Okay, so imagine this: one second Iām stressing over midterms in my college dorm, and the next Iām eating pistachio gelato on a cobblestone street in Florence, Italy ā with the Duomo casually glowing in the background. Yeahā¦ itās giving study abroad main character energy.
Hereās the real reason I chose to study abroad in Florence ā and why Iād do it again in a heartbeat:
š 1.
The Food is a Spiritual Experience
Letās be real ā food in Florence isnāt just a meal, itās a moment. Iāve had pasta that made me emotional and pizza that made me reconsider everything I thought I knew about life. Every corner has a new trattoria or gelateria calling my name. My camera roll? 75% carbs. No regrets.
Florence isnāt just a city, itās a taste adventure. Every meal feels like a celebration. From mouthwatering pasta that makes your heart sing to gelato so good it should be illegal, my stomach has been on a nonstop joyride. Bonus? Iāve officially learned that carbs are friends, not foes. And the best part? Exploring Florenceās famous markets like Mercato Centrale where you can sample all the best local bites.
šļø 2.
History? Literally Everywhere
Forget boring classrooms. Here, I learn surrounded by Renaissance art, ancient palaces, and streets that have seen centuries of stories. Passing Michelangeloās David at the Galleria dellāAccademia on my way to class? Thatās just a normal Tuesday here. Strolling past the Palazzo Vecchio or the Uffizi Gallery feels like stepping back in time ā itās like history is woven into the air, and I get to breathe it in every day.
š§³ 3.
I Became a Whole New Person (Kinda)
Okay not completely, but studying abroad made me braver. I learned how to solo-travel, how to (kind of) speak Italian, and how to read a train schedule in under 3 minutes. I now romanticize my life on a daily basis ā and thatās character development if you ask me.
šØ 4.
Florence is Literally a Vibe
Florence isnāt just a place, itās a vibe.
Golden sunsets by the Ponte Vecchio, live music in piazzas like Piazza della Signoria, and street markets bursting with colorsā¦ Florence is the perfect blend of charm and relaxation.It feels like the backdrop of a vintage European film. My phone battery hates me, but my photo gallery? Thriving.
š 5.
Weekend Getaways? Say Less
One train ticket and suddenly youāre sipping espresso in Venice or shopping in Milan.
Iāve visited Venice, Rome, Paris, and even Switzerland, on weekends. The world suddenly feels way smaller ā and way more exciting. Studying in Florence = being a short ride away from the rest of Europe. Weekend plans? Never boring.
šæ 6.
I Found Joy in the Little Things
From morning chats with my favorite barista at a cozy cafĆ© to journaling in quiet piazzas like Piazza Santo Spirito, Florence taught me to slow down and soak in life. Itās not just the big adventures, itās the tiny moments that have made this experience unforgettable. The kind of happy that sneaks up on you when you least expect it.
š Final Thoughts:
Would I recommend studying abroad in Florence? 1000% yes. Itās messy, magical, sometimes confusing, always exciting ā and it changed me in the best way. So if youāre on the fenceā¦ pack the bag. Book the flight. Eat the pasta.
Youāre about to live the Pinterest board version of your life.
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