While I was abroad, I learned so much more than I thought I would about culture! Not only did I learn about advertising and public relations, which are new topics for me, but I also was able to learn cultural values and different perspectives on life. For instance, Italians enjoy eating dinner at a later time, as the earliest dinner slot I could find was at 7 pm! But I was able to learn to appreciate the late times, as they allow for a more exciting night life when it comes to people watching and appreciating the views at nighttime (there is nothing like the Colosseum at 10pm!). Additionally, I found that Italian and French people enjoy taking life at a slower pace, which is quite difficult at first. In America, I feel like life and school are always quite face-paced with little to no time for breaks.

After being abroad and experiencing the culture of both France and Italy, I believe that my experience while abroad has encouraged me to enjoy the world around me instead of being sucked into filling my time up to the brim!

On a personal level, I have incorporated the delicious cuisine of both Italy and France into my everyday life, slowed down my days, and have a brighter perspective on spending time with my family and friends, which is heavily emphasized in Italian culture especially! Similarly, I also have started to focus more of my time on the things that I genuinely enjoy, instead of feeling pressured to keep up with the latest trend. I miss my time abroad already and cannot wait to be back someday! Thank you MSU!

Name: Zana McEntire
Status: Junior
Major: Political Science - Prelaw
Hometown: Grand Blanc, Michigan
Program: Advertising and Public Relations a la Mediterranean