What I Learned and Loved
I thought I knew what studying abroad would look like; planned weekends, famous landmarks, photos in front of places I had already seen online.
What I did not expect were the moments in between. The ones that were not planned, not photographed perfectly, and not easy to explain.
What You Cannot Plan
The best days were never planned. They started with one idea and turned into something completely different, often all within a few hours. And the more I tried to control everything, the less memorable it felt, so I realized that the best moments came from letting go of the plan entirely.
Food Was Never Just Food
Meals were never rushed. No one was trying to leave quickly or move on to something else. Here, conversations lasted longer, and meals became something to sit in rather than move through. It was not just about what was on the table, but who you were sitting with and how long you stayed (although the food itself was always worth it).
From traditional Moroccan tagine in Marrakesh and beef bourguignon in Paris, to classic Florentine steak in Florence and trapizzino in Rome, nothing was a disappointment, and each meal became more than just something to eat.
Our Study Abroad Food Highlights
If I Had to Show It Instead
Some people ask why you should study abroad.
I think it is easier to show than explain.
DAY TRIP TO FLORENCE: TikTok video created by us to provide recommendations for how to spend the perfect day in Florence
To The Student Reading This
Say yes to everything
Do not over-plan your weekends
Sit longer at meals
Stay in Florence for more weekends than you think
Do not overwhelm yourself with trying to do everything, because you can never do everything
Live in the moment because it goes by quickly. But, that is not what you remember. You remember the moments in between.
Just take the leap. Study abroad. And do it in Florence.
Written by Lela Warnock and Mariella Silvia
Our Google Business Review and Study Abroad Pinterest Board