What inspired you to go abroad?
I wanted to challenge myself and step out of my comfort zone.
Working in the United States, especially in New York, meant being exposed to new workflows, new standards, and new ways of thinking about filmmaking. I knew that staying in my comfort zone would limit my growth, so going abroad felt like the right way to push my skills further, expand my network, and understand how the industry functions on an international level.
It wasn’t just about traveling; it was about transforming my career perspective by experiencing a completely different professional environment.
Why did you choose ArtBound Initiative?
I felt a strong need to experience New York firsthand, to literally touch that world with my own hands, and I wanted to do it quickly, without wasting time. That’s why I chose ArtBound Initiative. They offered something I couldn’t easily access on my own: a direct connection to professional environments in the U.S. film industry.
What convinced me was their personalized support, the portfolio guidance, and their ability to place participants in respected companies. I wanted something practical, not just theoretical, and ABI provided a structured path, consistent guidance, and the chance to step inside a highly competitive market that would otherwise be extremely difficult to access.
What was your favorite part about New York City?
The little Italian in Little Italy.
If you’re in your twenties, you absolutely need to experience New York at least once in your life. The city gives you opportunities you simply won’t find anywhere else. It pushes you, challenges you, and forces you to grow fast. The energy, the pace, the creativity, the feeling that anything can happen at any moment… it all makes the city unique.
Living and working there gave me a sense of momentum and possibility that I had never felt before. Come on, it’s New York City! I don’t think there’s much more to add.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
What made my experience abroad extraordinary was meeting new people, living new experiences every single day, and building a strong network in the industry.
Being in New York gave me access to professionals from all backgrounds, and every connection taught me something useful. The mix of personal growth, professional opportunities, and constant exposure to new perspectives made the whole experience truly unforgettable.
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
The local ABI staff supported us by regularly organizing events that helped the intern community connect with one another. There were meetups, gatherings, and activities designed to make everyone feel part of a group, especially in a big and overwhelming city like New York.
You’re never forced to join (of course), you can decide when and if you want to participate, but the option is always there when you need it. Supporting each other is always important.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
If there’s one thing I wish I had done differently, it’s pushing even harder on networking. I did network a lot, but in New York, it never feels like enough; there’s always another event, another screening, another chance to meet someone who could open a new door.
I also wish I had gone to more industry events and traveled a bit more while I was there. Aside from that, I honestly did them all.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
A typical day started around 8:30 AM. I’d get ready quickly, catch the train around 9 or 9:15, and after a 45-minute commute, I’d be in the office by 10.
The first thing I always did was talk with my supervisor to review the tasks for the day. We usually worked on long-term projects, so most mornings I already knew what I needed to focus on, but that daily check-in was essential for staying aligned and understanding priorities.
I worked until around 6 PM, then called friends to see who was free to grab a drink or hang out. And from that moment on, every evening was unpredictable,in the best possible way.
What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?
I had to do it
MEETING. NEW. PEOPLE. CONSTANTLY.
New York makes it almost impossible not to connect with someone new every single day. After work, I loved going out for drinks, exploring different neighborhoods, and joining random plans that came up last-minute. Sometimes it was a rooftop, sometimes a bar in Brooklyn, sometimes just a walk around Manhattan with someone I had met the same week.
I also enjoyed discovering small cafés, art galleries, screenings, and anything that made me feel part of the city. The best part was the spontaneity: you never really know who you’re going to meet or where the night will take you.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
I had to organize my accommodation very quickly because of visa timing, so everything was arranged at the last minute. Luckily, ABI’s housing partner was able to provide a solid and reliable option even with such short notice, which made the transition much easier.
The room was simple but comfortable, and honestly, in New York, that’s all you really need. If you’re living in the city, you end up using your room just to sleep; the rest of your day is spent outside. And that’s exactly how it should be.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
This program is an opportunity, not a guaranteed shortcut to your dream job.
ABI opens a door, but nothing happens automatically. You can’t treat it as a small step before success; you have to treat it as a platform you actively build on. Once you’re placed, it’s up to you to show initiative, connect with people, and take every opportunity that comes your way. The program gives you access, but you’re the one who decides how far you go with it.
Would you recommend Creative Internships in New York to others? Why?
I would recommend this program, especially to people coming from abroad who want to experience something completely different from their home city.
In my case, coming from Italy and being thrown straight into New York was by far the best decision I’ve made so far. The contrast, the pace, the culture, and the professional environment forced me to grow quickly and gave me access to opportunities I would never have found at home.
I’d recommend it to anyone who is ready to step outside their comfort zone and experience a real international challenge.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
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The biggest benefit of traveling abroad is the constant personal and professional growth that comes from being pushed out of your usual environment.
When you’re in a new country, you can’t hide behind your routines; you’re forced to adapt, think faster, talk to people you wouldn’t normally approach, solve problems on the spot, and navigate situations you’ve never faced before.
Professionally, you absorb new methods, new standards, and new expectations just by being surrounded by a different work culture. Personally, you become more independent, more resilient, and more aware of what you’re capable of. The growth isn’t theoretical; it’s something you feel every single day.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
Now people gasp when they find out I worked in New York, not because of the name itself, but because they know how competitive and demanding the environment is.
Professionally, it’s something people immediately recognize and respect. Personally, it boosted my confidence: once you’ve handled life and work in a city like New York, everything else feels more manageable.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel means doing something that is genuinely worth it, because usually you only regret the things that aren’t. When a trip challenges you, teaches you something, or changes how you see yourself and the world, it becomes meaningful.
It’s not just about going somewhere new; it’s about coming back different. It’s about turning the “out of your comfort zone” into your new comfort zone, letting the unfamiliar become normal, and letting growth become a habit.
