Overcoming Homesickness So Far from Home
Curtis Rodriguez '26 and friends at Lake Garda in Italy. Photo by Natalie Kalman '26
Curtis Rodriguez, a junior studying fashion merchandising, embarked on a four-month adventure in Florence, Italy, which was a mix of excitement, uncertainty and a quest for growth.
“It doesn’t feel like you’re going until you’re actually here, and then it’s like, now what?” said Rodriguez, while reflecting on his arrival in Florence.
With only welcome meetings scheduled and no classes for an entire week, Rodriguez admitted that settling into the new environment felt strange.
“I didn’t really have a reason or place yet,” he said. “Coming in was a little weird, but it was only the first week, so I tried not to stress myself out.”
However, Rodriguez did not let his discomfort hold him back, as he began traveling around Europe as soon as he settled in.
“Traveling is definitely a lot, but it’s so worth it. Every time I travel, it opens my eyes to new lives and different experiences,” he said. “Living in Italy is great, but you have so many opportunities to go to different places.”
Rodriguez recounted notable trips, including a visit to London, England, which reminded him of home, and an amazing experience at Oktoberfest in Germany.
“It’s so easy to travel, and that’s one of the positives of going abroad; you can easily travel at lower prices. Coming here, having access to the city and getting to travel around Europe and other places is so great,” he noted.
However, despite the thrill and exhilaration, Rodriguez couldn't help but feel homesick in the quiet moments between adventures.
“When I’m traveling, and the trip is coming to an end, coming back almost feels like I’m supposed to be going back to my home in Connecticut,” he explained. “When I arrive back in Florence, I have to realize this is my home now, which is strange and slightly unsettling.”
Growing up in Danbury, Rodriguez was always accustomed to being close to home, even while living on campus at Marist College. While he enjoyed occasional visits to New York City, he had never experienced city life in such intensity.
“I remember when I was first applying to college, I wanted to go to college in the city, but I decided not to because I didn’t know if I was ready for that city life and college life balance,” he said. “So, of course, I miss my family and friends, but I also miss campus life.”
Curtis Rodriguez '26 at a Lorenzo de' Medici cooking class. Photo by Ava Battinelli '26
However, while longing for a familiar environment, Rodriguez was surrounded by familiar faces, which made this adventure possible.
“I was lucky that most of my friends went abroad this semester. So, I’m here with them, and that’s a part of home I got to bring with me,” he said. “Spending time with them makes me feel less homesick.”
As for staying connected with those who didn’t accompany him on a journey, a simple phone call to loved ones at home did the job.
“Knowing that I’m going to see them eventually, I just have to get over this one obstacle, and it’s going to be okay,” he said. “You just don’t want to put a damper on your time here.”
Eventually, Rodriguez began to realize that missing home didn’t mean he wanted to leave Florence.
“I realized that I could still miss home and not want to go home, which is a weird balance of emotions,” he said. “And now, it’s so crazy that I only have a week left.”
Despite minor struggles, Rodriguez is confident that his time abroad has been an invaluable experience.
“Not everyone has an opportunity to even come to Italy at all in their lives, and to be here for so long and study here is such an amazing and special experience.”
Looking back, Rodriguez said he has no regrets and encourages others to take the leap of faith and study abroad, even if homesickness is a concern.
He said, “[Being homesick] is easy to get through, and the experience abroad trumps the feeling of homesickness.”
For Rodriguez, the difficulties during his experience have actually helped him grow academically.
“If I’m feeling homesick, I just focus on what I have to get done and tell myself I can worry later,” he laughed.
Further accompanying his dedication to academics, the fashion merchandising major fondly recalls his opportunities to immerse himself in Florence’s rich fashion culture.
“I got the opportunity to go to Milan Fashion Week, and after we went, they invited us to talk with the designers,” he said. “There are great connections in the city, and it really doesn’t stop in the city; it goes global.”
Rodriguez’s experience abroad has not only broadened his academic and professional horizons but also helped him learn about himself.
Being his first time in Europe and away from his family for an extended period, he’s had to learn how to communicate in new places, use public transportation and take care of himself in ways he never had to before.
“If this opportunity works with your major and goals, take the leap of faith, but keep in contact with your family,” he said. “They want to hear from you and know that you're okay — it makes all the difference."