Before coming to Florence, I thought studying abroad would mostly just be about traveling, going out, and seeing cool places. I pictured weekend trips, trying new food, and just having fun in a completely different environment. And don’t get me wrong, it definitely is all of that. But what I didn’t expect is how much just living here day to day would slowly change the way I think, without me even realizing it at first.
It’s not just the big things like traveling to new countries or seeing famous landmarks. It’s the small, everyday moments that started to shift my mindset, like how people spend their time, how they interact with each other, and how different daily life feels compared to what I’m used to at home. Over time, those little differences started to add up, and I began to notice that I was thinking and acting differently too.
Slowing Down More Than I Ever Have
One of the biggest things I’ve noticed is how much slower life feels here compared to the United States. At home, everything always feels rushed. People are always busy, always thinking about what’s next, and trying to be as productive as possible. Here, it’s different. People actually take their time. Meals last longer, people sit and talk, and there isn’t this constant pressure to always be doing something.
At first, I didn’t really get it. I would feel like I was wasting time just sitting at dinner for two hours. But now, it’s become one of my favorite parts of being here. It made me realize that not everything has to be rushed, and sometimes slowing down is actually better.
Food Is More Than Just Food
Another thing that has changed for me is how I think about food. In the U.S., food can feel kind of rushed or just something you fit into your schedule. Here, food is an experience. People plan their days around meals, not the other way around. Going out to eat isn’t just about getting food, it’s about spending time with people. I’ve really learned to enjoy that. Even something simple like grabbing pasta or sitting down for dinner feels more intentional. It’s made me realize how much I used to rush through meals without even thinking about it.
Social Life Feels Different Here
I’ve also noticed a difference in how people socialize here. A lot of social life revolves around being together, whether it’s sitting outside, going for aperitivo, or walking around the city. It’s not always about having a plan. Back home, it feels like everything has to be scheduled. Here, it’s more natural and spontaneous. That’s something I didn’t realize I needed until I experienced it. It’s made me more relaxed when it comes to plans and more open to just going with the flow (something I thought I would never say before).
Learning What Independence Actually Feels Like
Another mindset shift that surprised me is how comfortable I’ve become with doing things on my own. Ive always felt independent, but I don’t think I actually knew what independence really was until I got here. Being in a new country forces you to figure things out. At first, it was a little intimidating. But over time, I’ve gotten more confident and independent without really thinking about it. I don’t overthink things as much, and I’m more willing to try new things even if I’m not completely sure how they’ll go.
Appreciating the Small Moments
Living here has made me appreciate smaller moments more. When you’re traveling all the time, you expect the big highlights to be the best parts. But honestly, some of my favorite moments have been really simple, like sitting outside with friends, walking through the city at night, or just grabbing coffee in the morning. It made me realize that you don’t always need something crazy to enjoy where you are.
Overall, living in Italy didn’t completely change who I am, but it definitely changed how I approach things. I’m less rushed, more present, and more open to just enjoying things as they come. It’s not something I noticed right away, but looking back, I can see how much my mindset has shifted just from being here. And honestly, that might be one of the most valuable parts of studying abroad, even more than the places you see.
Written by Kyleigh Hughes