Living La Dolce Vita in Perugia!

September 22, 2025

Ciao! Mi chiamo Jenna!

It all started in April 2023 when I first toured Chapman. What stood out to me most was the Global Citizens Plaza, a space that represented endless opportunities to study abroad. Seeing all the possibilities sparked my excitement and made me seriously consider the idea of spending a semester abroad. Travel has always been something I’ve loved, and one country I had dreamed of visiting for years was Italy. Because my major has broad course requirements, I had the flexibility to choose a program in the country I wanted most. When I was accepted to study abroad for the Spring of 2025, it felt like the beginning of something extraordinary and I couldn’t wait to begin preparing for my adventure to Perugia, Italy.

Preparing for Departure

The reality of leaving didn’t hit me until the week before my departure. Packing was a puzzle – balancing the essentials with airline limits, planning for medications I might not find abroad and accepting that I’d be rewearing outfits and sticking to mix-and-match neutrals. After multiple rounds of repacking (and sitting on my suitcase to zip it shut), I managed to fit four months of life into one large suitcase, one small one and a travel backpack – which I later realized was one of the best purchases I made in preparation for my trip.

Goodbye Seattle, Hello Chaos!

My travel day started out with a nice farewell breakfast cooked by my mom, but it quickly turned upside down. Just 30 minutes before heading to the airport, I got a notification that my flight was going to be delayed by 5 hours! Panic set in – I’d now miss the last group bus to Perugia, have to spend the night alone in Rome and then have to find my way to Perugia solo. At the airport, I scrambled to find a solution and thankfully, after several attempts, my persistence paid off and I was able to get one of the last seats on another flight. That moment taught me something crucial, while being abroad, I would need to be independent and adapt quickly when things didn’t go according to plan.

Settling into Perugia

After landing in Italy, enduring the long drive to Perugia, and surviving a jet-lagged welcome dinner, we finally moved into our apartment! I lived with three other girls, two were a year older than me, and one was my age. Moving in made everything feel so real, I couldn’t believe this was going to be my home for the next four months. Eager to explore, my roommates and I wandered through town, despite the cold and wind. I quickly discovered that Perugia is an incredibly charming and authentic Italian town; beautiful, hilly, and full of character. We lived close to the city center, making it easy to find our favorite coffee spots, restaurants, and study hangouts. The first week was filled with orientation activities, which made it easy to meet people in my program and start building friendships. By the end of what was a whirlwind week, classes began, and life in Perugia was officially underway.

Life and Learning

My daily life in Perugia was calm and easygoing. Most days followed a simple rhythm: I’d wake up, go to class, walk home, do homework, spend time with friends, make dinner, and then head to bed. My classes were genuinely interesting, which made me look forward to going. I took Education in Italy, Photography, Water Resources, and Italian 101. Out of all of them, my favorite was Education in Italy because it combined lectures with hands-on teaching. I had the opportunity to visit three different classrooms and help teach English, which was such an eye-opening experience. It showed me how education can look so different across cultures, and even though the language barrier was sometimes tricky, I was able to connect with both the teachers and the students.

In my free time, I loved wandering the town in search of new spots, journaling, and having movie nights with friends. And of course, one of the best parts of living in Italy was the food. Every meal left me feeling satisfied but never heavy, thanks to the fresh ingredients. Perugia also had a wide variety of restaurants; Italian, Mediterranean, Asian, and even American. I never felt like I was eating the same thing twice. Plus, food and groceries were much more affordable than I expected, which was a huge bonus.

Challenges and Growth

Although my time abroad was full of amazing experiences, it also came with challenges I had to overcome. Adjusting to the culture was different than I expected. I wouldn’t necessarily call it culture shock, that feels too strong, but more like a culture “bump.” While I was able to adapt and keep an open mind, I found it harder to adjust to the language, traditions, and unspoken expectations around respect and appropriateness. Since Perugia is such an authentic Italian town, many residents didn’t speak English, which meant I had to quickly figure things out on my own and rely on the few Italian words I knew to communicate.

Another challenge was dealing with sickness abroad. I had to navigate finding new medications and learning to trust the pharmacist’s recommendations on what would help best, hoping I translated what I needed correctly. On top of that, I also faced homesickness, especially a sense of FOMO. It was tough seeing my friends back home hanging out, going through sorority recruitment, making new connections, and even facing difficult life moments that I couldn’t be there for to help support them. I also found myself missing familiar comfort foods, especially the snacks and homemade meals my mom would make. While it wasn’t always easy, working through homesickness, language barriers, and cultural differences made me appreciate my experience in Italy even more. I learned that growth often comes from discomfort and that I was capable of so much more than I realized.

Unforgettable Adventures

Weekends were for exploration! When I went abroad, I knew that I wanted to make the most of every moment, and that’s exactly what I did. I visited six countries and thirteen cities, each offering something magical. My favorite places were Morocco (riding camels, driving ATVs in the Sahara, and experiencing a different culture), Malta (enjoying the clear blue water, soaking up the sun, and being with my friends), and Athens (learning about Greek culture, marveled at the ancient ruins, and was surrounded by countless cats). Even weekdays had their charm. My program hosted fun events such as karaoke nights, pizza parties, and a guided trip to the hot springs.

What I Took with Me

Studying abroad taught me how adaptable and independent I truly am. From navigating travel mishaps to adjusting to a new language and lifestyle, I realized I’m capable of handling challenges on my own. I also learned to slow down and enjoy the little routines of daily life. Living abroad also taught me a lot about other cultures. I saw the value of traditions, community, and different ways of approaching school, food, and everyday life. It showed me there isn’t just one “right” way to live, every culture has something meaningful to share. I’m endlessly grateful for my time in Perugia. The memories, lessons and friendships will stay with me forever. And wherever life takes me next, I’ll carry the spirit of this adventure with me.

Name: Jenna Miles