As I am getting ready to go abroad I have been trying to prepare myself for all that comes with the change; change with school, housing, people, language. I have heard everything from “this will be the best experience of my life” to “this will be such a big change”. I found myself contemplating for the longest time if I was ready to go to new country alone and put myself in such an uncomfortable situation. Now that I have decided there is not really a chance for me to change my mind therefore now I am just trying to prepare myself for the change.
US culture vs. Italian Culture
I have lived in the United States my whole life and I have learned that I Americans tend to live a very fast life. There is a famous saying that I tend to live by, “early is on time, on time is late”. However, what I have heard about Italian culture they tend to live a very slow pace life style (more relaxed). My personality is very much high strung. I walk fast, move fast, speak fast, even eat fast. While moving to Europe and living amongst a slower pace might shock me I am excited to embrace it and maybe take some of what I learned back with me.
How am I Preparing?
Before my time abroad I am trying to learn to take my time. Learning to sit back and relax in between classes this fall semester in order to attempt to appreciate breaks. Going to grab coffee with friends last minute rather than making a set time and plan. So far I have not been very successful, I tend to find myself feeling impatient and stressed. As an athlete I feel as though this is extremely difficult adjustment. For the past 11 years I have been living on a long term schedule. The people I tend to surround myself with also are in the same position. Surrounding ones self with other fast pace people has made me expect this from all individuals. Therefore, when I arrive in Italy I am scared that I will find myself in very hard spot.
How Do Others View This?
In my opinion I feel that other countries tend to think that Americans are very much workaholics. Living life but enjoying life. Americans drive fast, speak fast, walk fast and even eat fast. Speaking to my friends that come from abroad a very common assumption is that we are extremely competitive which is why we all are living such fast lives. While I am determined to feel more relaxed and learn to enjoy my time abroad I am scared of the shock. I often find myself asking how I will be able to adjust or how long it will take me to adjust. As I am on the plane and getting ready to face this shock head on I am determined to make the best of my experience while I am away.