Study Abroad and Domestic Study Away

Living in Italy has been everything I imagined. Morning coffee and pastries, aperitivo in the afternoon, and late-night dinners in the friendly atmosphere of family-owned restaurants has become my routine. Getting used to a very relaxed lifestyle focused on appreciating people and the beauty of the surroundings has come naturally to me. I explored the richness of Italian culture while traveling to popular cities like Milan, Como, Verona, and Rome as well as smaller and less touristy ones like Torino, Genova, and Padova. Now I am looking forward to hiking around Lake Garda and exploring Naples and the Amalfi Coast upon completion of my exams.

I have been taking a wide range of master’s level courses in psychology and neuroscience, which are a great preparation for the graduate school curriculum and lifestyle. I had the chance to get involved in cognitive psychology research on language and memory, gain exposure to the realia of psychotherapy, and discuss moral decision making with forensic neuroscientists who are involved in solving some of the biggest crimes in Italy.

Attending an Italian language course has given me great insight into the Italian culture and enabled me to interact with the local community. I greatly appreciate learning at a typical Italian university because its rich traditions and student life make my experience more authentic. What makes it even more unique is the fact that the University of Pavia is one of the oldest in the world, since it has roots in the 9^th century, and it has been an academic home to famous professors such as Golgi, Volta, and Scarpa.

Having an opportunity to live in such a beautiful country has been a dream come true. I stay forever grateful to the donors of Ingrid H. and George L. Speros Scholarship who made it possible for me to travel and make the most out of my time here. The last months made me realize a lot about the way I want to live my life, and I will carry these lessons and memories with me forever.