Sophie Sharp

Major: Marketing
Minors: Sustainability
Study Abroad Program Location: Sorrento, Italy
Study Abroad Term: Fall 2024

Student Testimony

What motivated you to pursue a global education experience?

I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad at Sant’Anna Institute in Sorrento, Italy, an experience that deepened my love for travel and global perspectives. As a triple citizen of the United States, Australia, and England, international experiences have always been a part of my life. I took my first flight at just four months old to Australia and embarked on my first solo flight at 14—also to Australia. With family spread across the world, travel has been a constant in my life, inspiring me to explore new places and cultures. I always knew I wanted to study abroad. In Australia, taking a gap year is a common tradition, and my parents encouraged me to do the same. However, I was eager to start college alongside my peers. Studying abroad gave me the perfect balance—it allowed me to immerse myself in a new culture while continuing my education.

Describe your initial thoughts and feelings as you prepared to study or intern abroad.

Preparing to study abroad was both nerve-wracking and exciting. I had never been fully immersed in a foreign language before, and my only exposure to Italian was my nightly Duolingo practice, which didn’t exactly make me fluent! The idea of navigating a new country and culture was daunting, but I was determined to embrace the challenge. At the same time, I was beyond excited to travel around Europe and fully immerse myself in Italian culture. To prepare, I watched videos, practiced Italian on Duolingo, and sought advice from friends who had previously studied abroad. Despite my initial nerves, I knew this experience would be life-changing and it absolutely was.

Share a memorable experience or encounter that immersed you in the local culture.

A memorable experience I had while studying abroad was the relationships with the local store owners. I will forever remember Guiliana at Mamma Che Pasta and Roberta at Orbit Coffee. I am still in contact with both of them online and it completely changed my experience. They were so welcoming and made me feel like a part of the family. Coming into their restaurant and coffee shop made me feel at home in a foreign country and I knew that I could always go there if I needed a happiness boost. This reinforced my perspective on Southern Italy as being very warm and friendly. It's like we're all part of one big family.

Discuss your academic or professional experiences abroad. 

Studying Italian in Italy made it significantly easier to learn the language. I would not have been very happy going to my 9 am Italian class 5 days a week if it weren't for my professor, Domenico. He truly made Italian such an enjoyable experience and I learned more in that quarter and a half than I did learning French for a year. We were able to go out into the community during class and Domenico would ask us to speak to the coffee shop owner and order a coffee or ask a local shop where to find a specific product. This allowed us to be outside of our comfort zone and truly enhanced our learning experiences.

Reflect on the personal growth and development you experienced during your time abroad.

Studying abroad taught me a lot about myself. Being in a new country, away from my parents, pushed me to become more independent and hone my problem-solving skills in ways I never had before. One of the biggest adjustments was adapting to the slower, more relaxed pace of Italian culture. Unlike in the U.S., where efficiency is a priority, I quickly learned that stores wouldn’t always be open—especially during siesta hours. This shift in mindset made me realize just how fast-paced American life is, from quick dinners to speedy post office visits. I also discovered that I naturally move through life at a fast pace, but slowing down and embracing the Italian way of living significantly improved my mental well-being. I returned home with a new perspective. While I still appreciate the free water in the US, I no longer feel the need to rush through everything. Taking time to enjoy the moment has made me happier and more present in my daily life.

Describe the friendships and connections you formed with both local residents and fellow students.

I made many friendships with other study abroad students from schools across the US. I am still in touch with them and they are even coming to visit me in Santa Clara in the spring. I also developed meaningful relationships with store owners at our local pasta restaurant and coffee shop which made me significantly less homesick. Walking past Mamma Che Pasta every day and seeing the smiling faces of the family that owns the store waving to me would make me smile every time. Making new friends and connecting with the locals made Italy feel much more like home and helped me with the transition to a brand new culture.

Share a story about a challenge or obstacle you faced while studying or interning abroad and how you overcame it.

One of my goals while studying abroad was to take a solo trip. Just three days before departure, I booked a 40 Euro round-trip ticket to Budapest. Initially, it wasn’t supposed to be a solo trip, but when none of my friends wanted to join, I decided to take the leap and go alone. Arriving in a completely unfamiliar country without knowing a single person was daunting, but I trusted my travel experience and problem-solving skills. My first challenge came almost immediately, my cellular data wasn’t working upon landing in Hungary. I had to find airport Wi-Fi, order an Uber, and navigate to my hostel without service. Before getting into the car, I messaged my family and friends with my exact location and plans in case I lost contact. Thankfully, once I arrived at my hostel, I was able to fix my SIM card, and from there, my trip went smoothly. Another test of my independence came on my last day when I had to figure out Budapest’s bus system at 3 a.m. to catch an 8 a.m. flight. With the help of Apple Maps and Google, I navigated my way successfully. This trip pushed me out of my comfort zone, strengthened my confidence in solo travel, and proved to me that I’m capable of handling anything that comes my way.

How has studying or interning abroad influenced your career goals, worldview, or future aspirations?

Studying abroad has truly changed my life. Traveling to a new place is one thing, but living in another country for four months offers an entirely different level of cultural immersion. During my time in Italy, I didn’t just visit, I fully embraced the Italian way of life and felt like a local. Beyond cultural experiences, my time abroad also sparked a deeper interest in international sustainability. Learning about Italy’s sustainability efforts, along with those of other European countries, gave me a new perspective on global environmental initiatives. This experience has not only shaped the way I see the world but has also influenced my academic and career interests in ways I never expected.