More Than a Study Abroad Experience: What Florence Taught Me About Life, Travel, and Myself
By: Makayla Elscheid
Introduction
When I first arrived in Florence, I thought I knew exactly what studying abroad would be like. I imagined weekend trips, beautiful views, incredible food, and endless adventures. While I experienced all of those things, I quickly learned that studying abroad is about much more than travel.
The truth is that my first few weeks were not easy. I was far from home, adjusting to a new country, a different culture, unfamiliar routines, and a completely new way of life. Looking back now, I realize that those challenges became some of the most important parts of my experience.
Over the past few months, Florence became my home base as I explored Venice, Pisa, Rome, Nice, Monaco, Malta, and other incredible destinations. More importantly, it became the place where I learned more about myself than I ever expected.
The Adjustment Was Harder Than I Expected
One thing people don’t always talk about when discussing study abroad is how difficult the adjustment can be at first.
Leaving behind family, friends, familiar routines, and everything you know can be overwhelming. There were moments when I felt homesick, frustrated, and uncertain about whether I was adjusting correctly.
However, those feelings slowly began to fade as Florence started feeling less like a place I was visiting and more like a place I was living.
I learned how to navigate a new city, adapt to different customs, and become comfortable being uncomfortable. Those early challenges helped me build confidence and independence that I know will stay with me long after this experience ends.
Florence Became Home
While I was fortunate enough to travel throughout Italy and Europe, Florence always felt special.
There was something comforting about returning after a weekend trip and seeing the Duomo again. The city became familiar in a way that only happens when you truly live somewhere.
My favorite memories aren’t necessarily the major tourist attractions. They’re the everyday moments: walking to class, grabbing coffee, exploring side streets, watching sunsets, and spending time with friends.
Florence taught me how to slow down and appreciate everyday life.
Travel Confirmed My Greatest Passion
Travel has always been one of my greatest passions, but studying abroad strengthened that passion even more.
Throughout the semester, I visited Venice, Pisa, Rome, Nice, Monaco, and Malta. Each destination offered something completely different.
Venice felt like stepping into another world.
Rome brought history to life.
Malta gave me some of the most beautiful views and experiences of the entire semester.
Nice and Monaco introduced me to new cultures and perspectives beyond Italy.
While the destinations themselves were incredible, what I loved most was the sense of adventure that came with each trip. Every train ride, airport, ferry, and unfamiliar street reminded me why I love traveling so much.
Travel taught me flexibility, patience, problem-solving, and confidence. It also reminded me how much there is still left to see in the world.
The Best Class I’ve Ever Taken
One of the most unexpected highlights of my semester was my Social Media and Food class.
Out of all the classes I have taken, this was easily my FAVORITE.
The class went far beyond a traditional classroom experience. Through field trips, food experiences, coffee tastings, restaurant visits, and hands-on learning opportunities, we were able to experience Italian culture in a way that felt authentic and meaningful.
The structure of the course encouraged us to get out into the city and engage with the places, people, and traditions around us.
Marco’s passion for both the subject matter and the students made the experience even more memorable. His enthusiasm, knowledge, and willingness to create unique learning opportunities made the class something I genuinely looked forward to each week. He made this experience so fun for all of us, and he will be so missed once I’m back in the States.
This course perfectly reflected what studying abroad should be: learning through experience.
Lessons I’ll Take Home With Me
Studying abroad taught me many lessons that go beyond academics.
Some of the biggest lessons I learned include:
- Growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone.
- The best memories are often the unplanned ones.
- Travel is about experiences, not just destinations.
- Food has the power to bring people together.
- It’s important to slow down and enjoy the present moment.
- Saying “yes” can lead to opportunities you never expected.
Most importantly, I learned that I am capable of far more than I often give myself credit for.
Advice to Future Study Abroad Students
If I could give future study abroad students a few pieces of advice, they would be:
Say yes to opportunities.
Some of my favorite memories happened because I decided to try something new.
Travel when you can.
Weekend trips may seem exhausting at times, but the memories are worth it.
Don’t be afraid to get lost.
Some of the best experiences happen when you wander without a plan.
Take more photos and videos than you think you need.
You’ll be grateful for them later.
Be present.
Put your phone down occasionally and enjoy where you are.
Most importantly, remember that studying abroad isn’t just about seeing new places. It’s about becoming a new version of yourself.
Final Thoughts
As my time in Florence comes to an end, it’s difficult to put into words how much this experience has meant to me.
I am going to miss the city, the people, the food, the routine, the travel, and the countless little moments that became some of the best memories of my life.
Studying abroad challenged me, pushed me outside of my comfort zone, and helped me grow in ways I never expected.
While I’m excited for what comes next, a part of me will always remain in Florence.
This experience was about so much more than studying abroad.
It was about discovering new places, creating lifelong memories, and learning more about myself along the way.
And for that, I will always be grateful.
By: Makayla E.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/internationalflorence/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@isiflorencestudents/video/7655080736768183585
YouTube Short: https://www.tiktok.com/@isiflorencestudents/video/7655106213461413152
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/makayla-elscheid-150b45285