What program did you participate in?
In Fall 2025, I went to Bologna, Italy, and studied at the University of Bologna – the oldest university in the modern world!
Learn more about the UCEAP Bologna program here
What was the highlight of your time abroad?
A highlight from my time abroad is when the program invited us to a vineyard in the hills of Bologna to see all the grapes and processes. We picked grapes for a while, and then gathered the grapes in buckets, and stomped on them. We even got to try the vineyards wine from one of the previous harvests, and they served us a wonderful lunch!
What was one of your favorite places you visited?
My favorite place in Bologna was the Sanctuary of San Luca. Not only did it have an amazing view of the city from high up in the hills, but it also featured the longest stretch of porticos in the entire world. Although the hike is steep, the view inside the church and from top of the mountain make it all the more worth it.
What was your favorite trip you went on?
My favorite trip I went on while abroad was to the country of San Marino – a landlocked state within Italy’s borders that is about a 2.5 hour train ride from Bologna. It was one of the only solo-trips I did while abroad, but I loved the peace and freedom I felt while visiting this unique place. The castles were stunning and the people were kind. I highly recommend it!
What is something you are proud of from your time abroad?
There is this famous route in Italy called the “Via Degli Dei”, or “The Path of the Gods”, that takes you from Bologna to Florence. It starts in the main plaza in Bologna (Piazza Maggiore) and ends at the famous Duomo in Florence. Many people hike it in 3-5 days, or bike it in two, but my friends and I wanted to try to bike it all in one day. All with minimal biking experience, we rented bikes from the local rec store and took off at 6am one Friday morning in Bologna. Along the way, locals in the villages would tell us we were crazy for trying it all in one day, and many told us to find a place to stay the night before it got dark. In the end it took us over 12 hours across 85 miles to reach Florence, and we even ended up going to some bars that night. I didn’t even know my butt could get that sore, but I was incredibly proud of the challenges that me and my friends tackled.
How has this experience changed your perspective?
The abroad experience changed my perspective on the world in so many ways. It made me realize how easy it can be to get places via public transportation. It allowed me to immerse myself in Italian culture and see how they socialize relative to America. It also cemented my desire to work abroad later in life, where I hope to work in the foreign service one day. These are just a few of the many ways that being abroad changed my perspective and life.
Do you have any advice for other students?
My advice is to say yes to everything! Whether it be adventures the program is offering, trips your friends want to go on, or new foods someone in the street is inviting you to try, saying yes as much as you can will cause you to not regret anything and live freely. You are only there for such a short time, so saying yes is the easiest way to make the most of it all!