Fallon Raimo is a student at St. Francis College. She is currently studying abroad with ISA in Milan, Italy.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Fallon Raimo and I am from New York City. I am 20 years old and a student at St. Francis College in Downtown Brooklyn. I am an aspiring photographer and I love to take photos from my perspective.
What does an average day in Milan look like for you?
The first thing I must do to start my day in Milan is get a coffee and brioche. I head to the metro to go to school. I might have lunch with a friend in the sandwich shop I frequent or maybe a coffee if I have less time. After school is over before heading home I might explore a different part of the city that I have never been to. In the evening, I usually eat dinner at home with my roommates. We help each other cook and enjoy a homemade meal together.
What has surprised you most about studying abroad in Italy?
What has surprised me most about studying abroad in Italy is the Italian approach towards life. I am from a huge city that is always rushing and on the go. In Italy, they are much more relaxed. They live in a beautiful way, a very passionate way. They seem a lot freer in the way they live. Sometimes, I have to step back and try and understand their way of living. I hope I can take some that home with me.
What is the vibe in Milan?
I love the vibe in Milan. It’s a city so there are so many different kinds of people. Hipsters, workers, the high class, families, students, there is a bit of everything. It makes it so great because you can definitely fit in.
How are your classes at the Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore?
My classes are great. My teachers are really passionate about what they teach and they want you to get the best experience of what they are teaching. The international office at the university is also extremely helpful. They go out of their way to make sure they tend to the students needs. It’s really amazing.
What is your favorite thing to do during your free time?
During my free time in Milan, I love to explore. I love to go to areas I haven’t been and take photos of things I’ve never seen. If I like the area, I will definitely head back there. I also love to see old friends that I have here in Milan who live here or study at one of the universities.
Can you name a “moment” when everything clicked for you and it hit you that you are actually living in Milan right now?
There was one moment when I was walking down to the metro and I knew exactly where to go. I didn’t even have to think about what I was doing or where I was going. That’s when it clicked; this is my city for the next few months.
Would you recommend your experience to other students? Why study in Milan?
Yes, I would recommend my experience to other students. I am living in another city in another country for a few months. I have completely left my comfort zone of home and am getting to know myself even better than I did before. I’m growing in ways that I couldn’t imagine. You should pick Milan because there is so much to do, so much life, and so much history at the tip of your fingers. Museums, food, shopping, dancing or partying you can do it all here. It’s perfect for people who are also looking to travel outside of Milan, if you want to go to different cities in Italy or even different countries in Europe, they are very accessible in Milan. The food is amazing too, I can’t forget that important detail. I love Milan and I think that many other students will too.
I’m studying at Cattolica next semester! This looks amazing. I’m even more excited