Studying abroad provides the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture like no other travel experience can. But it’s not always easy to do! This week Brianna Gjongecaj ’26, a Strasbourg alum, and Peyton Foley ’26, a Florence alum, join the pod to talk about how they navigated connecting to their host city. The group talks about becoming a regular at a neighborhood restaurant, making local friends through speed-dating, speaking at the grocery store in the local language, and so much more. The big lesson learned? Everyone needs to talk themselves out of their nerves!