Coming abroad, the four of us came from the same school, The Ohio State University. We all came abroad with the same goals, traveling, embracing culture, and trying new things. Although we all share the same love for our home in Ohio, we all have shared a new love for our new favorite place; Florence, Italy. Florence has been the most perfect home base for all of us. We have each had our own unforgettable experiences that we all want to share for the rest of our lives.
Ever since I was young, Italy has been my dream vacation. My family is from Italy, and growing up in an Italian family made a big impact as to why I chose to study abroad in Florence. Before studying abroad, I was nervous that this was all going to be too much for me. Once I walked off the plane in Florence, all those worries went away. I felt as if this was already a second home to me and I could not wait to explore. Now in April, I can confidently say that Florence was the perfect choice for me. The small city brings such a comfort of home. Every restaurant I walk into makes me feel welcomed as if I am joining a new family for the night. I was so excited to arrive in Italy and try all the food. From gelato to pasta, to paninis, I never want to go home! In January, everyone felt like strangers and I felt like a tourist. Months go by and I now say hello to every restaurant and store next to my apartment as I walk by. Florence will forever have a place in my heart, and I will never stop talking about my incredible experience abroad. – Danielle Giardina
Growing up I have always been the person that has wanted to get out in the world and experience other places. Going abroad has always been something that I wanted to be able to check off my bucket list, and here I am wrapping up my semester in Italy and can now check this off as something that has been a dream for me. Although I had many doubts and concerns about going abroad, being away from family and friends for 4 whole months, and having to learn to be completely independent, I can confidently say this has been the best time of my life. Florence has allowed me to discover myself in many different ways. I am leaving this special place as a more confident, self-assured, and a fearless individual. While making my schedule for this semester, I knew I wanted to have some sort of food course incorporated. I have researched Social Media, Social Food and knew that it was a course that I wanted to make sure was on my schedule. I have discovered so many new types of foods while being here! Trying new hidden gems or going to the same restaurants that have felt like home because of the delicious food and welcoming people has been a huge part of this journey. Studying abroad in Florence wasn’t just being away from my hometown for a few months but rather a special home that has left me with new memories and allowed me to grow in ways I never expected. Thank you, Florence, Italy. – Leah Ryan
From the time I was a senior in high school, seeing all of the Juniors in college that I am mutually friends with on social media post their abroad experiences, I knew that this was something I wanted to do. Fast forward four years later, I am now about to go into my senior year of college having finished my semester abroad. Leaving the Newark airport on January 7th, I was flooded with so many emotions. One part of me was so excited for the new culture immersion, experiences, and, of course, the delicious foods that were to come. The other part of me was a nervous girl, doubting if she could live in a foreign country for 4 months, worrying if she would just feel like a lost tourist. That nervous girl is now practically a local. Walking around the city of Florence without having to use maps, having a favorite coffee spot, and even being asked “the usual?” when walking into Melaleuca to get “un cornetto al cioccolato”. Having places and experiences like this makes me feel as if this is my home and I am not just visiting from America. Florence, you will forever hold a special place in my heart and I will never stop bragging about this incredible experience (and the creamy lemon chicken at Osteria delle Tre Panche). – Madison Paul
Choosing to come to The Ohio State University from California was a big step outside of my comfort, and although I was hesitant to move across the country away from my family, I took a risk. I now could not be happier that I took this risk because I met so many lifelong friends and embraced the Midwest culture. During my time at Ohio State I began learning about the opportunity to take a semester and study abroad, and the more I learned about it and asked about the experience my older friends had while abroad, I knew it was my fate to take on this next journey. If leaving the West Coast for a couple of years and going to school in the Midwest could teach me this much and give me so many new and genuine friendships, then I could only imagine what experiences Europe could hold. I chose Florence because of the rich Italian culture and the smaller size of the city allowing me to create a sense of belonging. After the first couple days in Florence, meeting new people, and trying new food, I was confident that I would be able to make this city my new home. I quickly realized that the food culture in Florence is such a large part of what makes Florence so special along with so many other things. I am so grateful for all the amazing memories I have created in Florence and am proud to have made Florence a home away from home. – Isabella Clark
The four of us have each had a once in a lifetime experience abroad- an experience that has shaped us and will be retold for the rest of our lives. ISI has allowed us to turn our dreams of travel into reality. This semester-long adventure has allowed us to create the most amazing memories while also living like an Italian local. From learning the culture and language to being able to try the most delicious foods, ISI has given us everything and more. Even though all four of us will be returning home to different states, we will always have a shared home to come back to, Florence, Italy.
Written by: Danielle Giardina, Leah Ryan, Madison Paul and Isabella Clark