I was born and raised in California, but having lived here for the better part of the past 20 years, Italy feels just as much my home as the US.

After spending my junior year studying in Trento, Italy as part of the University of California Education Abroad Program, I couldn’t wait to make my way back!

I earned my BA in Sociology and Italian Language & Literature from UCSB, and my MA in Postsecondary Educational Leadership from San Diego State University. I feel very lucky to have worked at both US and Italian higher education institutions which have allowed me insight into both systems as well as what students may experience at every step of their international experience. 

My biggest piece of advice to those of you who are embarking on your time in Italy: understand it’s not all “bella vita” all the time. Living abroad can be very rewarding, but it’s no joke. Just know those times that feel most difficult at the moment will turn into some of your favorite memories of how you made it through the challenges. You can do it! And we’re here to help.