As I sit down to reflect on the past few months, I find myself struggling to put this experience into words. Studying abroad in Florence, Italy, was everything and more than I ever could have imagined. When I first arrived, I was filled with excitement but also uncertainty. I had fears about being away from home, about not knowing anyone, about adjusting to a completely new environment. Now, looking back, I can confidently say that this has been the most transformative, eye-opening, and unforgettable chapter of my life.
Of course, I gained academic knowledge—I sharpened my skills in graphic design, web design, filmmaking, and art history, and I even managed to pick up some Italian along the way. But what I learned outside of the classroom was just as, if not more, valuable. I learned how to adapt to unfamiliar situations, how to be independent, and how to embrace uncertainty with confidence. I learned that sometimes, the best experiences come from stepping outside your comfort zone and saying “yes” to the unknown.
One of the greatest gifts of this experience was my roommates. I was so nervous about my living arrangements before arriving, not knowing where I’d end up or who I’d be living with. But as luck would have it, I ended up with the most incredible group of people. From late-night study sessions at La Cité to home-cooked dinners, to exploring the streets of Florence together, my roommates truly made this experience 100 times better. They were my family away from home, and the memories we created together will stay with me forever.
One of the most surreal parts of studying abroad was the ability to travel so freely. Over the course of four months, I visited the UK (twice!), Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands, Greece, Belgium, Slovakia, and all around Italy. Each destination had its own charm, its own history, and its own unforgettable moments. Out of all the places I visited, Amsterdam was my absolute favorite (other than Florence). There was something about the canals, the bikes, and the overall atmosphere of the city that just felt magical. But beyond just seeing new places, traveling taught me something even greater, what a small world it truly is. No matter where I went, I met people with unexpected connections to my life, proving that the world is more intertwined than I ever realized.
Despite all of my travels, Florence always felt like home. There was nothing quite like waking up early, lacing up my running shoes, and running through the quiet streets of the city, making my way up to Piazzale Michelangelo just in time to see the sunrise over the rooftops. The peace, the beauty, the stillness of those mornings, it was my absolute favorite way to start the day. After my run, I’d grab a coffee from my favorite café and take a different route each day, always finding something new, a side street I hadn’t noticed before, a quiet piazza, or a shop that caught my eye. Florence had a way of always surprising me, and I liked the routine of exploring without a plan, just seeing where the streets would take me.
I could go on and on about the incredible people I met from all over the world, the spontaneous adventures, the hidden gems I discovered in the city, and the countless moments that made this experience so special. There were so many unforgettable memories that I can’t even put them all into words. All I can say is that I am beyond grateful. This experience was everything I had dreamed of and more. I took a leap of faith by coming here, and in return, I gained lifelong friendships, newfound confidence, and a deeper appreciation for the world. Studying abroad in Florence was the best experience of my life, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
