In exactly 8 days, I will be checking in on my first-ever solo plane trip.
In exactly 9 days, I will be stepping foot on European soil for the first time.
In exactly 10 days, I will be starting my journey as a study-abroad student in Sorrento, Italy with the Sant'Anna Institute.
While this countdown evokes nervous butterflies every time I see the "days until" on my phone lock screen, it also ignites a new feeling I've never felt before.
Fernweh (German): An ache for distant places and a longing for travel.
I am beyond ready to face both the accomplishments and challenges that will come with this summer study abroad experience. While I will only be living in Italy for a month (5 weeks to be exact), I am looking forward to the unique and authentic opportunity I have to not only live as a student in Italy but also get to work alongside Italians as a part of the Sant'Anna internship program.
During my 5 weeks in Italy with the Sant'Anna Institute, I was given the amazing opportunity to intern with Marine Biologist Domenico Sgambati in Ieranto Bay with MAREA Outdoors, OBlue, and UNIMARE.
As a part of my internship, I will be exposed to a variety of topics within the Marine Science field to develop my research and technical skills. Some examples of projects I can be involved with are nature conservation excursions, educational outreach, social media content creation, and sea turtle monitoring.
These projects will allow me to develop skills, such as field assessment and public engagement, that will help to increase my marketability in the workforce as I pursue a career in the field of Marine Sciences.
Expectations I have coming into this experience include:
There will be a significant cultural difference, especially with there being a language barrier. However, I will make an effort to put my best foot forward to embrace these differences and immerse myself in the Italian culture.
Alongside cultural differences, it may be difficult to get accustomed to the work culture and expectations during my internship. To address this, I will promote personal communication with my faculty and internship supervisors on questions I have and how I can make the most of my internships.
To make the most of my time, I will try to find new hobbies and activities to fill my time with at the Institute, such as attending student events and gatherings throughout the week.
Three personal goals I have established for myself during my time in Italy include:
Participate in at least 2 active activities every week, this can include going to the gym, swimming, yoga, going on walks, etc.
Schedule 1 local activity per week that is not school or internship-related, such as visiting a Museum or natural sight.
Journal at least 3 times a week to highlight key events and memories to reflect on my time in Sorrento throughout the Summer.
Three internship goals I have established for myself include:
Participate in at least 3-day sea turtle beach monitoring project
Create at least 2 social media posts tailored around the education of major conservation threats in Ireanto Bay
Attend at least 2 marine science lectures and laboratory classes with UNIMARE
With these expectations and goals in mind, I will be using my blog to talk more about my accomplishments, challenges, and notable memories during my study abroad program.
Until next time, or like the Italians like to say,
Arrivederci!
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