Our time in Florence has been so amazing, and we could not be more thankful for the past four months. This experience has truly been unforgettable, not just because of the beautiful city itself, but because of everything we’ve been able to learn and explore along the way. Studying abroad has pushed us outside of our comfort zones and given us the chance to fully immerse ourselves in a new way of life. From trying incredible new foods and learning to appreciate different cultural traditions, to navigating unfamiliar places and traveling throughout Europe, every moment has helped us grow in ways we never expected. We’ve made lasting memories, built meaningful connections, and gained a deeper understanding of the world around us. Florence will always hold a special place in our hearts, and we are so grateful for everything this experience has given us.
Food has been a huge part of our experience in Florence and sometimes it can be overwhelming to find a spot to eat that is both authentic and delicious. We put together a list of our favorite places to eat, so future study abroad students can have a place to try their first few weeks. For a variety of breakfast foods with lots of healthy options head to Òzio Bistro. For the best and biggest sandwich in Florence, head to Schiacciateria De Neri. If you want to try multiple kinds of authentic Italian pizza Gusta Pizza is the perfect place to split some amazing pizzas. For the best filled pastas head to Acqua Al 2, for a variety of pasta options and delicious steaks. Lastly if you’re craving a sweet treat after any of these great meals, head to Rivareno Gelato and make sure to try the chocolate.A few tips for eating out in Florence: be prepared to wait in line at many of the popular sandwich shops, it’s almost always worth it. For dinner, making a reservation is key, especially at well-known spots. And most importantly, challenge yourself to try something new each week. Florence is full of incredible restaurants, and there’s always something amazing to discover.
Next, we wanted to recap what we will miss most about our study abroad experience. Moving to Italy for four months is both overwhelming and exciting and we hope sharing our experiences helps future students feel more at ease. Our first favorite part was exploring all that Florence has to offer. There are many different areas to explore like Santa Croce, Oltranto, and the Historic Center. We loved going on walks through these neighborhoods and often stumbled upon markets or new restaurants to try. Another highlight is catching the sunset at Piazza Michelangelo or sitting on the Ponte Vecchio bridge. In order to live comfortably while studying abroad, we made an effort to adapt to Italian culture. We made a habit of going out for Aperitivo once a week, where we enjoyed authentic Italian food and wine with friends. We also embraced the Italian coffee culture by using a percolator at home to start our mornings. These small traditions helped us feel more connected to the local lifestyle and made Florence truly feel like home. Another highlight was pushing ourselves out of our comfort zone. From sand-boarding in the Sahara Desert to paragliding in Switzerland, we tried new activities we could never experience at home in the United States. Another favorite part of studying abroad is all the new foods we got to try. Some of our favorites include Pinos Sandwichesin Florence, sangria and tapas at Tapeo de Graciain Barcelona, and Myka frozen greek yogurtin Barcelona. Lastly, traveling the world has broadened our perspectives in ways we never expected. It has taught us independence, adaptability, and a deeper appreciation for different cultures. These memories will stay with us long after we leave, encouraging us to continue exploring wherever life takes us next.
One of our favorite parts of embracing Italian culture was experiencing authentic Italian dinners, something we highlighted in a TikTok we created at La Buchetta. Italian meals are meant to be enjoyed slowly, shared with friends, and treated as an experience rather than something to rush through. You begin with drinks, laughter, and conversation, easing into the meal. Every dish is made from fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each course comes by itself in order to be savored, not hurried, and the friendliness of the staff makes you feel like you’re part of a bigger community than just a meal. What makes these dinners so special is the way food and hospitality combine to bring people together. In Italy, dinner becomes a moment where everyone leaves a piece of their story behind, and experiences like this are what made Florence truly feel like home for us.
In the end, our time in Florence has been far more than just a semester abroad, it has been a journey of growth, discovery, and connection. From the food we shared to the places we explored and the challenges we embraced, every experience shaped us into more open, confident, and curious individuals. As we leave, we carry not only unforgettable memories, but also a lasting appreciation for the beauty of stepping outside our comfort zones and fully embracing the world around us.
Olivia Ritondo, Ella Waszkelewicz, Jolie Gasman