Learning to take it slow
When studying abroad, you’re exposed to a variety of culture shocks. For Ella Hayward, a Curry College student who studied abroad with University Studies Abroad Consortium’s (USAC) Reggio Emilia program, she had to learn to adapt to a more leisurely pace of life. It required her to understand new social interactions and behaviors, the biggest one being the slower pace of life.
“At first, I appreciated the slower pace, but over time I struggled to adjust,” Ella said. “In Italy, people don’t rush; meals and services take time, and there’s no pressure to leave quickly. I had to consciously slow myself down, even adjusting how fast I walked. Eventually, I learned to embrace the calm and enjoy the moment.”
After she spent more time immersed in the culture, she saw why the pace of life mattered so much.
“I welcomed Italy’s slow-paced lifestyle as much as possible. When going out to eat, my friends and I would take our time, enjoying the food and each other’s company without feeling rushed,” she said.
In fact, this new way of life became a highlight during her time abroad.
“My favorite moments while in Reggio Emilia were dinners with friends, followed by walking through the streets at night. I also loved going to cafés after class, sitting around small tables, and talking about travel plans and life back home. Even though it was obvious we were American, it felt special to share that experience abroad,” Ella explained.
Discovering new teaching methods
As a psychology major with a minor in education, Ella also learned about social norms in an academic setting.
“Reggio Emilia is known for the Reggio Emilia Approach®, a student-centered method that views children as capable and curious learners,” she said. Its uniqueness lies in the flexibility of the curriculum. Students are encouraged to pursue current interests and questions, using any medium they prefer — such as drawing, painting, or music — to demonstrate their thinking about the topic.
Ella was grateful for the experience, and the new structure gave her a lot to think about — and a lot of pros and cons to weigh. She found that overall, it broadened her understanding of different educational systems in the world, and inspired her so that one day, she could incorporate her favorite ideas and teaching methods into her future career.
Daily social challenges
Regarding social dynamics, Ella also found it challenging to adjust to new ways.
“The biggest difference was personal space,” she said, citing that Italians typically stand much closer than Americans. “I often felt like people were right on top of me in lines or public spaces. That was difficult for me, as I value personal space.”
Navigating a second language daily was tricky, but Ella was able to find her footing.
“Switching between languages was mentally exhausting at first. It took longer to process and respond in Italian, and I felt more tired than usual. Over time, it became easier as I recognized common words and phrases and could respond more quickly,” she says.
Adapting to a new culture with its unfamiliar social norms and different lifestyle can certainly be challenging. However, overcoming these obstacles can lead to incredibly rewarding experiences.
In a Curry College interview, she says, “I know I’ll be talking about my time abroad for the rest of my life. It’s been such a meaningful and unforgettable experience.”
Ella is a Curry College student, majoring in psychology with a minor in education. She studied abroad in Reggio Emilia, Italy, for the fall semester in 2025. In her downtime, she enjoys spending time with friends.
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