Angelica Torres, Italy

Academic Status: Fourth year anthropology major interested in physical anthropology

Gender pronouns: She, her, hers

Where did you study abroad?  Europe, specifically Rome in the Fall of 2016

What was the most culturally shocking thing you experienced or observed?  Probably an excursion I participated in with a sociology professor to a women’s organization promoting the feminist movement in Rome. It was interesting to see how their views of feminism differed from those of feminists in the United States, these differences based on their country’s constitution. Though their version of feminism was definitely comparable to feminism in the United States, some areas are more extreme. They are fighting the struggles of minorities in their country yet these struggles are experienced and embodied differently.

What was the most rewarding part of studying abroad?  The most rewarding part of study abroad were the cultural experiences; and, I have changed immensely because of them. I had the opportunity to learn a language in its native country, to be around and grow from the assistance of fluent, native speakers. The importance of this opportunity, of language, of being invited to step into another person’s culture is indescribable.

"How has being an anthropology major prepared or helped you for going/while abroad?  I believe I had a different experience from people of other majors. This idea of cultural relativism is ingrained in our brains within anthropology and I was able to apply this to my experiences abroad. I definitely wasn’t expecting another America, a mentality which my roommates often struggled with. I understood I was going to be in a different environment, one I was not used to and for that reason was able to function quite well in Rome. Although I missed working in the anatomy lab while abroad, I found a means of making money and entertaining myself while fully immersing myself in the day to day culture of Romans by participating in a program (set up through the abroad program itself) which allowed me to babysit for local families during my free time.

What are your plans for the future?  I definitely plan to eventually go back to Italy! Beyond traveling, I plan to attend a grad school where I can pursue a focused education and training in physical anthropology.

What do you think other Anthropology students should know before going abroad?  The experiences you have abroad will be rewarding and unique. Traveling should definitely be something to participate in before you graduate; however, remember to approach situations while abroad with an open mind, heart, and arms.

How did your experiences traveling abroad change your expectations for traveling in the United States?  Going abroad sparked a travel bug in me. I have a prevailing want to travel more now. Spending time in Europe gave me an opportunity to look at the United States comparatively. In Europe, everything seems close, you can travel easily and within hours into a new country while the United States seems big, spread out, and separate. You can drive for days and still be in the country; you could still be in California for that matter!