Buon Giorno (greetings/good day). My name is Francesca Eggersdorfer and I am 21 years old! I was born in the city of Chicago, and decided to go to college at the University of Illinois for Psychology. This semester I am studying abroad in Italy, in a college town called Pavia, at one of the oldest colleges in Europe, the University of Pavia! I am someone who loves to explore both new places and while also revisiting old ones. I am on this journey to not only learn more about Italian culture, people, and language, but also to learn more about myself. In my spare time, I love to do many activities outside, like hiking, as well as play with my cat called Theo, read books, and hang out with friends.
This semester will be like no other time in my life, because I will be away from all the places, people, and routines that I am used to. However, this is part of the excitement becuase when there is uncertainty and change in life, it becomes a time to deeply examine routines, structures, and also yourself, leading to a belief in your ability to overcome hard things! I am excited to take you with me on all my adventures as I explore the places, people, and yummy foods in the beautiful country of Italy!
Want to know more about how you can study or intern abroad when you are a college student? The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program is a program of the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and supported in its implementation by the Institute of International Education (IIE). Learn more about the scholarship by clicking here!
