Why Study Abroad in Florence?
Studying abroad is something people always talk about as a once in a lifetime opportunity, but living in Florence made me realize it is so much more than that. It is not just about taking classes in a different country. It is about completely changing your perspective, growing as a person, and finding a place that unexpectedly feels like home. From the moment I arrived in Florence, I felt something different, and that feeling only grew stronger every single day. There is something so special about this city that you cannot fully understand until you experience it for yourself.
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THE FOOD!
One of the first things that stands out about Florence is the food. The food is not just good, it is something you look forward to every single day. Everything is fresh, simple, and made with so much care. Whether it is pasta, pizza, a pastry, or even just a coffee in the morning, it always feels like an experience instead of just a meal. There is something about sitting down and enjoying food in Florence that feels so intentional. You slow down, you appreciate it, and it becomes a part of your routine in a way that feels meaningful. It is something that completely changes your lifestyle without you even realizing it. Meals become moments you share with people, and those moments are what you remember most.
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It feels like HOME so fast!
Beyond the food, what truly makes Florence special is the sense of community. This city is filled with so much warmth and kindness that it is almost impossible not to feel comfortable here. People are welcoming, patient, and genuine. Over time, you start to notice familiar faces everywhere you go. The person who makes your coffee in the morning starts to recognize you. The workers at your favorite restaurant remember your order. Even small interactions begin to mean more. You build connections without even trying, and that is what makes Florence feel like home. It is not just a place you are visiting, it becomes a place you belong. The more time you spend here, the more those relationships grow, and the harder it becomes to imagine leaving.
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You can WALK everywhere…
Another thing that makes Florence so unique is how easy it is to live here. Everything is within walking distance, and that changes your entire daily routine. You do not have to worry about transportation, schedules, or planning your day around how you are going to get somewhere. You simply walk. Whether you are going to class, getting food, or meeting friends, everything is accessible. Walking through the city becomes one of the best parts of your day. You get to take in the architecture, the streets, and the atmosphere in a way that you would never experience if you were rushing from place to place.It turns even the most ordinary moments into something memorable and meaningful every single day.
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It is a perfect fit for everyone…
Florence also offers the perfect balance when it comes to social life. There is always something to do, but there is never pressure. If you want to go out, there are so many options. You can spend time with friends, explore new places, and enjoy the energy of the city. At the same time, if you want a quiet night, Florence gives you that too. There are peaceful streets, cozy restaurants, and calm moments that allow you to slow down and reflect. This balance is something that makes the experience feel so complete. You never feel overwhelmed, but you are never bored. It teaches you how to enjoy both sides of life at the same time.
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THE HISTORY!
Another reason Florence stands out so much is the history that surrounds you every single day. It is impossible to ignore it because it is everywhere. Walking to class feels like walking through a museum. The buildings, the art, and the streets all carry so much meaning. It makes even the most normal moments feel special. You start to appreciate things in a different way, and you realize how much history can impact your everyday life. It adds a depth to your experience that you cannot find anywhere else. You begin to notice details you never would have paid attention to before, and that changes how you see the world around you completely.
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The most beautiful energy!
At the same time, Florence has such a peaceful energy that makes it easy to adjust. Even though it is a popular city, it never feels too overwhelming. There is a calmness that you feel as you walk through the streets, sit in a café, or even just take in your surroundings. It allows you to be present in a way that is hard to describe. You feel comfortable, safe, and at ease, which makes such a difference when you are living somewhere new. That sense of peace becomes something you rely on and something you grow to appreciate more with each passing day abroad.
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THE SUNSETS!
One of the most memorable parts of being in Florence is the sunsets. There is something about the way the city looks as the sun goes down that feels unreal. The entire sky changes, and the buildings seem to glow. It becomes a moment that you look forward to every day. Whether you are watching from a viewpoint or just walking home, it always feels special. It is one of those simple things that ends up meaning so much more than you expected. It gives you a moment to pause, reflect, and truly appreciate everything around you and everything you are experiencing in that exact moment.
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Of course the Wine Windows…
Florence also has small traditions that make it feel unique, like the wine windows. Being able to walk up to a small window and get a glass of wine is such a simple experience, but it is something you will never forget. It reflects the culture in such a genuine way and shows how even the smallest details can make a place feel special. It is those little moments that stay with you and remind you how different and meaningful this experience truly is while living here.
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G-E-L-A-T-O-!
Of course, gelato is another part of life in Florence that cannot be ignored. It becomes a daily habit without even trying. There are so many flavors to choose from, and each one feels better than the last. It is something you share with friends, something you look forward to, and something that becomes a part of your routine in the best way. Even something as simple as getting gelato turns into a memory that you will always associate with your time abroad and the people you experienced it with.
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Cooking Classes!
Another experience that stands out is the cooking classes. Being able to learn how to make authentic Italian food is something that stays with you long after you leave. I have taken so many cooking classes while being here, and each one has been such a memorable experience. One of them even overlooked a full 360 view of Florence, where I was able to sit and eat while staring directly at the Duomo. It felt unreal. It is not just about the food, it is about the experience of learning, laughing, and creating something with the people around you. Moments like that made me realize how lucky I am to be here, and I have truly made memories that will never be topped because of the beauty and love of this city.
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The culture and education!
One of the most impactful parts of my experience in Florence was the academic side of the program, because it made me feel like I was truly living through the culture, not just observing it. The classes were interesting, creative, and completely different from anything I have taken before, with so many options that allowed me to explore subjects I never would have considered otherwise. It made learning feel exciting again, and instead of just going through the motions, I felt genuinely engaged, curious, and motivated every single day. Even the way classes were structured gave me a new perspective on education and showed me how people in Florence approach learning.
The professors played a huge role in this experience, as the relationships I built with them made everything feel more personal and meaningful. They truly cared about their students and took the time to connect with us, creating an environment that felt more like a community than just a classroom. It was not just about academics, but mentorship, support, and growth. On top of that, the program went above and beyond to immerse us in the culture through trips, events, and shared experiences, allowing me to see so much more than just the surface of the city. I did not feel like a visitor, I felt like I was truly a part of it, and I was not just living in Florence, I was understanding it in a way that made my experience so much deeper and more meaningful than I ever expected.
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Thank you, Firenze.
Looking back, studying abroad in Florence was more than just an experience. It changed me in ways I did not expect. Florence is hands down the best place to Study Abroad. It helped me grow, pushed me out of my comfort zone, and gave me memories and relationships that I will carry with me forever. Florence is not just a place you visit. It becomes a part of you, and it is something you will always want to go back to.
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Julia’s Abroad LinkedIn Post . Catherine’s Abroad LinkedIn Post . Raegan’s Abroad LinkedIn Post
Three Google Reviews: Images of them are added below in gallery
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Written by: Julia MacLaughlin, Raegan Visconto, Catherine Dawson
Julia MacLaughlin LinkedIn Raegan Visconto LinkedIn Catherine Dawson LinkedIn
