by Amanda Lumauig
Studying abroad in Florence has completely shifted my perspective on life. What I thought would just be a change in scenery for a few months turned out to be more than I could’ve ever asked for. The best way I can describe Florence is a classroom without walls. The history, culture, and life lessons I learned just living in the city has shaped me into a better person.
A lesson I learned very early on in my study abroad experience was learning how to slow down. In the United States and being from the Northeast, I am used to such a fast pace way of life. Everyone always has somewhere to be at all times and life moves so fast it’s difficult to stop and enjoy the moment. Florence has taught me to savor my morning cappuccino without rushing off, to wander without a destination, and to appreciate the joy of doing one thing at a time. This has been a breath of fresh air and something I hope to implement back home.
Florence has made me constantly inspired even when just aimlessly strolling through the city. I find the architecture of the city very fascinating from the intricate details of the Duomo to street artists sketching on cobblestone corners. Being immersed in so much beauty and history everyday is such a blessing. Every block in Florence has a story and a piece of art within it. I have learned that art is not just something you look at but also a feeling. The feeling I get from standing on the Arno and enjoying my Meleluca cinnamon bun, having a pizza night in with friends, or getting the perfect picture of the sunset are all pieces of art that have brought me so much joy.
Another major takeaway was independence. Living in a foreign country pushed me far out of my comfort zone. Navigating language barriers, figuring out public transportation, and managing day-to-day life forced me to grow quickly. I became more confident, more capable, and far more adaptable. I learned to problem-solve in real-time and trust my instincts—skills that have carried over into every aspect of my life.
I have had a new appreciation for connection while studying here in Florence. I have made so many amazing friends who I never would have met if I never came here. The power of shared experiences can truly bring people together. Italians have an amazing way of making everyone feel like family and it has allowed me to feel so welcomed in this city and truly be able to call it my second home. I learned the value of hospitality, of making time for conversation, and of building community wherever you go.
My favorite part of my experience here in Florence was the food. The food was educational in itself because I never knew the rich history and culture behind every Italian dish before coming to study here. I thoroughly enjoyed learning how the same pasta dish can be made differently depending on the region of Italy it is being made in. I most importantly have a new outlook on educating myself on where my food comes from. I have also now leanred that dinners are meant to be enjoyed and savored, never rushed.
In the end, studying abroad in Florence gave me more than just memories. It gave me a clearer sense of who I am and how I want to move through the world. It taught me to live with curiosity, to embrace the unfamiliar, and to find beauty in the everyday.
Florence wasn’t just a place I studied—it was a place that changed me. And for that, I’ll always be grateful.
Written by Amanda Lumauig