As we write this on June 21, 2025, we are genuinely lost for words knowing that we only have five days left in Florence, Italy. Studying abroad has been the experience of a lifetime, and we have all the photos, souvenirs, friends and memories to prove it. Only 0.05% of Ohio State undergraduates study abroad; how lucky are we to have picked the same program and become roommates, classmates and best friends!

Growing Academically and Professionally, Aislin Daugherty

I was immediately drawn to ISI Florence because of its course offerings. As a Strategic Communication major, I wanted to spend six weeks in a course that connected to my major and used the city of Florence as its classroom, and Social Media, Social Food did just that. In just our first day, I learned about different Italian cities, traditional Florentine food, my professor’s own career path and how to apply strategic thinking to marketing. We put our lessons on photography and strategy into action by attending field trips to popular destinations like Giglio Cooking School, Dini Caffé, Sant’Ambrogio Market and Mercato Centrale. After each trip, students were tasked with creating content that highlighted unique selling points of each destination, and my group used our creativity to produce content unlike anyone else’s.

Social Media, Social Food helped me develop skills essential for my own industry like creating content, maximizing trends and visual storytelling, but more so, I learned so much that can be applied to all aspects of my life. I fostered my communication skills by making connections with business owners, locals and other tourists. I practiced public speaking through class presentations and effectively applied constructive feedback from my peers and professor. I networked with students and professionals in and outside my industry and learned more about myself by taking inspiration from their own passions. I adapted to a healthier work-life balance that allowed me to explore the city and travel while still taking my studies seriously. Ultimately, though, I learned so much about being more independent. 

Fostering Independence, Jane Mason

Reflecting on my study abroad experience, I could not be more grateful for the memories, experiences, and people I’ve met along the way. Coming into this program, I did not previously know anyone else going, and I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a ball of nerves. I had never traveled to another country alone, let alone for six weeks. However, I truly have not felt alone since the moment I walked into my apartment and met my three amazing roommates that I would share so many laughs with, make unforgettable memories with, and always miss when this program ends. 

This experience has taught me so much about not only the world beyond the one I have known my entire life, but also myself.  I have built relationships, learned to problem solve in stressful situations, and immersed myself in Florentine culture. At first, I definitely experienced a bit of culture shock and homesickness, but I busied myself with learning the city of Florence and exploring, and the homesickness didn’t last long! 

This trip has made my independence flourish; learning to navigate a new country was something I have never done before, and while it was intimidating at first, it has been so much fun. I often go on walks for coffee, shopping, or sightseeing alone when I have some free time, and that is something I would normally never do at home, it was usually always with someone. Learning to do things by myself has been empowering, and I know I will continue to exercise my independence when I return home!

Connecting with Other Cultures, Olivia Rinaldi

Before arriving in Florence, I thought I knew what cultural appreciation looked like. But living here, even for just six weeks, changed everything. Immersing myself in Italian culture wasn’t just about eating fresh pasta or learning basic phrases (though both were daily highlights); it was about the little moments. Like chatting with our waiter, who casually mentioned his friend’s alma mater was Ohio State. We ended the night with selfies and smiles, feeling like we’d found a tiny piece of home in a new place.

We had a routine: the same café during our class break, where eventually an iced caramel latte and a cinnamon roll need not be ordered; they just knew. We became regulars, familiar faces in a foreign city. The same tram lines, the same corner grocery store where we picked up groceries after class for dinner that night. Over time, those routines turned into relationships and familiarity. Those patterns became our rhythm. We weren’t just visiting Florence, we were living it.

Cultural immersion isn’t always grand. It’s personal. It’s feeling understood despite a language barrier, or walking the same streets every day until they feel like yours. This experience, with all its highs and lows, made me more empathetic, adaptable and aware of the world beyond my own.

I came to Florence expecting beauty and adventure, but I’m leaving with something deeper: a genuine connection to a city, its people, and a way of life that has changed me for the better.

Now, it’s your turn. Apply at https://admissions.isiabroad.org/ today to begin your journey!