Studying in Rome: Exploring culture’s influence on personality- with Theresa Helbano (New Zealand)

hanna_worldwide&friends

Click here to get in touch

Hi everyone,
Please welcome with me Theresa Helbano from New Zealand. Theresa studied Theology in Rome for three years through Opus Dei and is sharing her insightful experience with us all.
In this episode, we discuss the experiences of Theresa who studied abroad in Rome through Opus Dei, where her faith played a significant role in shaping both her education and decision to study internationally. Although she was in Italy, a large Spanish community in Rome led her to focus on learning Spanish rather than Italian. This diverse cultural environment prompted her to reflect on the differences between traits shaped by culture and those that are intrinsic to one's personality.

She shares insightful examples of cultural contrasts that challenged her expectations, and how interactions with people from various backgrounds offered her profound moments of self-discovery. While she enjoyed Rome for its rich Christian history, her engagement with Italian culture was more limited. Language barriers, even among native English speakers, also emerged as a surprising aspect of her experience, highlighting the nuances of how different cultures express themselves in communication.

A central challenge she faced was learning to accept her own personality and understanding that every type of personality has a valuable role within a community. She came to realize that while it’s natural to admire others, there is no need to change oneself for acceptance—each person brings their own unique contribution.
Feel free to connect with me on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/hanna_worldwide_and_friends/
or email me under:
[e-mail]
You can find this podcast also under its own website:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2110137
or on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Podcast Index, iHeartRadio, Podchaser, Deezer and PlayerFM
Thank you so much for being here, I appreciate every single one of you!
Love,
Hanna

Kapitel

1. Introduction and explaining Opus Dei and how she went abroad to Rome (00:00:00)

2. Discovering different cultures and personalities (00:05:08)

3. Culture vs Personality (00:07:49)

4. Language and it's differences (00:15:55)

5. The Italian aspects (00:23:22)

6. What have Kiwi-, Italian- and Spanish culture in common? (00:28:04)

7. Final quick three questions (00:36:33)