Elena was selected as an SAI scholarship recipient and blogger for the Spring 2015 term. She is a current student at University of Missouri studying at Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti (NABA) in Milan, Italy during the Spring 2015 term.

Tell us why you chose to study abroad.
I wasn’t really interested in studying abroad until my second semester of my sophomore year. The more information and insight I got from other people who went abroad, the more interested I became. My mom studied abroad for a year when she was in college and my brother did a “Semester at Sea” in college as well. Becoming more and more aware of the program and city, and already being an experienced traveler, I decided to study abroad!

Tell us about your school, major, interests, clubs (you in a nutshell).
I am currently a junior at the University of Missouri studying Textile Apparel Management on the Marketing and Merchandising track with also a business minor. The only organization/club that I am in is ATAM which is the Association of Textile and Apparel Management, which is a club to get more insight into the fashion industry and what is going on. So of course, I have a huge interest in fashion and clothing, along with shopping! I enjoy spending time with friends and family, lounging around but also being out and about like going to movies, concerts, sporting events, and out to eat.

What are you most excited about re. studying abroad?
I am most excited about traveling and experiencing new places and food. I am excited about everything and anything there is to do in Milan, but also really excited about the courses I will be taking at NABA.

What are you most nervous about re. studying abroad?
I am most nervous for being homesick at times  and missing family and friends. I am also nervous for getting lost in a city and not being able to understand the language, even though I know I will pick up on it.

What are three goals that you would like to achieve/accomplish while abroad?

1. Eat/try a new food every week
2. Learn a new language (italian) fluently
3. Meet new friends (Italian and other Americans) with whom I can stay in touch with after my semester