport chaos, going through customs, and trying to figure out foreign transportation were overwhelming at times. But once I got to campus and took a breath, I realized how proud I was of myself for pulling it off. There’s something about getting through that kind of experience alone that builds confidence fast. I already feel more independent and capable, and that’s a cool way to start the trip.
Classes have been way more engaging than I expected. I’m taking Classical Mythology and Social Media Marketing, and both professors are doing an amazing job tying what we’re learning to Italy itself. In Mythology, it’s not just about Greek stories, we’re seeing how those stories have influenced European art and architecture, which we’re surrounded by here. Everything feels more real when you’re walking past buildings and sculptures inspired by the things you’re reading about.
One of the best parts of the week was our visit to the Canova Museum. Antonio Canova was a big name in neoclassical sculpture, and seeing his work up close was honestly kind of emotional. His statue of Cupid and Psyche was my favorite—it's so detailed and beautiful, but also full of tension and feeling. It’s wild to think he carved that out of stone. Seeing it in the actual town where he lived and created gave the whole experience a layer of meaning that I don’t think I could’ve gotten from just looking at a picture in a textbook.
In my Social Media Marketing class, we aren’t just talking about strategies, we are working with a real Italian brand to build a campaign. It’s hands-on and practical, which I love. We’re learning how marketing strategies have to shift depending on cultural context, something I haven’t thought about much before. U.S. tactics don’t always translate the same way here, and it’s been interesting to see how things like tone and platform use differ between countries.
Even though it’s only been a week, I can already feel a routine settling in. The chaos of arriving is fading, and I’m starting to enjoy the everyday stuff: grabbing espresso, walking through these quiet streets, chatting with people after class. There’s still a lot to figure out, but that’s part of why I came here. It’s not just about school; it’s about figuring out who I am in a new environment. And if this first week is any sign, I think I’m going to learn a lot more than I expected.