Q: Initially, what made you decide to study abroad? Why did you choose your program?
A:I decided to study abroad because it had always been a dream of mine. Ever since I was little, I imagined traveling the world, especially visiting Rome, Italy. I once believed I would pursue that dream after graduating while working toward becoming a film director and using my voice to speak up for those who are often unheard. When I discovered the opportunity to study abroad, I knew I had to take that chance. My mother also encouraged me to pursue my dream because she never had the opportunity to pursue hers, which made this decision even more meaningful to me. Being the first in my family to take this opportunity made me feel proud and grateful. I chose the Made in Italy: Rome program because I wanted to learn more about Rome's media and film culture and understand how it differed from the film/media industry in the United States. Rome had long been one of the most influential cities in the world for cinema, and many well known films, including La Dolce Vita, were filmed there. Studying in a city with such a rich cinematic history helped me grow creatively and academically as I continued working toward my goal of becoming a film director.
Q: What was the highlight of your study abroad experience?
A: The highlight of my study abroad experience was visiting one of the most historic and impactful film studios in the world, Cinecittà. I had the opportunity to walk through the same studio where renowned directors such as Martin Scorsese and Federico Fellini once worked. Knowing that two of the most influential filmmakers in the industry had walked through the same space felt truly surreal to me.
Q: What was your greatest challenge abroad and how did you overcome it?
A: My greatest challenge abroad was learning how to cook. I had little experience in preparing meals, and I quickly realized that living off paninis with pesto and prosciutto wasn't going to be enough and always going out to eat wasn't going to be enough. I overcame this challenge by looking up recipes for traditional Italian dishes, like Cacio e Pepe, as well as exploring recipes from other cuisines. I also took full advantage of my Farm to Fork class, which taught me about the quality and authenticity of food and agriculture. This class helped me understand how to select ingredients, whether at local markets or at one of my favorite specialty gourmet shops, Castroni, which offered an incredible variety of diverse and unique ingredients. Over time, I gained confidence in the kitchen and learned to appreciate cooking as both a skill and an art.
Q: How did your coursework abroad compare to your courses at UC Merced?
A: My coursework in Rome was similar to UC Merced, with a focus on lectures and note-taking, but it emphasized connecting what we were learning to both the city's history, culture, and modern life, as well as broader topics depending on the class. Students were expected to participate in in-class discussions. Exams and presentations were the main forms of assessment. I would suggest actively participating in discussions and staying on top of your work, as the fast-paced teaching can make it challenging to keep up if you procrastinate.
Q: What did you gain from your study abroad experience?
A: I gained a lot of independence while navigating cities, not only in Rome but also while traveling to many other parts of Italy, including Florence, Venice, Bologna, and beyond, as well as destinations like Barcelona. Through these experiences, I developed more confidence in traveling on my own and feel much less travel anxiety than before. I also built new, lifelong friendships with students from the UC system and from around the world, for which I am truly grateful.
Q: What advice do you have for students considering study abroad?
A: I would advise students to never decide that a dream is too big for them. No matter where you want to go in the world, go for it. Sometimes studying abroad can feel challenging or uncertain at first, but those experiences can help you grow and discover new strengths. Instead of holding yourself back, allow yourself to aim high and believe that your goals are possible. While the journey may require effort and perseverance, those moments often become meaningful learning experiences. If studying abroad is something you aspire to do, pursue it with confidence and determination. Dreams that may seem distant at first can become reality when you take the first step and believe in your potential.
Q: What do you wish you learned about studying abroad before you left for your program?
A: One thing I wish I had learned before leaving for my program is how much preparation goes into getting everything ready beforehand. There are many documents, forms, and steps involved, so starting early once you receive the program instructions and guidelines really helps. Staying organized and carefully reading through the instructions makes the process much smoother. It also helps to ask questions whenever you are unsure and stay in communication with your study abroad advisor throughout the process.
Q: Describe a typical day abroad.
A: My typical day abroad usually started around 8 a.m. when I would wake up, shower, and get ready. I lived near St. Peter’s Basilica, so I walked past it every day, admiring the view, and stopped at a nearby café, such as Caffè Novecento or Bar Amore, for a quick breakfast before my classes. I always got an espresso and a pistachio cornetto, which was a nice little ritual to start the day. Most of the day was spent in classes, like Media and Baroque Art. I usually finished my Baroque Art class around 6 p.m., since we spent the day touring Baroque churches and other historic sites. After class, I would hang out with friends. Sometimes we grabbed dinner at a local trattoria, and other times we just got gelato and wandered through the streets. I loved exploring the piazzas, discovering little shops, and watching street performers.
Q: If you could go anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would you go and why?
A: If I could go anywhere in the world tomorrow, I would go to Edinburgh. I’d love to spend time in the countryside nearby so I could see the fluffy Highland cattle in real life. They look so cute with their long, shaggy hair and big bangs over their eyes, and it would be really peaceful to see them walking around in open fields. I also think the town itself looks so pretty, especially with the gloomy weather and snow. The old stone architecture makes everything look cozy and almost magical, like something out of a storybook.
