Seth in Milan - Embracing change in Italy

After I finished my degree at university and worked for a few years, I wanted a change in my life.

Ever since I was a teenager, I knew that I wanted to experience my time abroad in Italy, but I wasn't sure exactly where to start. However, everything changed after my first visit to Italy in the summer of 2023 when I discovered more about Italianforawhile and the IFA community. I knew that after my 2 weeks traveling all over the country, I wanted to come back for an extended period and learn the language.

Initially, I wasn't sure how long I wanted to stay, but I decided to stay for at least 4 months in Milan to see how things would be. I thought that this would be a good length of time to start learning Italian and look for job opportunities!

After arriving in Italy, I experienced a big culture shock, but I quickly adapted to life, learning the ins and outs of the city. Of course, I missed my friends and family back home, but I knew that I had to take advantage of the opportunity of being here. Sure enough, in time, I started to meet amazing new people and make unforgettable friends from my Italian class.

The initial weeks were a little rough, but they really opened my mind and allowed me to rediscover myself in the best way. I had to relearn how to live a new life; it was almost like being born again, and I think that is a beautiful moment to experience in life. I allowed myself to grow from being brand new in an unfamiliar place to now more established in a place I love, surrounded by lovely people.

I have now built a solid foundation in learning Italian and continue to travel around Italy with my new friends I've made since moving here.

So far, this experience has boosted my confidence in ways I didn't know were possible. I believe I have gained so many new perspectives in life from all of the people that I have met during my time abroad, and I am a better person because of it! Currently, I'm extending my time here because I love it so much!

My advice to others who are considering making a similar move is to take that leap of faith and trust your instincts! Life truly is about experiences and relationships, and I can't think of a better way to enhance these two things than by taking a gap year!