The Benefits of Beginning My College Career Abroad

It has been a little over a year since I spent my first semester as a student at the University of New Haven’s campus in Tuscany, Italy. Looking back, I formed new friendships, gained independence, and developed an appreciation and understanding of other cultures, as I took part in an experience that will impact me long into the future.

February 24, 2020

By Giacomo Cantoni ’22

I spent the first semester of my first year studying at the University of New Haven's campus in Tuscany, Italy. I will admit it was a decision accompanied with uncertainty and fear, but the second I stepped off the plane in Italy, I knew it would be an experience I would not regret.

I embraced – and enjoyed – the independence that accompanies traveling abroad in college, while I explored Vienna, Zurich, and Amsterdam – and other places across Europe. I was introduced to dozens of new cultures and societies, and I learned to appreciate them all for their unique differences.

I grew incredibly close with my fellow students as we went on adventures and learned together. These bonds eased my adjustment to life on the University’s main campus during my second semester, and I quickly became very active with organizations on campus. I also developed lifelong friendships with the locals in Prato and several places I visited.

Understandably, many first-year students are uneasy about making such a big leap when starting their first semester of college, but you soon realize that everyone – including seniors and juniors – has some of the same concerns about studying abroad.

I found that studying in Tuscany my first semester allowed me to gain not only the independence one looks forward to in college, but also a greater understanding and appreciation for the multicultural interlacing that occurs all over the world.

It was an experience I won’t soon forget that I am sure I will draw from throughout my life.

Giacomo Cantoni ’22 is a criminal justice major at the University of New Haven.