“Study abroad is the best thing that you can do as a student”

Before leaving for study abroad, I had no idea what to expect. I was leaving behind my friends, my family, and my home to go to a completely new country with completely new people, and a completely different culture. I was leaving a place of comfort, and entering an entire new world. Before I left I packed my things and I tried to prepare myself mentally for what the next four months would be like, but I had no idea just how special those coming months would be.

The first week was an adjustment period, I was learning a new language, a new culture, living with completely new people; but it all felt amazing. Drinking espresso in the morning, having long meals late into the night, learning to like wine are just some of the experiences that go along with studying abroad in Florence. You also have the opportunity to meet amazing people who are willing to travel with you, eat with you, and experience a new culture with you.

Learning to be independent has been another huge part of my study abroad experience. Moving across the world away from everything within my comfort zone forced me to step outside of it and learn to do things independently. I built up confidence in my Italian speaking ability so I would be able to do things like order food, ask for directions, and even just converse with locals. Being able to experience this has given me the confidence to believe in myself in previously uncomfortable situations.

Studying abroad is not just about the city you choose, it is also about having the opportunity to travel while you are young and create lasting memories with friends. Learning to travel independently was challenging at first; delayed flights and trains, lost baggage, traveling with new people were all things that occurred during my travels, but all of those challenges are way overshadowed by the incredible experiences that I had while traveling.

While traveling you encounter things that do not go according to plan, but the experience of living through these new things and growing is what makes it completely worth it.

Florence has not just been a place where I am temporarily living, it has become a home. A place where I feel comfortable. Why Florence is such a special place to study abroad is highlighted in this Instagram Carousel, and shows some of our favorite parts of the city.

Studying abroad has taught all of us so much, and although everyone’s experience is different if you learn to step out of your comfort zone, it can be one of the most special experiences in your lifetime.

I was told the quote on the top of the page by my friends who had studied abroad before this semester, and at first I did not know whether to believe them or not. Now I realize that they were completely correct, and I bet in the future I will be the one telling someone else the exact same thing.

This video gave other study abroad students the opportunity to share one word to describe their experience abroad. While there were many different responses the overall theme was extremely positive.

For any future students, studying abroad in Florence is one of the best decisions you can ever make.

By: John Harding, Grace Kirk, and Anaid Ramirez