1. Independence. You're pretty much on your own in a foreign country and chances are, they probably don't speak much english. I've learnt that the day I landed in Milan when a piece of paper with the address of my hostel written on, was what got me to the destination. Imagine having to find a phone store to get a SIM card and almost every person you ask on the street non parla inglese. After awhile you realise that you're going to have to take care of yourself and figure out things on your own, like how to work that coffee vending machine down in the lobby or that printing system in the library that's in italian.


2. Culinary skills. Being in Italy, it's important to be able to cook half decent food, not the 5 minute "i'll chuck it in the microwave and mix it" type. I have to admit, being around an Italian, particularly one that loves his food, you definitely pick up some proper cooking tips like how pasta's meant to be added into the pot after the water's boiling, or adding a touch of olive oil and salt with it. And who knew lemon juice, sugar and strawberries could be such an amazing dessert?


3. Patience. You'd know what I mean if you've been to Italy. You can't rush things, things are always in shambles, or delayed. You just have to learn to accept it and deal with it. People pass days by sitting in a park on a nice sunny afternoon and doing absolutely nothing but lying on the grass for a couple of hours. Or sit at a coffee shop sipping on a drink for the entire afternoon, or waiting till the bank reopens again at 3 after the lunch break which seemed like forever. And I'm glad, really, because I've changed, I no longer complain about long waits in queues or a parcel taking forever to arrive, though really sometimes it does get rather ridiculous. And that's because what I've learnt from Italy is that there is no point in complaining, it's best to just wait patiently.


4. You never have enough time. There will always be more and more things you wish to do, places you wish to go and see but reality is, there will never be enough time for it all. In the beginning I always thought 3.5 months away would be the longest time of my life but when you're out there, alone, enjoying and experiencing everything, it starts to feel like you've only been there for 3.5 weeks. 


5. Budgeting. Living in another country can be very, very expensive and no matter how much you try and budget out how much you would need before the trip, you always end up underestimating the costs. Everything requires money - accommodation, travel, food, parties, shopping, university supplies and other odd things. Soon enough you'll start to realise you would have to compromise on some areas to make some breathing room for others. An example, I sacrificed money for nicer food and shopping to give myself a bigger allowance to travel more. And even that was not enough. Without a proper strict budget, you'll find yourself living off bananas for dinner each night in no time. Yes, I've been there.


6. Acceptance and Tolerance. You're in a new country, you're experiencing a new culture. Sure, there will be problems, the annoying language barriers, or crazy operating hours of some stores, or restaurants shutting after 3pm in Italy (what?!) but you learn to be accepting and tolerating of another country's culture. Sure it's frustrating when you can't get your point across because they don't speak english but then you'll attempt to use what limited italian vocabulary you have to try and get them to understand what you mean. Capito, si? 


7. Social Skills. I was by far, the most extreme kind of introvert before Italy. I never went to parties, I would never even think of going to them. I would spend the friday nights and weekends locked in my room, on the internet or watching a movie in bed. I did not even go out once during my fresher's week, I stayed in, alone. When you're in another country, you meet so many new people and you're forced to be in some very new and possibly uncomfortable situations of having to introduce yourself or talk to other people you've never met in your life. Yes the first few might be daunting but after awhile, you get comfortable and before you know it, you'll realise that it wasn't all that bad after all. Not saying that you would completely turn into some overly extroverted social butterfly but at least you'll discover that it's alright to start a conversation with a random person and that parties or odd night outs are great to meet new people and form new connections.


8. YOLO. As much as I hate that term, you can't and shouldn't take life so seriously. You're on exchange for gods sake, live a little! Go out, have fun on a friday and saturday night, meet new people and form new memories.  You have the opportunity of a lifetime, being on exchange means you don't have to take university too seriously, you can afford to do all those things you said you wanted to but never had the time for, you can afford to miss out on that early morning class because you're so drunk and hungover from the night before (though do this wisely and carefully). I mean, the number of times I've booked return flights and trains from a weekend trip to get back on a monday morning and head straight out to university after a whole night of no sleep, it's crazy but it's all part of living life to the fullest. You've basically been let loose, go wild and make it the best time of your life.


9. You see the world differently. With all these new experiences, meeting all these new people, you learn so much more. You have the advantage of living and experiencing what it's like to be both a tourist and somewhat, temporary resident in that country. All the things that happen to you during those few months will change you and make you think differently to someone who's never left their country. Definitely. 


10. Alcohol and clubbing, your best friend and worst enemy. First time I've been to a club and had 2 shots over the counter, I was certain I loved it and would be back. 2 weeks later, I was out 3 times a week, each night partying till 4, 5 am the next morning. Yes it's great fun, it's fun being tipsy, it's fun dancing the night away and it's fun getting a little drunk with your friends. Alcohol's like your best friend, everything becomes much happier and easier with it. But then comes the morning after, when you struggle to get out of bed and function normally at university, or when you realise you've blown your entire 50 euros in one night or worse, spent close to over a hundred euros a week just on clubs or when every saturday and sunday morning practically feels like death on a stick. Not the happiest of moments now aye.


11. Coffee is amazing. I used to hate coffee, so so much. However, coffee in Italy is absolutely, amazing. You have a small strong espresso after every meal and sure, the first few you say you'd give it a pass but after awhile, you decide to give it a go and then it starts to grow on you. Then you come back home and realise you can't function properly in the morning without having a coffee first thing in the morning. I've turned into a little of a caffeine addict now, there are days where I would end up having 3 to 4 different coffees to keep me going.


12. Strange, unexpected things happen. They can be for better or for worse. If you end up lucky like me, it ends up being one of the best, craziest unexpected things that will happen to you while in another country. Summer romance turned LDR, possible long term relationship/perfect other half perhaps?


13. Always a first for everything! I think I've done too many "firsts" that I've lost count. First drink, first drunk night (and many more after), first club, first kiss, first crazy road trip, first fresh oyster? When you're in that "i'm willing to try anything" mood, you'll end up with a crazy long list of "firsts" too. 


14. Money isn't everything. When you've hit the lowest of low like I did, living off bananas and instant noodles, you'll realise what I mean. As much as you hate eating crap, you're still genuinely happy because you're having the time of your life. You're spending all the money on going out, travelling and making new memories that you will never forget, feelings that cannot be bought with money. And sure it sucks to be watching your spendings every minute (hey, even that 1 cent difference counts when you're buying food at the supermarket!), but you learn to make things work and somehow you just go on each day, still happy. You worry about not making next month's rent, or not having enough money for next month's phone top up or food but somehow, you still do. Magic.


15. The erasmus exchange will the best thing that's ever happened to you. Honestly, no joke. People I've spoken to have told me, "It's the one thing you will remember for life, you will always miss your exchange once you're finished with it. It's the best thing ever" and I can confirm the accuracy of that statement. You will always wish to go back and do it all over again, you'll never forget the time there, the people you meet, things you've done and most importantly, the memories you've collected, they will be with you forever.

Labels: milan, travel