When Ralph Tyrell was attending high school in San Diego, CA, a mentor encouraged him to enjoy this time in his life and go abroad. He was instantly curious about studying abroad.

“I wanted to see how people lived on another continent,” he shared. “I wanted to taste the flavors and smell the smells. I wanted to see how cities were designed firsthand, and I wanted to experience different cultures!”

Thankfully, Ralph was able to make this happen at PUC. As an upperclassman majoring in chemistry with a minor in math and Italian, Ralph made this curiosity come to life. 

How did you decide which ACA school to attend? 

By luck. I was strongly considering going to Spain to strengthen my Spanish (my first language), but I was strongly encouraged to come to Italy, and I’m grateful I did!

Describe your typical day there. 

I wake up, go to a few classes, drink a cappuccino (without fail), and eat lunch. In the afternoon, I do some electives, such as cooking or sculpting. 

If I don’t have electives, I’ll go into the city and walk around and see some sights. Then, I spend some time reading or studying things that interest me, and occasionally, I play sports with everyone at night. 

Can you share any enjoyable activities or events you’ve participated in while studying abroad?

I went to Siena and learned about their medieval guild system, which persists to this day! It all culminates in a horse race held in July and August. It is my favorite trip we’ve taken thus far. 

How are classes and learning the language going for you? 

Decent! I’m comfortably conversational. I try to talk to everyone I can (some things never change). If this means anything, I took the B2 exam in March. Fingers are crossed I pass! 

What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about the culture in your host country? 

The huge divide between Northern and Southern Italy as well as between individual cities and their dialects. Italy as a country is younger than California as a state (1849 vs. 1861). 

You can go to a city three miles away, and they’ll speak a completely different dialect. These “dialects” are often completely different Romantic Languages. For example, a Spaniard and a Paraguayan could understand each other perfectly well despite an entire ocean separating them and their diverse dialects. If you put a Neapolitan person in a room with a Venetian person, they likely wouldn’t understand each other.

What is your favorite thing about living there? 

The people. They’re kind, welcoming, and very present. 

Where are some places you’ve visited and plan to visit?

I’ve visited about 10 countries, including the Netherlands, Germany, France, Norway, and Hungary!  I’m planning on going to Barcelona soon. 

What have been your favorite things so far about studying abroad? 

The cappuccinos, the friends, and the challenge of learning a new language. 

How has studying abroad impacted your personal growth?

I’ve grown in empathy and perspective. America is geographically isolated, so it’s often hard for me to see just how different others live their lives. 

What has been your favorite meal or dessert there?  

Two come to mind: a goulash I ate in Budapest and a steak I ate here in Tuscany. The former was in a cramped hole-in-the-wall restaurant, and the flavors took me straight back to my childhood. The latter was a meal I had with my close friends Akemi, Katheryn, and Naomi. The laughs we shared over that meal were unforgettable. 

What would you say to someone interested in ACA? 

Do it. You’ll love it. Feel free to ask me for advice. Seriously, my email is ratyrell@puc.edu and I’d love to help if possible!