2008 Woodie Awards
Ciao, from Italy
Jenna Rignanese
Issue date: 1/25/07 Section: Features
- Page 1 of 1
Have you ever had the desire to travel and leave your busy world behind for a while?
If this idea lights a fire in your heart, then study abroad!
The process of applying is rigorous but in the end very rewarding. During the spring semester of my sophomore year, I began to think seriously about traveling to Rome during my junior year.
My schoolwork became my top priority. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher is a necessity for being accepted into the program.
Maintaining a consistent average will secure your spot.
Over the summer months, I tossed and turned over the idea of getting on a plane and landing in a place I've n ever seen, with a language I do not speak.
After many sleepless nights my decision was to go for it, regardless of whatever may come my way.
I had the grades from the spring, and now the summer would be my time to save money. Working three separate jobs, the thoughts of Italy motivated me through my days of work and little play.
Once the summer was over, I realized the money saved was not going to last me all semester and into my trip around the world.
Like a normal college student, I couldn't grasp the common question, "where does the money go?" This dilemma did not stop me!
Sacred Heart's financial aide program offers the same benefits at all of the overseas institutions.
The entire trips cost is equivalent to Sacred Heart's normal tuition plus $1000. If your parents are willing to help you out, take them up on the offer as well.
The summer flew by and before I knew it meetings were held and applications were distributed in September. Recommendations, paperwork, and essays made up the first of the many "Rome packets."
Quickly, the deadline of October 1st arrived. Two weeks later, the acceptance letters were out!
Twelve students from Sacred Heart were headed to Rome, Italy and there was no turning back!
Along with the excitement, came the nerves. What was I thinking leaving the people I love behind for three months? How would I survive without knowing the language? Would I be homesick or have culture shock?
Of course, everyone goes through feelings of apprehension, but what it comes down to is the experience of a lifetime.
Making the most of my four years of college, and taking in knowledge, skills, and different cultures is important to finding out who you are and what you believe.
My best advice, go for it! Get your grades in gear, go to the meetings, talk to people, meet the deadlines, and most importantly don't hold back!
What's most important to you will be here when you return, and the memories of your trip will last a lifetime. Ciao.
If this idea lights a fire in your heart, then study abroad!
The process of applying is rigorous but in the end very rewarding. During the spring semester of my sophomore year, I began to think seriously about traveling to Rome during my junior year.
My schoolwork became my top priority. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher is a necessity for being accepted into the program.
Maintaining a consistent average will secure your spot.
Over the summer months, I tossed and turned over the idea of getting on a plane and landing in a place I've n ever seen, with a language I do not speak.
After many sleepless nights my decision was to go for it, regardless of whatever may come my way.
I had the grades from the spring, and now the summer would be my time to save money. Working three separate jobs, the thoughts of Italy motivated me through my days of work and little play.
Once the summer was over, I realized the money saved was not going to last me all semester and into my trip around the world.
Like a normal college student, I couldn't grasp the common question, "where does the money go?" This dilemma did not stop me!
Sacred Heart's financial aide program offers the same benefits at all of the overseas institutions.
The entire trips cost is equivalent to Sacred Heart's normal tuition plus $1000. If your parents are willing to help you out, take them up on the offer as well.
The summer flew by and before I knew it meetings were held and applications were distributed in September. Recommendations, paperwork, and essays made up the first of the many "Rome packets."
Quickly, the deadline of October 1st arrived. Two weeks later, the acceptance letters were out!
Twelve students from Sacred Heart were headed to Rome, Italy and there was no turning back!
Along with the excitement, came the nerves. What was I thinking leaving the people I love behind for three months? How would I survive without knowing the language? Would I be homesick or have culture shock?
Of course, everyone goes through feelings of apprehension, but what it comes down to is the experience of a lifetime.
Making the most of my four years of college, and taking in knowledge, skills, and different cultures is important to finding out who you are and what you believe.
My best advice, go for it! Get your grades in gear, go to the meetings, talk to people, meet the deadlines, and most importantly don't hold back!
What's most important to you will be here when you return, and the memories of your trip will last a lifetime. Ciao.
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