Meet Elena - SYA Italy 2026
Extracurriculars Abroad: While abroad, I took ceramics, a cooking class offered by a host parent, and I volunteered at Centro Aperto. During my time there, I really wanted to engage in as many extracurriculars as I could. I loved that the extracurriculars allowed me to interact with the community and Italian culture in many different ways, and none required any prior experience.
Favorite SYA Class: My favorite class was agroecology. It was such a unique class that combined science with learning about Italian food culture. One of my favorite moments in this class was making wine and olive oil, an incredible experience.
Favorite Food in Italy: A SYA student's favorite restaurant is right by the school called La Spaghetteria, and my all-time favorite dish was the “Italia Sera”, a spaghetti dish with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and pesto in the shape of an Italian flag.
How did SYA impact your college search process?
SYA had a significant impact on my college search process. Living abroad showed me how much I value curiosity, independence, and being part of a close-knit community with people from different backgrounds and perspectives. Because of this experience, I have become more interested in colleges that encourage global engagement, language learning, and study abroad opportunities. It also opened my mind to the possibility of attending college outside of the United States, something I had never seriously considered before. Most importantly, the experience gave me confidence in my ability to adapt to new environments and handle challenges on my own, which I know will be valuable wherever I choose to go to college.
Do you have a favorite memory with your host family?
One of my favorite memories with my host family was going to the beach with my host parents shortly after I arrived in Italy. I remember being incredibly homesick and scared when I first arrived. At the time, I was still adjusting to a completely new environment, so I felt a little intimidated. However, spending the day with my host parents helped me feel much more comfortable and welcomed. We talked and enjoyed the beach together while they helped me with my Italian homework, and by the end of the day, I felt much more at home. Looking back, that experience was an important turning point because it helped transform my host family from strangers into people I truly felt connected to.
What did you learn abroad that surprised you?
One thing that surprised me was how much communication goes beyond language and speaking. The community in Viterbo was so welcoming. No one cared if we made mistakes trying to speak to them; all they wanted was to help, and they were glad to see us make the effort. At first, I worried about making mistakes in Italian, but I learned that curiosity and genuine effort can help people connect even when there are language barriers. Over time, I became more confident starting conversations with strangers, and I was surprised by how many meaningful interactions I had. As a naturally introverted person, I learned from this experience that communication is about much more than perfect grammar; it’s about being open, engaged, and willing to connect with others.
