Ciao from Italy! I cannot believe I have been here for one month already. My classes have begun as well as my music therapy practicum. So far, studying abroad has been unlike anything I have ever experienced in my life. Settling into my new life has proven to be one of the greatest challenges I have ever faced, but I am enjoying every moment of it. Although my time here has been short, I feel that I have grown so much as an individual and as a student music therapist. I cannot thank the staff at Nazareth College enough for making my dream a reality, and for the additional support they have shown me from 4000 miles away. Read on to learn more about my new life in Italia!
1. My New Home
I am currently living in the city of Pescara, which is surrounded by mountains and the Adriatic Sea. In comparison to the other Italian cities, it is relatively modern. Pescara was established in the late 1800’s, while cities such as Rome and Florence have been around for centuries. I have fallen in love with Pescara’s unique combination of modern Italian buildings and breathtaking nature. From my apartment, I can see the city skyline and the Apennine mountains. An additional perk of my new home is that I am a 10-minute walk from a national nature preserve and another 5 minutes away from the beach. These are not the only reasons why I love living in Italy; my apartment is also conveniently located to accommodate to my needs as a student. Because I am a music therapy major, I take most of my courses at the G. D’Annunzio Conservatorio di Pescara. Fortunately, it is only a 10-minute bus ride from me! The university where I take my Italian classes is a five-minute walk from my apartment, which I am very grateful for. Speaking of classes…
2. My Music Therapy Practicum
As I mentioned in my previous blog, I have the incredible opportunity to complete a music therapy clinical in Italy. I have learned so much not only about myself as a music therapist, but how other cultures use music therapy as well. I work with another student music therapist named Francesca, who is a native of the area. Although I was quite nervous to help conduct sessions in a language I am still learning, Francesca has shown me nothing but patience and understanding. I was speechless during the first session, and it was not just because I could not formulate Italian words fast enough. Observing music therapy in another country made me realize that although the music and culture may differ, the core purpose of the treatment is the same- to empower patients to live their best lives. Not only has this experience reaffirmed that music therapy is my life’s work, it has also taught me how invaluable the skills I have learned at Nazareth are to this profession. From aural skills (ear training) to music theory to the principles of music therapy, my professors have given me the confidence and competence to work with clients in a new country, culture, and language. The best part of this experience is knowing that despite how far away I am from Nazareth, I still have the support of my professors back home! Professor Keough has been a huge asset to my success during this practicum because of her virtual support via e-mail and Skype.
3. Old & New Friends
Once a flyer, always a flyer! Because Nazareth College has an exchange program with the Universita G. D’Annunzio here in Pescara, I grew close to some of the students from the area before I ever set foot in Italy. Some of my favorite memories so far have involved reuniting with my friends here! This is the first time I have seen most of them in over two years, and each reunion has been incredible. Having friends who are native Italian speakers, and share a common love for Nazareth College is so comforting. I have enjoyed catching up with them while sharing a meal or a cup of coffee. This has also helped me practice my Italian outside of the classroom. Because my friends were once international students as well, they are so empathetic with me. When I get frustrated because I can’t finish a phrase or think of a word, I am reassured that it is a normal occurrence for anyone who is learning a new language. I look forward to the memories that are to come with my fellow Golden Flyers.
4. Excitement for New Adventures!
I feel like I have settled into my new life in Pescara- there’s always something to do that’s not outrageously expensive for college students. Last weekend there was a free chocolate festival downtown, and I had my first Italian hot chocolate… it was life changing. Also, just having the accessibility to the beach and a nature preserve is such a blessing. The days are starting to get warmer here, which makes me so happy. I am also beyond excited to start traveling around Italy. There are so many places I want to go, I just hope there is enough time! Luckily, I have found that travel in Europe is relatively affordable and being an international student under the ERASMUS Program gets me bus and airfare (win!) discounts. Stay tuned to see where I go next! #Alwaysflyin’