Coming Ashore in Bologna

Studying abroad is a test of linguistic and cultural autonomy. Looking back on her time in Bologna, Julianna traces the process that turned Italian from an obstacle into a tool for independence: using the language in everyday life allowed her to build friendships and establish a routine of her own away from home.

Why did you choose Italy, and Bologna in particular, when deciding where to study abroad?

I chose to study in Italy because my family has Italian roots and I love the culture, food, and people. Plus, I love Italian food and the culture behind it, and clearly Italy and Bologna were the best places to go for that!

I chose to study International Studies in Bologna because my university, Dickinson College, offers a good program in this city that collaborates with Johns Hopkins and the University of Bologna, which seemed like great partners to me. Thanks to Dickinson’s connections with these universities, I was able to meet many other students. In addition, I am studying human security, and in this course we focus on the migration crisis affecting Italy and Europe, so being in Italy was a good way to see and experience what was happening and witness the effects of this crisis firsthand.

What drew you to Dinehome while you were studying in Bologna?

I decided to take part in the Dinehome project because I really wanted to learn about Italian culture and get to know the people around me during my semester in Italy. I also wanted to form lasting friendships with people who were important to me. I was curious to experience an Italian home, see how people behaved, and learn what life was like in a family. I also saw Dinehome as a way to have a family while I was away from my own, which was a good way to settle into life abroad.

What do you think is the best thing a student can gain from the Dinehome experience?

There is so much to gain from this experience! It depends a lot on what you hope to get out of it and how you approach it. I was able to strengthen and test my knowledge of the Italian language, which was one of my greatest academic achievements. Personally, the best thing I gained from this experience was the friendship with my host family, which I know will last a long time. They were very sweet and a bright spot in my week — I couldn’t wait to go to their house and have family and good food around me!

Would you like to share the most embarrassing moment with us?

I would say that being abroad and not knowing the language isn’t actually embarrassing, but it’s definitely complicated. I had to pretend to understand or try to explain that I didn’t understand a few times — but that’s how you learn!

What was the best dinner you had with your host family?

My host mom was a really amazing cook, so every dinner was fantastic. Anyway, one time I told my Dinehome family that I loved truffles, and the following week they surprised me by making me a dish with grated truffles on top! It was wonderful! That dish is definitely one of my favorites and most memorable. My host mom also made a delicious ricotta cake that was out of this world!