My Study Abroad Experience: Bergamo

My study abroad story began during my freshman year at the University of Missouri. Studying abroad has always been my lifelong dream, so as soon as I became a college student I researched programs that could fulfill this goal of mine. After completing my first year at Mizzou, I realized that a trip that took place during the summer would be the best opportunity for me. When I discovered the Trulaske School of Business study abroad program to Bergamo, Italy, I instantly knew this would be the perfect program for me.

Bergamo, Italy

Lake Como, Italy

After months of excitement and preparing for my trip, it was officially time to start my journey abroad. The flight to Italy is a long journey, but it is worth every minute. Upon my arrival, I met with the rest of my program and we made our way to the place we would call home for the next month. After getting settled in, we were anxious to dive into the Italian culture. We had a few days before beginning our classes, so we had plenty of time to adjust to our new environment. On the Bergamo program, students take two classes; one taught by a Mizzou professor and one taught by an Italian professor. Classes take place three days a week and consist of an equal mix of American and Italian students. There is no better way to learn about the Italian culture than from the local Italians themselves. The Italian students were incredibly friendly and just as eager to get to know us as we were them. Going to school with the them was my favorite part of the program. I grew close with many of them and plan on keeping in touch in the future. I thoroughly enjoyed my classes at the University of Bergamo and looked forward to attending them each day. The professors kept class time fun and interactive, allowing us to get to know our Italian classmates. The month flew by, but by the time the trip came to an end, the bond between the Mizzou and Bergamo students was incredible.

Venice, Italy

Bergamo, Italy

There are countless benefits to studying abroad, but the very best one is the opportunity to travel throughout the trip. I was able to visit six countries including Italy, Spain, Greece, France, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. My eyes were opened to unfamiliar things and each day was a new adventure. Traveling on my own has allowed me to grow and learn in more ways than one. I have become incredibly independent and knowledgeable of other cultures in our world. In Spain I attended the FC Barcelona championship soccer game and in France I stood at the top of the Eiffel Tower at midnight. In Ireland I drove across the country and hiked along the Cliffs of Moher and in Greece I went snorkeling in the Aegean Sea. These are all experiences that I have dreamt of for years and I feel blessed that to say that I was able to make them a reality.

Barcelona, Spain

Cliffs of Moher, Ireland

Paris, France

My study abroad experience has completely changed my outlook on life and it will be a trip that I will never forget. Not only was I able to make memories with new people in my life, but I was also able to grow as an individual. Studying abroad has made it possible for me to learn valuable life skills, increase my worldview, and broaden my future career options. It is an opportunity that I believe every student should consider. This was my trip of a lifetime and it could be yours too.