Ciao, my name is Sarah Shewaye! I’m a third-year Honors College student from Salem, Oregon, majoring in Political Science with a minor in Global Studies. I am a first-generation American and college student, the daughter of a Ukrainian refugee and an Ethiopian immigrant.
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This is my second time studying abroad and being a Diverse Ducks Ambassador! I chose the Politics in Italy program in Siena because it focuses on both historical and contemporary Italian politics. We’re currently taking classes like Machiavelli’s Italy and Politics in Modern Italy, which have been quite interesting so far. Siena itself felt like the perfect small town for this 10-week experience abroad. I had been to the more touristy parts of Italy before, but not Siena. It is a quieter, more local environment where I can really observe and be part of the culture.
Before arriving, I had some concerns about how I’d be perceived here. I had heard that racism can be present in parts of Italy, and I wasn’t sure how it would feel to be a multicultural person who doesn’t look stereotypically American or Italian in a smaller city like Siena. I was also concerned about leaving my community in Eugene. Over the past few years, I’ve built a rich and robust community in Eugene that has become incredibly important to me. Right before leaving for Italy, I actually felt immensely sad and almost regretful. I have so much love, friendship, and connection in Eugene that it was hard to leave. As study abroad got closer, I found myself questioning if I had made the right choice to study abroad again, especially for a whole term. I did truly enjoy my first study abroad, and it was deeply transformative. But I knew that leaving behind something that feels like home would not be easy.
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Still, I knew I needed to take this risk again for myself, and I’m so glad I did. From the moment I arrived in Siena, I’ve felt welcomed. A small surprise has been how people often speak Italian to me right away instead of assuming I can’t understand or belong, which has been very affirming. I’ve even learned how to order my coffee in Italian (thanks to some help from Italian speakers on my program), which has become one of my favorite small victories. As a woman, I’ve also been pleasantly surprised by how safe I feel here, even at night. Walking through Siena’s cobblestone streets has felt peaceful and comfortable.
Additionally, while I was nervous at first, I’ve found community here too. I’ve already shared many laughs, had meaningful conversations, and made fantastic friendships within the first week. It was a great reminder that community and connection can be built anywhere. For anyone who wants to study abroad, especially students with a similar background to mine, my advice would be this: do not let fear limit your opportunities. It is okay to be nervous, to miss your friends, and to miss home. But do it even if you are afraid, because you can’t let fear define your experience.
Sarah Shewaye
Politics in Italy, Spring 2025