Study Abroad Reflections: What We’ve Experienced, Learned, and Shared

Our home base

We are currently studying abroad in Florence, Italy, at the International Studies Institute (ISI). Although we come from different majors such as Marketing, Speech Language Pathology, Criminology, and Public Relations, we all chose a program that reflects shared values of academic excellence, cultural immersion, and personal growth rooted in the American liberal arts tradition. ISI Florence emphasizes experiential learning by using the city as a “living laboratory,” fostering a safe, diverse, and inclusive environment that encourages students to engage deeply with Italian culture, language, and community. Even though we are all in different fields of study, we take a variety of courses such as Art History, Sports History, and History of the Italian Mafia, which showcase our curiosity and love for exploring new topics. We all chose to study abroad to step out of our comfort zones and experience something truly unique that we will likely never have the opportunity to do again.

A typical day in our lives

A typical day in our program starts with an espresso the Italian way, followed by a walk through the beautiful streets of Florence to our class buildings, Palazzo Rucellai and Palazzo Bargagli. We usually have classes from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and we love stopping at some of our favorite cafés near campus, like Rivareno or Rooster Café, or grabbing schiacciata from All’Antico Vinaio or Pino’s if we’re extra hungry. After lunch, we typically head home and fit in some kind of exercise, whether that’s walking around the city or going to the gym. We end our days by making dinner usually with groceries from Conad and finishing up any homework we have and having a chill night with friends.

Highlights

While studying abroad, there are so many core memories we can think of, but a few definitely stand out. Swimming in the Blue Lagoon in Malta was one of the biggest highlights, the water was unbelievably clear and unlike anything we’d ever seen. Going to the Sahara Desert was just as unforgettable, riding camels, sandboarding, and spending the night under a sky full of stars. Sledding in the mountains in Switzerland was another incredible experience, with views that didn’t even feel real. While these moments were amazing, what made the trip even more meaningful was getting to experience different cultures and meet people along the way.

Challenges

What we've learned

Studying abroad has by far been one of the best things we have ever done, but it also comes with challenges that everyone experiences at some point. For us, language barriers were sometimes difficult in certain places we visited, occasionally leaving us feeling frustrated when we couldn’t form as strong of a connection with others. During our first few weeks, we all experienced some level of homesickness that came in waves, but the friendships we built along the way helped us adjust and feel more at home despite being far from our families. Over time, we became more confident navigating new environments and stepping outside of our comfort zones. Looking back, those challenges were a big part of what made the experience so rewarding.

From studying abroad, we can confidently say it has shaped us into new people, and we will never be the same but in the best way. We feel more confident in our ability to take on challenges and have immersed ourselves in so much culture that it has truly put things into perspective. We’ve developed a new sense of independence that takes real skill, especially being so far away from our families, and we’ve learned how to adapt, problem-solve, and step outside of our comfort zones. We’ve also gained a deeper appreciation for different cultures, perspectives, and ways of life, which has made us more open-minded and understanding. Overall, we have all grown for the better, created lifelong memories and friendships, and are forever grateful for the opportunity to study abroad.

Tips for future students

The biggest advice we would give to future students is to be open and willing to be vulnerable. It’s completely normal to feel scared being so far away from family, but it’s essential to be proactive and put yourself out there. Whether it’s making new friends or trying new experiences, students should aim to fully immerse themselves in the local culture and embrace life as a true Florentine. Instead of going to the same clubs or restaurants every night, try a new dish, explore a different part of the city, or even go to a soccer game with friends. Many students end up regretting not making the most of their experience, and ultimately, how much you get out of it depends on how much you’re willing to put in