There has never been a feeling comparable to the one I felt when I left Siena this past August. You tend to not realize the full impact of an experience you go through until it's left in hindsight, and that has never been more true than last week when I said goodbye to Siena. So many aspects made my month in Siena truly unique, and to this day, I haven't really missed anything as much as my time in Italy.
Hello, it's Morgan Pagel. I have really been missing Siena, Italy! Coming home has been very bittersweet, and I find myself wishing I was back abroad. I enjoyed my time there so much!
One big adjustment I've been getting used to is the jetlag. Waking up at five in the morning for a week straight was not on my agenda. My tip is to be gentle with yourself. It is going to take some time to readjust, so limiting self-judgement is key.
As I return to daily life in the U.S., I wanted to share some of my experiences coming back into my hometown in Texas after my time in Heredia, Costa Rica. I had the best time in Costa Rica and have been noticing some of the differences in the way of life compared to my experience in the U.S. Some subtleties that I have observed are how saving resources is approached, modes of transportation, and dietary differences.
Bon dia! I can't believe my study abroad experience has already come to an end.
It’s crazy how two weeks can change the perception of the world around you. The last 16 days in Siena have been just enough to give me a real sense of comfort, and for the first time in years, I feel a part of a culture I’m immersed in. Between making friends with the local workers, learning and getting involved with the Palio (a bi-annual horse race held in the heart of Siena,) and finally overcoming culture shock as a whole, this trip is the most rewarding one I’ve ever been on.
Studying abroad in Rome was a transformative ex
