Appreciating Differences: Student Miriam Barzaghi
Miriam Barzaghi is a JCU student pursuing a B.A. in Art History. Miriam is currently participating in JCU’s Direct Exchange Program, and she is studying abroad at the University of San Diego.
Tell us about your background.
I grew up in Monza, a small city near Milan. I attended high school at a Liceo Linguistico where I had the chance to learn English, Spanish, and French. I decided to apply to John Cabot University for three reasons: first, to have the opportunity to study entirely in English at a university with people from all over the world. Secondly, JCU’s Art History program caught my attention because of its comprehensiveness and the on-site classes. Finally, the city of Rome was another reason I chose JCU, as I wanted to challenge myself and attend a university far from home. Today, I can say that I’m proud of the choice I made, and I am happy to be part of JCU’s international and enriching community.
What made you decide to participate in JCU’s Direct Exchange Program and study abroad at the University of San Diego?
During my fourth year of high school, I had the chance to apply for a study abroad semester in Canada, but unfortunately, two weeks before leaving I was informed that the trip had been canceled due to the Covid pandemic. When I learned about JCU’s Direct Exchange Program, I immediately thought that this could be my chance to finally make my dream of studying abroad come true. Moreover, I could study in the U.S. while paying JCU tuition, which is extremely convenient considering the very high costs of college in the U.S.
It was difficult to choose among the extensive list of universities that JCU provides in the States, however, I found that the University of San Diego was the best college for me to grow as an art historian. When I first visited USD’s website, I was amazed by the presence of four distinct fine art display spaces on campus. These spaces host collections and events, as well as provide internships. The Director of the University’s Galleries, Professor Derrick Cartwright explained that the main goal of these galleries is to connect the university community with the rest of the art world. Moreover, unlike many American universities, USD’s Art History major has a wide array of courses. With its four different pathways in art history, history and theory of architecture, museum and curatorial practice, and global history of modern and contemporary art, the learning outcomes are very similar to those of the Art History major at John Cabot.
What is the most surprising/best part of studying abroad? What is your best study abroad story so far?
I was incredibly surprised by the welcoming nature of everyone around campus, especially the international students’ community, which made me feel important from the very beginning. I am grateful for the roommates who were assigned to me; in particular, two of them, one from San Francisco and the other from Vietnam, have been living in our apartment since the past semester and they made my new French roommate, Elina, and me feel at home. They helped us with the transition to life in the States giving us advice and answering all our questions. A moment that truly moved me was the beach bonfire at sunset with the other international students when we all sat around the fire eating s’mores. Another great memory in San Diego was when my best friend from JCU, Ilaria, who is also participating in JCU’s Direct Exchange program and studying abroad at California State Long Beach, came to visit me with her friends on her birthday so that we could celebrate together.
How is your experience in the classroom similar and different from your experience at JCU?
The classrooms at USD are very similar to the ones at JCU. Generally, the classes have about twenty students or less; hence, it’s easy to establish a positive and enriching professor-student relationship. In San Diego, I even have a course with only three students, which makes the class extremely interactive and thought-provoking. The professors, both at JCU and USD, are always open to dialogue and willing to help, and they truly want you to succeed in your academic career.
So far, what has been the most challenging and most rewarding part of your experience? What do you hope to learn from it?
For me, the most challenging part about coming to California was the initial “culture shock.” When my American friends from John Cabot talked to me about the “culture shock” that they experienced coming to Europe and in particular Rome, I could not understand them. However, now that I experienced it myself, I can tell that the differences in culture and habits can be strongly perceived. Nonetheless, it is something you get used to with time. I am actually starting to appreciate the differences between US and American cultures, and I consider this an opportunity for growth, which will help me, especially in my future workplace where I will be more open-minded and aware.
What advice would you give to JCU students considering studying abroad at a partner university?
Firstly, I would suggest spending some time analyzing the different partner universities in order to choose the one that is the best fit. Focus on the classes offered, the university’s philosophy, its dimensions, and last, but not least the location of the university. Understand what your needs are and choose the university that best fits your requirements. It is important to make an informed choice and to not feel pressured.
What are your plans for the future?
In the near future, I want to get the most out of my study abroad experience, learn something from the friends that I made here, and get inspired by my professors, who are curators, artists, and incredible scholars. I also want to enjoy the amazing natural landscape of California. As far as the distant future is concerned, I would love to see myself working in the art world, hopefully, in a museum setting, maybe as a curator or conservator of works of art. Artworks feed my curiosity and desire for knowledge and I want to devote my career to taking care of artworks in every way possible. Anywhere in the world I find myself, I will always be super attached to my family and friends, for whom I am super grateful every minute of my life and without whom my accomplishments would be meaningless.
