‘I Always Dreamed of Going to Italy’

I’ve never traveled abroad, and this semester, I have an amazing opportunity to be able to study abroad at the University’s campus in Prato, Italy. This opportunity gives me a chance to learn about the Italian culture and to be able to see the world. This experience will give me a chance to learn, to appreciate other cultures, and, one day, be able to apply the knowledge I learn from studying abroad to further understand people in my future endeavors.

As a psychology student, I appreciate that we need to understand people and the world through other’s eyes. Being able to see how other cultures view different aspects of life is extremely beneficial and beautiful. I am looking forward to seeing the architecture, the art, and to being able to explore Italy with my best friends. I am also looking forward to being able to finally experience real Italian food and Italian espresso.

I always dreamed of going to Italy, as it is the one place in the world I have always wanted to visit and see. When I found out the University offered a chance for me to go abroad and study in Italy for a semester, I knew that as soon as the opportunity was available to me, I was going.

I am so excited and also terrified – but in a good way – to finally be able to see the place I always dreamed of and to be able to live there for a few months and to fully immerse myself in the culture. I am extremely grateful for this opportunity, and I cannot wait to explore, have adventures, meet new people, and make memories.

Bella Cupano ’23 is a psychology major at the University of New Haven with a concentration in forensic psychology and a minor in criminal justice.