Alicia Montano - Italy
My time abroad in Italy was a hybrid experience with both animal handling experience as well as participation in research. At the University of Teramo in Italy, I spent half of my time visiting cat colonies in the Abruzzo region to collect fecal and blood samples, and the other half in the lab analyzing them. Exploring these colonies was particularly fascinating, as I hadn't encountered such facilities in the United States. It was heartwarming to see the dedication of the caretakers and to learn that these colonies are supported by the government. One of the colonies we visited even had plans to transform into a cat café, where people could come and enjoy the company of the cats.
On University grounds, my host mentors guided me through all the laboratory techniques relevant to the parasitology departments ongoing research projects. These included fecal flotations, Baermann and Knotts tests, SNAP tests, direct fecal smears, and sucrose concentration gradients. Once I mastered each of the techniques, I performed the tasks independently.
Heading into this experience I was seeking to gain more cat handling practice as well as research experience because I felt that those were two areas in my education and skill set that needed supplementation. Upon finishing, I feel that I have met those goals, but more importantly, I learned how to navigate the professional world in a global context. Even though I’m just a veterinary student, at the university I was treated as a colleague. Initially it intimidated me, but it was good insight on what it means to be a professional and eventually I became comfortable with the responsibility.
Teramo itself is a quaint college town nestled in the Abruzzo region along the Adriatic coast. I specifically chose to spend three weeks in a small, rural town of Italy because I was seeking an authentic experience. I knew that choosing a non-tourist area would challenge me the most.
The challenges that came from immersing myself in a foreign environment deeply impacted my confidence and character. It also broadened my understanding of the world’s interconnectedness. In bustling cities like Rome, English is commonly spoken, and menus are often translated. But in Teramo, I was expected to navigate the local language. When I didn’t know something, I had to ask for help—often in a language that I was only partially comfortable speaking.
This experience not only improved my Italian and enhanced my people skills but also allowed me to build a close-knit community. Whether it was the owner of my favorite cafe or the supportive professors at the university, I found a network of people who were there for me throughout my journey.
