Acclimating to life in a different country and environment is a rewarding challenge. My biggest takeaway studying in Perugia, Italy has been that communication barriers are only as limiting as you make them. There is no such thing as a language barrier when you have the language of food, music, dance, and art, which is especially important in Perugia where English is rarely known. Once you learn some Italian phrases and acclimate to the local routine of life, you’re good to go. Here are some fundamentals I’ve picked up on…

1. For breakfast you have your espresso or cappuccino and pastry. If you’re a savvy spender you’ll be happy to hear there’s an Italian law that regulates the price of espresso to 1 euro, because they believe everyone has the right to an affordable and accessible espresso!  Also, don’t order a cappuccino after 12 (I’ve been told Italians are horrified by indigestion so the idea of drinking milk in the afternoon is a no go).
2. Shops and restaurants close 2-5, so escape the summer heat and enjoy a nap after lunch. Or, of course, power through with another espresso and explore a museum!
3. If you haven’t brushed up your Italian, don’t worry. Butchers are great at charades.
4. Before dinner you get an aperitivo with friends (the easiest and most fun acclimation). An Aperol Spritz and salty snack, often peanuts, chips, and olives, are deemed to stimulate your appetite before going to dinner.
5. Dinner is late and long, rounding out the day with a progressional meal ( typically 2-3 courses at 9 pm) with good conversation and good company.
6. Music and dance bring break barriers. Follow the sound of music into a tucked away piazza and you’ll find yourself dancing the night away with strangers.

Once you acclimate to this new routine, you start cultivating relationships and meeting people from different backgrounds than you, which to me is the most rewarding aspect of studying abroad. As easy as it is to stick with your friends from school, I’d highly encourage you to get comfortable in the uncomfortable and get to know the locals! If you tell yourself it’s too hard to make a connection with someone from a different culture, then you are limiting your experience. You have to step out of that limiting mindset!  Intercultural communication is rooted in kindness and curiosity and results in life lasting friendships.