Mickey Wilson is a student at Howard University and a Featured Blogger. They are studying with ISA in Milan, Italy.
As I conclude my time in Milan, I feel it’s important to address a more uncomfortable topic in this final blog post. Italy is a diverse country that offers a wide range of experiences, and Milan is a prime example of the blend between old-world romance and urban modernity. Before deciding to study abroad in Italy, I had some concerns. Being a fashion student, the idea of immersing myself in one of the world’s fashion capitals felt like a dream, but as a person of color living in Italy, especially coming from the U.S., my time here has also come with moments of cultural adjustment, deep reflection, and, at times, emotional discomfort.
The Good: Inspiration and Opportunity
Milano is a beautiful place. It’s an incredibly vibrant, stylish, and fast-paced city. It has an abundance of diverse and stunning architecture, and districts that each offer their own experiences in which you can shop, sightsee, and wander. I’ve been very fortunate to experience two fashion weeks here, explore local artisan markets, and make a lot of genuine connections.
Studying in Milano has been a beautiful and surreal experience. My university, NABA (Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti), is stocked full of students from all over the world, all offering diverse perspectives, stories, and lasting connections. Between both semesters, I’ve found a beautiful mix of international students, local creatives, and professors who make me feel seen.
The Part Rarely Discussed
One thing I quickly became aware of, especially coming from Howard University, an American Historically Black University, is that I am often one of the only people of color in the room. Being the only Black individual in a given space means you can expect lingering stares from others. Sometimes, it is due to curiosity, particularly from the elderly or young children; however, at times, the stares carry a weight that reminds me of the lack of representation I see here in varying environments. The few places where I do encounter other Black individuals often aren’t financially thriving areas. When I spot a Black woman in a metro car or sitting in the same café, there is an unspoken recognition between us. We connect with a smile and a nod, as if to say, “I see you. I understand.”
After being here for nine months, I honestly have no idea how Black Italians maintain the health of their hair. For Black people, hair is not just “hair”; it is a part of our identity and culture. Finding hair care products that suit our needs is nearly impossible, and I learned this quickly during my first semester. While there are countless hair salons on nearly every block—especially in Milan—there is nothing easily accessible for our hair types. I made the smart choice to come to both semesters with my hair in a protective braided style. I didn’t bring enough hair products for my fall semester and returned in the spring fully stocked.
Finding a braider or hairstylist, specifically in Milan, has also proven to be quite challenging. I haven’t come across any hair stores similar to what I’m accustomed to in the United States. I found a braider this semester, but I took a chance, which quickly led to regret. The cost for services related to our hair types here is exorbitantly high, and braiders charge a significant amount for an experience that is often subpar. If I could redo this semester, I would have devoted more time to seeking personal recommendations from other Black individuals. I was surprised to learn that a lot of people who get their hair braided travel to Africa for their services, something I never considered.
One of the hardest parts of being Black abroad is encountering things that I didn’t expect to be normalized here. There are instances I’ve heard and seen that I consider blatantly racist, yet they appear to be accepted without question. On multiple occasions, non-Black individuals have felt comfortable enough around me to use the “N-word”, which never fails to catch me off guard. The displaying of “Afro Party Wigs”, with the packaging showcasing two people in Blackface wearing afros, in the windows of party supply stores is widely accepted but hugely offensive and should never be normalized.
Final Thoughts
Being Black in Milan isn’t always easy, but it has taught me how to create and hold space for myself. I don’t regret coming here. If you’re a Black student considering studying abroad, go for it. Take the opportunity to explore more of the world. While it certainly comes with challenges, studying abroad also offers its magic, opening the door to connections with people around the world that you would have never met; the opportunity to experience cultures that help to broaden your global perspective, and opens your eyes to new methods of teaching and learning to help make you into an overall well rounded individual.
If you have the chance to study abroad, it will allow you to grow in ways that can’t be replicated. On a side note—during the short time I spent in Rome, I encountered numerous braid shops and noticed many more Black families than I did in Milan. That doesn’t mean you should avoid visiting Milan; it’s an incredible city.
