This time, we had a chat with Greta, one of our students from California, who’s been calling Milan home for a while now.
Greta grew up in the Bay Area, near San Francisco, but Europe has always had a special place in her heart: she even spent a couple of years of her childhood in Switzerland! So, for her, coming back across the ocean felt a bit like coming full circle.
After finishing her degree in Fashion in San Francisco, she decided it was time for a new adventure (and honestly, what better place than Milan for someone who loves style just like her?). Always curious, always ready to explore, she jumped at the chance to live in Italy. And as you’ll read, she’s already dreaming about her next European chapter!
I had just graduated from college, but honestly, I wanted to come even before that. I actually got my visa a whole semester early because I knew that as soon as I finished, I wanted to leave right away. Because, you know, studying abroad was always something I dreamed of. My mom did it when she was in college too, and she always talked about how it completely changed her life. I wanted to have that kind of experience for myself.
At first, I was supposed to go to Paris through a partnership my school had with another university, but that program shut down. So, instead of giving up, I decided to find my own program. I did all the visa paperwork myself, found this program, finished my last semester, and took off for Italy.
At the time, I was actually working in personal styling back home, but the fashion scene in the Bay Area is pretty small: you can only go so far. I wanted to be somewhere bigger, somewhere where fashion is part of everyday life. And I’ve always loved Italian designers and the style here. So while Paris would’ve been amazing, Milan was always my dream.
Definitely. I was at a point where I could’ve stayed in California, maybe moved to LA and started working right away, but I really wanted to get more experience while I’m still young. Your twenties are such a time of figuring everything out, and coming here really helped ground me. I had space to think, to observe, and to be part of new and exciting things that helped me understand what I actually want to do next.
Now I’m sure of it: I want to work for an Italian brand. I’ve always loved Italian fashion, but living here made me fall in love with the culture behind it too. It’s not just about the clothes; it’s about how people live, move, and express themselves. I just love it.
Honestly, everything. The people are so warm and welcoming, the food is incredible, and life just feels simpler, more focused on actually living rather than constantly working. Back home, it’s all about productivity: get a job, buy a house, make money. Here, it’s more about enjoying your day, your job, your aperitivo, living in the moment.
Where I’m from, life moves really fast, and it’s hard to slow down or even be creative sometimes. Here, society values balance and joy, “that “dolce vita” feeling everyone talks about.
The first few months were full-on. I’d go to class all day, then have lunch or drinks with my classmates afterward. Every week, there were tours to museums or famous places, and having a background in art and fashion made those experiences even more special because I had studied so many of them before.
Some days I’d go out, others I’d just cook at home and relax. I’ve made amazing friends who I know will be in my life forever. One of my best friends is French and doesn’t speak English, so we only speak Italian together, which honestly helped me learn the language so much faster!
The school has been super supportive, too. When I got sick and returned a bit late, they helped me ease back in and suggested I review the basics. I’m with a beginner class again for now. It’s easy, but it’s been a nice way to settle back into the rhythm.
Walking, hands down. I walk everywhere here. I take the tram or the bus, but mostly I just walk. I sold my car to come here, so now when I’m back home, it feels impossible to get around without one. Everything in the U.S. is built for cars, people even look at you funny if you’re walking somewhere.
Here in Milan, walking is part of life, and it makes me feel so much healthier and more connected to the city. The lifestyle overall is just more active and mindful. In America, everything’s about convenience: giant fridges, fast food, groceries that last forever. But my body feels so much better here. I can eat everything without getting sick.
And the little things too, like laundry! No one in the U.S. has drying racks, and the washers there are huge. Here, everything is smaller, slower, and somehow more satisfying. It’s less about convenience and more about actually enjoying life.
Honestly, just by walking around. After class, I’d usually walk home (about forty minutes) and I’d take different routes each time. That’s how I discovered so many places I love. My favorite thrift store, Surplus in Brera, I found completely by accident one day. I also love spending time at the park: we’ll bring a blanket, some beers, a speaker, and just hang out for hours. It’s so simple but so good.
At night, one of my friends here always seems to know what’s going on: events, parties, fashion shows. Through her, I met a bunch of stylists and promoters, and that opened up a whole new side of Milan. There’s always something to do here. You just have to be curious and willing to try new things. You never know what you’ll find!
Oh, totally. People here don’t leave the house until they’re put together. In the U.S., people go out in pajamas, messy hair, coffee stains, and no one cares! Here, even older people dress well. It’s not that everyone looks like they stepped off a runway, but there’s this effortless sense of style that’s everywhere.
People also take really good care of themselves: skincare, hygiene, how they present themselves. The streets are cleaner, too. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about taking pride in how you look and feel.
Take your chance and shape your future in the “Bel Paese”!
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