Experiences University Students Related When Studying Abroad and Acculturating into a New Foodscape

The purpose of this study was to identify experiences gained from acculturating into the Italian food culture by American university students studying abroad in Italy. The Socio-Ecological Model (SEM) guided focus group discussions with students during the fall of 2022. A total of five groups with 29 students participated. The primary influence on acculturation experiences was intrapersonal as reported in beliefs and knowledge towards events happening in restaurants and grocery stores. Interpersonal interactions with course instructors, study abroad facilitators, and family were highly relied on in seeking food culture information. The need for information on reading food label ingredients and identifying allergens was reported and represents SEM Public Policy level. Universities and study abroad host institutions can provide pre-departure orientation and courses to ease and assist students in acculturating into new food cultures thereby enriching their experiences.