Beyond the Classroom: Things I learned from Studying Abroad
By Amanda Burne, Brynn Levy, Julz Bavoso, and Lizzy Kiczuk
“Study abroad” used to just be a phrase to me. It was something other people did; something I admired from a distance. I could have never even thought about packing up my life into one suitcase and moving to another country. Somehow, it became my reality. On a whim, I decided to apply, never thinking that I would be accepted. Then, almost overnight, I found myself telling my parents I had been accepted, filling out my Visa application, submitting my paperwork, and looking into travel advice and tips. I knew no one going abroad, and I knew next to nothing, and the sooner the dates and deadlines approached, the more anxious and worried I became. Was this the right decision? What if I don’t like it? What happens when I get homesick? Despite all the questions swirling in my mind, part of me still recognized the importance of taking that flight.
I discovered the opportunity to study abroad at a weird time in my life. Educationally, personally, and professionally, everything felt stagnant. It felt like I wasn’t moving forward in any aspect of my life. I was still living in the same house I grew up in, I was working for a family member, and my previous job was literally at the same elementary school I attended as a kid. It felt safe and familiar, but it certainly wasn’t giving me room to grow. I had to change, but I was never one to step outside of my comfort zone. But I knew that if I weren’t willing to make a change and kept choosing the safe option, I would never change. When I began telling people that I would be studying abroad in the fall, I was met with concern, skepticism, and doubt, even from some of my closest friends. A change this drastic and unplanned was out of character for me, and I was met with hesitations about whether I would follow through or enjoy it. This unexpected reaction made me even more determined to study abroad. Even though it was the biggest change to my life I would have ever made, I decided to go down the unfamiliar path, and I couldn’t be happier with my decision.
What surprised me the most was how quickly curiosity became the center and theme of my entire experience. Curiosity is what draws most students abroad, whether they realize it or not. We all want to see more, learn more, and understand a world different from the one we’ve always known. Every class offered at ISI Florence felt intentionally curated to spark that curiosity. The professors are all incredibly passionate and knowledgeable; they teach with such energy and enthusiasm that even subjects I never expected to care about became fascinating. I had never considered myself an academically ambitious student. Now, looking back on this past semester, I can confidently say that I am incredibly happy with how passionate I am about my classes, with a new lens of appreciation for my education, and new habits I am excited to apply in my semesters to come.
I was lucky enough to take five classes that genuinely interested me- five subjects I likely would have never experienced at my home university in the United States. Every single one of my classes, at some point, involved stepping outside the classroom and going into the city to learn.
In the US, “field trips” are usually a “one-and-done” visit, but for ISI Florence , it’s part of the curriculum. Learning about the History of Fashion while in the Ferragamo Museum , understanding contemporary marketing strategies for companies based in Florence, observing the way different cultures interact with each other, or having a site visit for Social Media, Social Food at Dini Cafe to understand what goes into getting the bean all the way to having a shot of espresso in front of you- it makes the learning process not only more memorable, but it makes the learning feel alive. But curiosity didn’t just transform my academics; it transformed everything.
I became curious about the culture, language, city, the food, the people, and even myself. I tried new things simply because I wanted to understand them. I asked more questions, listened more deeply, and was met with a new way of looking at the world, with a sense of wonder. It became the fuel for my personal growth.
Living abroad also taught me what intercultural communication really looks like. It’s one thing to read or watch videos about cultural differences, but navigating them in real time is another story. Even small things like navigating in another language or adjusting to new social norms contribute to the experience of intercultural communication. You advance your skills in patience and empathy; how to observe before assuming, how kindness and appreciation go beyond any language barrier. Some of my most memorable interactions and conversations were ones where we didn’t share a fluent language, but we still managed to connect and understand each other. I was lucky enough to meet people from around the world, not just Italy: from California to Kosovo to Puglia to Canada, all the way to New Zealand, and I even met people from cities right next to mine. Each person had a unique story, background, and identity, and each was equally interested and curious about my background as I was about theirs. I learned how to be open, how to contribute to and join conversations I might have once avoided, and how to step out of my comfort zone in conversations.
Another gift was the friends I made. Moving to another country on my own forced me to make new connections, and even though I was nervous that I wouldn’t make new friends, I was still hopeful that studying abroad had something in store for me. The apartment where my roommates and I lived quickly became the center of the friendships I made here. From the “family dinners” I’d cook weekly, to unpacking our days on our couch as we watched TV and ate popcorn every night, to getting ready next to each other in the bathroom before going out, we built a connection that was so fulfilling and valuable to me in ways I didn’t know were possible. My favorite memories were made with the friends I met here. Sometimes our weekend trips didn’t go as planned, but they always turned out better than we expected and became stories we’ll probably tell our children one day, while still laughing just as much as when we first told them. Initially, we were all navigating nerves, change, and grocery store confusion, but we were doing it together. And there’s something special about sharing new experiences for the first time, at the same time, with each other. It brings you closer in ways that are hard to explain but easy to feel.
At the same time, I discovered the beauty of independence. I remember being so scared about being on my own in another country, even for small things like going to the pharmacy or walking home from class. But now, some of my most memorable moments have been in solitude, such as sitting in the Piazza Santa Maria Novella between classes or exploring a museum by myself. I found fulfillment and comfort in my own company in a way I had never before. Living abroad also taught me the importance and value of becoming a global citizen . I learned to approach new situations with curiosity and openness, be observant and listen, and to appreciate perspectives and traditions that were once unfamiliar to me. I realized that becoming a global citizen isn’t about traveling; it’s about understanding, respecting, and connecting with the environment around you . You see the world through a new lens of empathy, understanding that our actions have an impact beyond what we may realize. Studying abroad expanded my understanding of humanity, culture, and my responsibility to engage with the world in a thoughtful and compassionate manner.
Studying abroad has changed me in ways I could have never predicted. It wasn’t just about an academic experience; it became a new chapter of self-discovery and growth that I will carry for the rest of my life. I came to Florence curious about the beautiful city, its history, and its culture, but I’ll be leaving with so much more: a deeper understanding of myself, the confidence to embrace the unknown, proof that I am more capable than I knew, and a deep ambition and appreciation for learning. It taught me to embrace the unfamiliar, let go of fear, and trust myself. More importantly, I learned to be independent, build connections and friendships, a new appreciation and insight into the world, and that growth rarely happens in comfort. It occurs in spaces where you are unsure, unfamiliar, and maybe a little scared. I am grateful every day that I got on that plane. Florence gave me more than just memories; it gave me curiosity, perspective, and a stronger sense of who I am capable of becoming.
Written by Amanda Burne. Contributions by Elizabeth Kiczuk, Brynn Levy, and Julz Bavoso.
Check out my other blog written about becoming a Global Citizen Here.