Now that my time abroad has come to an end, I have started to reflect on the past four months I have spent in Italy. Before studying abroad, I had some expectations for how my time would go, but during the first couple of weeks of being here, I had to throw those expectations right out the window. You can try to imagine what your time studying abroad will be like, but it will most likely not go as planned, and that is okay. As someone who likes to be prepared for everything, living in Italy has taught me how to adapt to all situations. Before studying abroad, this was the first time I had ever been to a country in Europe, so adjusting to the Italian “dolce far niente” lifestyle was very hard for me. In America, we are always on the go, while in Italy, people like to take their time, and this is something I definitely noticed in the service culture. Back home, when my family and I would go out to eat dinner, we would typically be in and out in about an hour or so. But in Italy, the pace of service and dinner is known as “leisurely.” Italians believe that meals are meant to be shared, so they typically spend hours chatting with friends and family. Because of this, it is also harder to flag down a waiter, and that is because they are not always around, like in America. You also have to ask for the check because, unlike back home, the waiters aren’t trying to rush you out to clear the table. The pace of service here was definitely something to get used to, but I honestly have begun to prefer it more than the restaurant etiquette back home, and I have a newfound appreciation for it. Americans are just always in a rush, and I think its important to take the time to enjoy the company of others. Because Italians are very proud of their culture and country, I believe they would agree that this is the right way to live because Italian culture as a whole truly embodies the “dolce far niente” lifestyle.
Overall, these experiences have taught me not only to adapt but also to appreciate diverse perspectives and to develop essential skills for navigating the complexities of a multicultural and globalized world. It has also taught me to be more patient when dining in Italy because, while service may take longer, it is always worth the wait. After all, the food is always delicious and never disappoints. Adapting to the “dolce far niente” lifestyle not only challenged my personal preferences but also revealed new perspectives on time and social interactions in Italy. The “leisurely” pace of dining in Italy demonstrates the cultural significance of shared meals and social connections, teaching me a valuable lesson. While it was difficult to do at first, trying to adapt to the lifestyle of my host country while studying abroad allowed me to understand the nuances of Italian life better, and it truly helped me foster a deeper appreciation for local Italian customs and traditions.