“If we’re kind and polite, the world will be right”- Paddington 2 (2017)
By Alanna Rivera
N: New information
Regarding my community-based interest, which is exploring work-life balance in Italian culture from a mental health perspective, I’ve come to understand how deeply cultural values shape daily life. I’ve learned that different cultures prioritize different things, and those priorities influence how people live, make decisions, and organize their communities. In Italy, values like family, community, food, history, and balance between work and personal life are central. These values are reflected in everyday life and the overall rhythm of society. While this might seem like a simple observation, it was a meaningful realization for me. This is my first time being fully immersed in another culture, and adapting to a new way of life has given me a firsthand understanding of just how different things are from the U.S.
S: Self reflection and evaluation
I’ve grown a lot since the start of the Global Scholars program because this experience has
taught me so much. I trust myself more now, which is an important part of going abroad. I feel more confident in my ability to solve problems, adapt to new situations, and recognize cultural differences that I hadn’t noticed before. This growth has been especially important for my CBI, where I’m comparing work-life balance in the U.S. and Italy by reflecting on both my personal experiences and those of the people around me.
E: Environmental influences
Over the summer, my environment shifted dramatically from living in an American city to
adapting to life in a large European one. Since arriving in Italy, I have quickly adjusted to the widespread use of public transportation. It is incredibly efficient, and I can get almost anywhere by train, bus, metro, or tram. I have also picked up on cultural norms, like how coffee is rarely taken after 11 a.m., most restaurants close around 2 p.m., and dinner usually starts at 7 p.m. Unlike in the United States, meals here are not rushed or taken to go. Instead, there is a strong emphasis on enjoying the moment, what we all know as la dolce vita. These daily experiences have helped me better understand my CBI. Living in a slower-paced, more intentional environment has reshaped how I think and introduced values I hope to carry with me moving forward. I have also been forming connections with my lab team at an Italian university and with peers in my study abroad program, learning from their perspectives and hearing how they have adjusted through their own internships.
W: Where do I go from here?
I have started carrying a journal to write down things that stand out to me about Italian culture, especially in comparison to American culture. Whenever I am unsure about a cultural habit or tradition, I make it a point to ask questions. Italians have been very open and happy to explain their customs, which has helped me learn even more. Before my time abroad ends, one of my main goals is to organize and structure my capstone more clearly. I plan to outline who I will interview, where and when the interviews will happen, and categorize my observations to keep everything focused. As I continue gathering insights, my capstone is coming together much more clearly. Right now, it is really about organizing all the information I have collected. I am not currently aware of other opportunities to keep exploring this topic further, but I definitely want to share what I have learned with my peers back in the United States.
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