Click below to view my Italian Scrapbook which was my final project for my study aborad course. It highlights some of my favorite memories and adventures in Italy.

My experience on the FIU Honors Grand Tour of Italy was a defining moment in my global learning journey. Before arriving, I felt both excitement and uncertainty—traveling through multiple cities in a foreign country challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone and engage with the unfamiliar in meaningful ways. From the beginning, I was immersed in a culture deeply rooted in history, art, and tradition, which encouraged me to see the world through a new lens.

As we moved from city to city, I developed a deeper appreciation for how culture shapes everyday life. Whether it was observing the emphasis on community in public spaces or experiencing the slower, more intentional pace of daily routines I began to understand the values that influence Italian society and how different they were from both the American and Cuban societies I grew up in.

This experience extended far beyond academics—it was an opportunity to actively practice global learning. I learned how to adapt, communicate through Spanish and the little bit of Italian I knew, and reflect on my own cultural perspective in relation to others. The program challenged me to think critically shared human experiences that exist across borders which I found very impactful as an aspiring physician.

By the end of the Grand Tour, I left with more than memories of beautiful places and people—I gained a stronger sense of independence, cultural competence, and self-awareness. This experience reinforced my ability to navigate diverse environments and deepened my appreciation for global perspectives, shaping how I approach both my academic work and future career in healthcare.