Jocelyn Wang
About My Study Abroad Program
Major/Minor: Economics and minors in biology, business
Program: IES and Universita Bocconi
Location: Milan, Italy
Email: Jocew@unc.edu
Term: Spring 2024
Why did you choose to study abroad and how did you select your program?
I knew I wanted to study in Universita Bocconi given its academic excellence, but since I was a sophomore, I chose to study through IES since the program provides more logistical support and guidance. I was accepted as a visiting student at Bocconi, so I got to take both Bocconi and IES classes while in Milan.
What did you learn about yourself?
I am able to find peace in my own company. I used to be terrified of being alone, especially in new environments, but through solo traveling during my free weekends, I fell in love with exploring on my own. Oh, and I learned I love learning new languages more than I thought!
What is one of your favorite memories from your program?
Solo traveling in Romania and being invited to a Hungarian play! Riding camels in Morocco with a new group of friends. Dancing until sunrise in Barcelona. The list goes on!
What advice do you have for future study abroad students?
Embrace it and understand you’ll look back on the experience with more fondness than anything else. All the challenges, unexpected or expected, are part of something larger. No study abroad narrative is perfect. That’s what makes it special!
How do you identify?
Student of color
Could you share any experiences where your identity played a role in your time abroad?
My Asian American identity shined through the whole time! From the moment I landed, I knew I was a minority. In many settings, when asked "Di dove sei?" (where are you from?), I would say "sono Americana" and be met with doubt/disbelief. It was interesting getting to represent the Asian American identity in a place where Asian and American are usually mutually exclusive. Being able to speak Spanish and Italian was also fun, as many people didn't expect me to be fluent. The looks on their faces was always fun.
Is there any advice you would give to other students who share your identity?
Don't be scared to be the only one of your "identity" in the room! And people are usually well-intentioned. They may be confused or skeptical, but it's never from a place of harm/hate.
Memories
