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Skills

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Working with Casa Famiglia has taught me so much and no amount of LinkedIn Posts can describe the full impact of working here! During my internship, I learned the importance of flexibility and adapting to unexpected changes, such as last-minute schedule shifts that required me to alter my activity plans and goals. This experience helped me develop a low-goal-oriented mindset, which I now value and plan to carry into my education and career. I also learned to embrace cultural differences, not just tolerate them, particularly adjusting from my type-A personality to the slower pace and relaxed style of Italy and Casa Famiglia—right down to changing my attire to blend in respectfully. Most importantly, I relied on my sense of humor as a bridge for connection, especially while learning Italian without relying on translators. Humor helped me gain trust, form genuine relationships with the kids and educators, and made my experience both enriching and fun, reinforcing its value as a tool for communication and personal growth.

 

 

Future

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This internship has been nothing short of transformative—something I’ve probably said a thousand times, but it’s true. The experience has strengthened my confidence in my goals of becoming a therapist and licensed social worker. It’s already opened doors for me; I’ve secured a part-time position this spring as a social worker with the National Youth Advocate Program in Columbus, Ohio.

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While working abroad certainly adds a level of rigor to my résumé and LinkedIn profile, the real impact has been personal. The past two months as a guest in Sorrento have reshaped how I see my work, my values, and myself. I’m deeply grateful to Sant’Anna and Coop. Sociale for making this experience so meaningful.