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‘I Always Dreamed of Going to Italy’

I am excited to spend the next nearly three months studying at the University’s campus in Prato, Italy, and I am looking forward to the opportunities I will have to explore and immerse myself in a new culture.

February 8, 2022

By Bella Cupano ’23

Image of A group of University of New Haven students in Italy in early 2022.
A group of University of New Haven students in Italy in early 2022.
Image of Bella Cupano (right) and McKenna Jones.
Bella Cupano (right) and McKenna Jones.

I’ve never traveled abroad, and this semester, I have an amazing opportunity to be able to study abroad at the University’s campus in Prato, Italy. This opportunity gives me a chance to learn about the Italian culture and to be able to see the world. This experience will give me a chance to learn, to appreciate other cultures, and, one day, be able to apply the knowledge I learn from studying abroad to further understand people in my future endeavors.

As a psychology student, I appreciate that we need to understand people and the world through other’s eyes. Being able to see how other cultures view different aspects of life is extremely beneficial and beautiful. I am looking forward to seeing the architecture, the art, and to being able to explore Italy with my best friends. I am also looking forward to being able to finally experience real Italian food and Italian espresso.

Image of Bella Cupano at Kathy Zolad Field.
Bella Cupano at Kathy Zolad Field.

I always dreamed of going to Italy, as it is the one place in the world I have always wanted to visit and see. When I found out the University offered a chance for me to go abroad and study in Italy for a semester, I knew that as soon as the opportunity was available to me, I was going.

I am so excited and also terrified – but in a good way – to finally be able to see the place I always dreamed of and to be able to live there for a few months and to fully immerse myself in the culture. I am extremely grateful for this opportunity, and I cannot wait to explore, have adventures, meet new people, and make memories.

Bella Cupano ’23 is a psychology major at the University of New Haven with a concentration in forensic psychology and a minor in criminal justice.