When I first decided to study abroad in Florence, I was excited about the obvious things: traveling around Europe, trying new foods, and experiencing life in another country. I knew it would be different from my life at the University of Virginia, but I did not realize how much I would learn outside of the classroom. Looking back on my experience so far, studying abroad has taught me lessons about independence, adaptability, appreciating new perspectives, and discovering a new side of empathy. 

One of the biggest things I have learned is how to be more independent. Moving to another country means that even simple tasks can become challenges. Whether it was figuring out public transportation, navigating unfamiliar streets, or adjusting to a different way of doing things, I had to become comfortable solving problems on my own. There were moments when plans did not go as expected, such as the train strikes and heat waves, but those situations taught me how to stay flexible and make the best of things. Studying abroad has shown me that I am more capable of handling unfamiliar situations far more than I originally thought.

Living in Italy has also given me the opportunity to experience a different culture firsthand. Before coming here, I had learned about Italian culture through classes, movies, and social media, but actually living in Florence is completely different. One thing that stood out to me is how much people seem to value slowing down and enjoying the moment. Whether it is taking time to sit at a café with friends, enjoying a long meal, or simply walking through the city, there is an appreciation for everyday experiences that can sometimes get lost in the fast pace of life back home. Being immersed in another culture has helped me become more open-minded and aware of different ways of living. I learned a greater sense of patience, and I definitely know not to take up too much space on the sidewalks now! 

Another part of studying abroad that has been especially meaningful is the people I have met. Spending so much time with other students has created friendships that developed much faster than I expected. Some of my favorite memories have come from spontaneous plans, exploring new cities together, and sharing experiences that none of us had ever had before. Being surrounded by people who are also stepping outside of their comfort zones creates a unique sense of connection. These friendships have become one of the most valuable parts of my experience abroad.

Traveling has also taught me a lot. One of the reasons I was excited to study in Europe was the opportunity to visit places I had only seen in pictures. While the destinations themselves have been incredible, to me the greatest lesson has been that traveling is much more than checking off a to-do list. Some of the best moments have been the unexpected ones: getting lost and finding a hidden street, trying a local food I had never heard of before, or discovering a favorite spot that was not listed in any guidebook aka “The Box”. Traveling has taught me to embrace uncertainty and appreciate experiences as they come.

At the same time, being away from home has made me appreciate the things I normally take for granted. Family, friends, and familiar routines feel more meaningful when they are not part of everyday life. I would say one of the hardest parts of studying abroad was the time zone difference. It was far harder for me to go without talking to my parents than I originally thought it would be. Studying abroad has given me the chance to see both the world and myself from a different perspective. 

Overall, studying abroad has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my college career. It has pushed me to become more independent, introduced me to new cultures and people, and given me experiences that I will remember long after I leave Florence. While I originally came abroad for the opportunity to travel and study in a new environment, I am leaving with a much greater appreciation for personal growth and the value of stepping outside of my comfort zone.

Thank you,

Aly, Emma, Rachel, and Maeve <3

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