Student Bloggers

When I first told people I was studying abroad for the fall semester, they were shocked—especially when they heard I was going alone. I didn’t have a single friend with me and no one from my home university was going abroad. While I was grinning ear to ear about living this experience solo, a part of me feared loneliness. With this change came a lot of responsibility and independence. Was I capable of handling it? As I planned my study abroad, concerns and worries came over me, but I wasn’t going to let my fears stop me from pursuing my dreams. So, I boarded that plane and flew to Italy, not knowing what awaited me.

Now, as I only have seven weeks left in Sorrento, I often find myself reflecting on that first week. It started with a rather comical challenge: there just wasn’t enough room in the trunk of the bus for all our luggage. Thankfully, I wasn’t the only one who had overpacked! One by one, we threw our nearly fifty-pound suitcases onto the bus, navigating the cramped aisle like we were in some sort of luggage Tetris competition. 

Finally, our bags were on board, and I thought, “Well, it’s got to be up from here!” But clearly, we all had just disembarked from an international flight with zero sleep, and we hadn’t fully considered the logistics of getting on the bus. With the aisle stuffed with our bags, we had no choice but to crawl over the suitcases and shimmy our way to the back. Despite being completely drained from the day, we somehow found the energy to laugh at the absurdity of it all. 

“I can’t wait for this hour-long bus ride to cool off and maybe catch some sleep,” I sighed, but let’s be real—rest was not in the cards when the stunning views of Sorrento from the mountaintop appeared. “That’s my home for the next four months!” I thought, and I still feel that excitement every time I look out at the landscape.

Eventually, we arrived at our destination and it was time to unload our suitcases—more like throwing our bags off the bus. At that point, I didn’t care what was in my suitcase; I just wanted to be done with transportation. Little did we know, the adventure was far from over. We still had to haul our suitcases down a cobblestone road and up to our school. Trust me, don’t overpack, or you’ll end up like me—struggling to stand straight with two backpacks while dragging two large suitcases behind.

At that moment, I usually would have considered throwing in the towel and finding a nice couch to collapse on with a cold drink. But I wasn’t alone. We were all in this luggage predicament together, facing the consequences of our overpacking choices. So, instead of sulking, we just laughed about it. It was pretty hilarious, really, as we dragged our suitcases down the road while tourists strolled by, giving us confused looks. One even asked if I needed help. “I’m almost there, I hope!” I replied, not even knowing where the bus driver had dropped us.

Looking back on that moment, I realize it was a turning point. I understood I wasn’t going to be alone on this journey. That experience made me aware that there would be many more moments like this. Those initial worries about being alone no longer controlled my thoughts. Studying abroad is a new experience for everyone, and that’s part of its beauty. Whether you’re with your best friend or flying solo, we’re all navigating the same waters. Yes, there will inevitably be times of loneliness, but it’s essential to acknowledge that and know you’re not alone in it.

What truly matters is how you respond to those moments. I chose to turn my loneliness into a learning experience. Being alone provided me with time to reflect, understand myself better, and grow in unexpected ways. In these moments of solitude, I focused on what I wanted from this experience and who I wanted to become. I learned to navigate challenges independently, push myself out of my comfort zone, and appreciate the beauty of experiencing something new without the safety net of familiarity. It’s in these quiet moments that I discovered not just the city around me, but also my own capabilities.

To those who doubt whether they can embark on this journey alone, I encourage you to believe in your abilities. One key to making connections is to put yourself out there. Don’t hesitate to share that you’re doing this alone. People will see that as bold, and who knows—perhaps they are alone too. In a society that often clings to familiarity, stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to amazing connections. You might find friends to travel with or those you can lean on when you miss home.

For me, getting involved in all the activities and events my school offered during that first week was important. It opened doors to meet new people and set up plans for further adventures. It was like going through the first week of college all over again. Without a familiar face, I was forced to engage with others, and I soon realized that I had navigated this process before, making it even easier.

Traveling abroad alone offers immense freedom. Without being tied to a person or a group, you can explore at your own pace and seek opportunities that resonate with your interests. But it also comes with its challenges. Take flying alone, for example. While I haven’t explored a city solo yet, I’ve flown by myself a few times, and navigating unfamiliar airports is definitely a test of patience and problem-solving.

The first time I flew alone was when I came to Italy. After saying goodbye to my parents for four months and holding back my tears, I boarded the plane alone. The international flight itself was a breeze—I had the whole aisle to myself, which meant plenty of sleep and movies. But when I landed in an unfamiliar airport, surrounded by a language I barely understood, things quickly shifted. In that moment, truly alone, I began to question if I could find my gate and make it to my final destination. 

After some stress, sweat, and a lot of worrying, I figured it out. And just a few weeks ago, I found myself on another solo flight, this time to London for fall break. All those same worries returned, but then I reminded myself—I’ve done this before, and it worked out in the end. I know my limits, and in these moments, it's clear that the only thing stopping me is myself.

For those traveling with friends, remember that this journey is still a significant choice of independence. I encourage you to step out of your shell as well. While having a friend by your side can be comforting, it’s equally important to carve out your own experiences. Simple tasks like grocery shopping alone or getting a cappuccino can build your independence. Just because you traveled with someone doesn’t mean you have to follow their every step. Embrace your own journey and create your own adventure.

The independence I’ve built here will stay with me long after I return home. Even when I’m surrounded by familiar faces, I’ll feel more confident in my abilities and decisions regarding my career and personal adventures. Sometimes, the excitement of traveling and the worries of school can overshadow the purpose of this experience. That’s why documenting your journey is so important—whether through writing, taking photos, or videos. I often find quiet spots away from the noise of life to let my thoughts flow. Ask yourself: How are you feeling about this experience? What is lacking? How can you improve?

These reflections will help you recognize the independence you’ve gained. When you return home, looking back at your documentation will remind you of the incredible experience you had and reinforce the idea that this journey is meant to empower you. So go ahead—write, take photos, make videos, and create scrapbooks. Find a way to capture your adventure so that in the future, you can revisit those moments and feel that confidence all over again.