If you’re even thinking about studying abroad, our biggest piece of advice is simple: do it. Studying abroad is truly the experience of a lifetime, and it pushes you to grow in ways you don’t expect. You develop motivation, knowledge, and real-world skills, all while stepping outside your comfort zone. You become more open-minded, more culturally aware, and more confident in yourself. For us, Florence checked every box.
We chose to study abroad in Florence together as three best friends from school, which made the experience even more special. From the start, we were so excited to travel the world together and share new experiences side by side. But we also made a promise to each other to meet new people, expand our friendships, and truly immerse ourselves in everything Florence had to offer.
And that’s exactly what happened. We introduced ourselves to classmates, joined group chats, and collaborated with other students to plan big weekend trips. Through these shared experiences, we ended up meeting lifelong friends from all over.
One of the reasons Florence is such a great study abroad destination is the perfect balance it offers. It’s a popular study abroad location, so it’s easy to meet other American students who understand what you’re going through. At the same time, you’re living in an authentic Italian city, surrounded by culture, language, and traditions that are completely different from home. That mix helped us feel comfortable while still pushing us to grow.
During our study abroad experience in Florence, we found some amazing spots to meet new people and connect with both locals and other students. Some of our favorite places to socialize were bars like The Lion’s Fountain, Green Street Bar, and Old Stove Pub, which always had a fun, welcoming atmosphere. For a more lively night out, we loved going to clubs like Space Club Florence and Babylon Club Florence, where it was easy to enjoy the Italian nightlife. We also found that some of the best connections happened over food at our favorite restaurants, including Trattoria 13 Gobbi, Trattoria Zà Zà, Gustapizza, and Schiacciateria de Neri.
Every day in Florence felt like a new opportunity to step outside our comfort zones. Whether it was trying to order in Italian, navigating trains, or figuring out how to plan spontaneous trips, we were constantly learning. These small moments built independence and confidence in ways a classroom never could.
Another thing we loved about Florence was how easy it was to connect with both locals and other students. We made an effort to attend events, explore neighborhoods, and say yes to new experiences. Those choices helped us understand the culture more deeply and appreciate the beauty of living somewhere culturally and linguistically different from what we already knew.
Looking back, studying abroad in Florence wasn’t just about traveling — it was about personal growth. We became more adaptable, more open-minded, and more prepared for the future. It helped us develop skills that matter for career readiness, like communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. But beyond that, it gave us memories we’ll carry forever.
Florence gave us:
- New friendships that will last a lifetime
- Confidence in navigating unfamiliar places
- Cultural awareness and appreciation
- Unforgettable travel experiences
- Personal and professional growth
Choosing Florence together was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. If you’re considering studying abroad, Florence offers community, culture, and adventure all in one place, and we couldn’t recommend it more.
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