What inspired you to go abroad?
My major. I wanted to study Clothing and Textiles, and also Italian fashion, which is well known everywhere.
Why did you choose USAC Italy?
USAC made me learn Italian culture as well as American culture. For me, it was the best choice that I go to Italy, learn Italian culture/fashion, and learn American culture/fashion.
What was your favorite part about Italy?
The ancient remains and relics in Torino was my most favorite part about Italy. There are a lot of museums, festivals, and art galleries.
What made your experience abroad unique?
The USAC program. I could feel Italy and America come together.
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
I have a lot of appreciation for my local USAC staff. They taught me Italian and English. She also helped me to travel Europe during my time abroad.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?
Actually, nothing. I got a lot of satisfaction with USAC.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time?
I enjoyed travelling with my American friends. It was another culture shock for me to travel with them. Their thoughts and behavior surprised me, but we always had fun.
What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?
A typical apartment in midtown. I liked the chandelier in my room best; it was really really beautiful and it made me feel like I was in Italy, which I was!
Easter Dinner
What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program?
The truth. 'You don't need to worry about being alone in another country'. USAC staff were willing to become your friend, help you with every single problem, and be with you when you needed them.
What was the hardest part about studying abroad?
The hardest part about studying abroad was friendship for me. I am not an outgoing person but I hate being lonely (Is that strange?). Therefore I should have made friends. I was looking for Asians at first, because I believed that it would be much easier making Asian friends than American or Italian friends. That was not true. Unfortunately, there were not a lot of people from Asia in Torino while I was abroad. I cannot help talking to American students, join in with them while dining, and asking them to travel with me. In the Winter of 2015, I could not speak English very well. I could just say some words like 'I want to do this', 'I like this', or 'I will do this”. With short sentences, I could not have deep talks with them, and that meant, I could not become intimate. I think the first two weeks was a vicious circle.
I knew I could overcome the vicious circle with my roommates by my side. My roommates were so kind, considerate, and especially outgoing. I even remember their names now; Riley, Gio, and Mady. They waited for me to speak, modified/corrected my words and were happy to talk with me; the world's slowest talking. They could have been sick, tired, and dull, but they put up with me! I really really really appreciated it. Thanks to them, my speaking skills were improved. After one month, I could speak in Korean, English and Italian; I COULD talk with them! I mean very deep topics. I debated on the Korean first woman president, sexual discrimination in America, racial discrimination in Italy and so on.
How difficult was it to communicate with locals?
After one month, I could buy medicine I needed in an Italian pharmacy by myself. Actually, English grammar and Italian grammar are very similar, opposite to Korean grammar though. Thus, as I spoke well with my roommates from America, I could speak in Italian well, too. It felt exciting and easy to fit in with Americans and Italians. Of course, I studied a lot about Italian words. I memorized at least twenty words in one day. For me everyday homework was memorizing English and Italian words. That's all. It was not that difficult.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of studying abroad is?
Now when I look back, The biggest benefit of studying abroad is my changed attitude. I am not an outgoing person even now, but I can now initiate conversations with strangers. I try to think that everyone is favorable to me and I am not prejudice towards strangers. I think I came to think more positively. As I change my attitude, my world has also changed. Now I am happy to live, meet, and face new things.
First bus tour with USAC
What surprised you most about Torino?
Actually, I was not that surprised in Torino. It does not mean that Korean culture/ lifestyle is similar to Italian, I just am always tense, so I do not have time to be surprised. Hahaha!
What is one thing you wish you would have known before studying abroad in Italy?
Some Italian words. You do not need to learn Italian grammar, however the words are the most important, necessary, and useful things. It will help you talk more freely with Italian neighbors. The grammar, as I already said, is really similar to English. You could easily understand and talk if you know the words.
If you could study abroad again, where would you go?
I would gladly go back to Torino, Italy again. Torino is a beautiful city. There are so many museums, art galleries, and beautiful buildings; like Mole Antonelliana, and Museo dell' Automobile di Torino. There are not many tourists, compared to the other cities in Italy. There still remains a lot of things which I haven’t seen/experienced yet.
Do you have any packing tips for individuals headed to Torino?
In Winter you better pack an electric blanket or warm pajamas. It gets colder than you would think. You should pack warm and waterproof shoes like UGGs, rain boots, and so on. It is often snowy and rainy.
Now that you're home, how has your program abroad impacted your life?
It was the most unique experience in my life. Most people ask me how my USAC program was because it was really amazing experience and they love hearing about it.
Would you recommend USAC to others? Why?
Sure, why not? You can experience unique things.
