Ms. Misuzu Katayama participated in the IES Global Italian Food Culture and Sustainability in Rome study tour in the spring of 2024 (March 10–24), at the end of her second year of university.
We spoke with her as she looked back on her memories, discussing how those fulfilling days and various experiences influenced her subsequent career choices and where she is today.
Expanding Horizons: The First Step Toward Italy
Please tell us what motivated you to participate in this program and what the deciding factor was.
I started considering study abroad because I wanted to expand my horizons and values.
Originally, I was hoping to go to Australia because of its multicultural society, but there were no university programs that fit what I was looking for.
While searching for new options, I came across the SAF Italian Food Culture and Sustainability in Rome. The deciding factor was the theme of food. Since I was interested in working in a food-related field, learning in Italy—a country with such a rich food culture—was ideal.
Were the post-arrival orientation and support during the program sufficient?
I arrived exhausted from a long flight and intimidated by a new environment, but I still got a strong impression from the warmth of the local staff. Their bright, approachable attitudes and the thorough orientation quickly turned my anxiety into peace of mind.
The support during the program was also exceptional. When I had trouble setting up my SIM card, a staff member accompanied me to help buy a new one, and when a fellow student felt unwell, they quickly arranged for a hospital visit. This level of detailed care provided a real sense of security for all participants. It was the kind of environment that made me feel that even people who are nervous about living abroad could take on the challenge with confidence.
Learning Through Experience Made Italy a Country I Want to Visit Again and Again
Please tell us about any places or episodes that left a lasting impression.
The charm of this program lies in the "deep experiences" that go far beyond simple sightseeing. The city tour through Rome and the Vatican was particularly memorable. Through the guide's explanations, I was able to touch upon historical and cultural backgrounds that I wouldn't have noticed just by looking at the buildings.
For example, I learned that the three-dimensional decorations on street corners called Edicola serve as charms to ward off evil spirits that tend to gather at corners. This kind of detailed knowledge made walking through the city much richer and more enjoyable.
Even more impactful was our visit to "Cookery," a bakery located inside Rome's Rebibbia Prison. They run a social rehabilitation project through bread production, where inmates selected through interviews work in the bakery and serve customers. I was able to speak directly with the inmates, hearing firsthand how grateful they are for this initiative as a path back into society, while also learning about the challenges faced by those running the project. Entering a prison and meeting inmates is not something you experience unless under special circumstances, so it stayed with me vividly.
I also had the chance to taste the bread and side dishes, and I was incredibly surprised by the high quality and the large volume of sales. It is an initiative I truly want more people to know about.
Additionally, the guest lecture on olive oil tasting was a fascinating experience. I learned that when you sip fresh olive oil, you feel a tingling spiciness or bitterness in your throat. I was amazed by how completely different the aroma is when you smell it versus when you taste it.
What kind of learning left the strongest impression on you during fieldwork or presentation classes?
It wasn't just the classes; my free time was also a vital part of the learning experience.
On the weekends, I would walk around the city visiting churches and variety shops, and I even traveled as far as Florence to visit art museums. Through these daily interactions, I felt values that the Italian people hold dear. Unlike Japan, which prioritizes efficiency and convenience, it is a culture that treasures human connection and the flow of time. Even in the capital, Rome, there was a gentle and relaxed atmosphere.
I also spent half a day participating in the activities of RECUP, a food waste organization, where I experienced the work of collecting unsold items that would have become waste at the market.
This organization travels to various locations where staff directly collect and donate the items. While Japan also has food waste initiatives, many seem to follow a method where the waste is brought to a designated location. We discussed and presented the idea that, although it requires more labor, directly going out to collect the food like they do in Italy likely results in a higher volume of recovery.
Actually participating in the activities of a local organization and comparing/presenting the differences with Japan served as a major catalyst in changing my awareness of social issues.
What Short-Term Study Abroad Gave Me: A New Compass for the Future
Were there any changes within yourself after participating in this program?
Through this program, the biggest change for me was my "awareness of the future." My career path, which hadn't been clear before, became concrete: I now want to be involved with food and contribute to society.
As a result of pursuing job hunting with that passion, I received a job offer from a company with strengths in IT and AI. Since that company is involved in food-related initiatives, such as using AI to improve agricultural efficiency, I hope to be involved in that field someday, even if indirectly.
The experience in Italy gave me a fresh perspective to connect different fields and industries. Also, since my relatives participate in food loss volunteering, I'm thinking about joining them as well one day.
Do you have a message for those who are hesitating to participate?
If you're worried because you don't know anyone or because you're anxious about staying in a foreign land, I really want you to give it a try. SAF programs provide solid support so you can spend your time abroad with peace of mind.
Even as someone who is quite shy around strangers, I was able to have fun right from the start. Since most participants are meeting for the first time, you'll be able to help each other out and enjoy life together. You can experience so many things that you absolutely couldn't during a normal vacation, so please take heart and join in!
Lastly, I am so grateful for the generosity of my parents, who understood and let me participate despite the fees not being cheap. Also, even though it was a late departure, both of my parents came to the airport to see me off; it was a little unexpected, so it has stayed in my heart.
