Moving abroad can be both challenging and rewarding. My journey of living and working abroad has provided me with profound cultural exchange, transformed my mindset, and reinforced my personal growth.

I had always wanted to embark on a cultural journey and see the world, driven by a deep curiosity and a desire to experience diverse perspectives and traditions firsthand. The Italian way of life—with its rich culture, beautiful language, and delicious food—drew me in, and I decided to experience it for myself. AICEM provided me with the perfect opportunity through the European Solidarity Corps volunteering program. I marvelled at the new sights, sounds, and tastes, which showcased the vibrant cultural exchange happening all around me. I embraced the challenges of mastering the Italian language and the local customs, driven by a constant desire to learn more.

I was introduced to a completely new field of work where I experimented with unfamiliar tasks, faced challenges, stepped out of my comfort zone, acquired diverse skills, and honed my strengths. Among other tasks, I was involved in implementing non-formal education activities for various age groups, from middle schoolers to adults. I pushed myself out of my comfort zone by featuring on a podcast in Italian and giving a presentation to high schoolers just a year younger than me. These experiences fostered immense growth in me.

Initially, it was challenging to figure out who I was outside my comfort zone in such a different environment. This led to a temporary loss of identity, but I soon restored my sense of self. I learned new skills, discovered my limits, became more adaptable, increased my confidence, and developed cultural awareness through cultural exchange occurring all around me. This journey was one of self-discovery, growth, and strength, ultimately allowing me to understand who I truly am.

As an introvert, being constantly surrounded by people was overwhelming at first. However, I loved how open and welcoming most Italians are. I was invited to a friend’s grandmother’s house for Christmas, experiencing their warmth and hospitality firsthand. Building connections came easily in such an open culture. With these new friends, I continuously participated in cultural exchange, teaching them about my culture as they taught me about theirs.

I approached this experience abroad with an open mind, ready to absorb everything, but I had to find a balance between my own culture and the new one. Eventually, I integrated into Italian culture, although adapting to certain aspects—like late nights, lack of punctuality, and physical expressiveness—was challenging. The music, songs, history, arts, and openness of the people offered a refreshing experience. The culture shock was significant, and adapting to a wholly new culture was no small feat.