I wished I would have had the option of a mentor family or a home stay.
More help with "getting out of my shell" to meet more natives.
Professors were always willing to help out students.
Italian tutors were native, major bonus!
Travel was easy and not too expensive, throughout Italy.
Intensive Italian week was necessary and was extremely helpful in my stay in Italy. Wish it was less stressful though!

Studying abroad in Florence, Italy was the best experience of my life. I was able to study in a culture that I had never experienced as well as travel to the most beautiful places in the world. I had always known that I wanted to study abroad, and when it came to deciding where, Italy was the first place that came to mind. If I could do it all over again, I would in a heartbeat. From waking up and crossing the famous Ponte Vecchio to get to class, to eating warm sandwiches on focaccia bread along the Fiume Arno at lunch, and watching the sunset over the whole city at Piazza Michelangelo, the opportunities that one who studies abroad receives are endless. While it was difficult at first adjusting to a different lifestyle, it was easy to make friends who were going through the same things I was and we made it through together. The Florentines were so friendly and they would willing go out of their way to help you learn about their culture. The only Italian I knew when arriving in the city was "ciao" but I left being able to hold conversations with the natives. My favorite part about studying in Florence was the size of the city. Rome is very large and can be overwhelming (I relate it to New York City) but Florence is small enough that you can walk everywhere yet still only meet someone once (I relate this to Philadelphia). If you are nervous about stepping out of your comfort zone and studying abroad, remember that there is always a defining moment in your life where you must take a leap of faith. Let studying abroad in this beautiful city be that opportunity, and let it change your life in the most amazing ways.

My experience in Florence was absolutely perfect. It sounds so cliche but it literally was- I loved everything about it. From meals at Ganzo, to seeing the Duomo, Statue of David, Boboli Gardens, Michaelangelo, and Fiesole view- this place is unreal. Thinking about going back to America Saturday actually depresses me. I wish this could last forever. I have made a TON of friends who are from all over the US, and we have gone on trips all over the place. Four months has never flown by SO fast! I didn't travel outside of Italy due to a massive lack of funds...but it didn't even matter because I traveled ALL over Italy, and each place was better than the next. And even on the days I was in Florence... it was still just as special because this city is so magical. I learned something new every day, literally. The language barrier no longer exists between me and Italians (ok maybe a little) but I can hold a short conversation now and not feel awkward. Italians are great! They are sooo different from Americans. They dress a lot nicer too, which I really love. I also met people from Brazil, England, Scotland, Belgium, South Africa- everywhere! It was SO much fun hearing all the different accents and having conversations with people.

I'd have to say Amalfi Coast was my favorite trip I took during my stay in Italy. We had 80 degree weather, orange and lemon trees in the backyard of all of our bungalows, and explored beautiful shorelines and colorful houses. I will also say, however, that my FAVORITE experience in Italy was venturing out to Maranello to visit my dream place, Maranello, where I visited the Ferrari Museum and accomplished my lifelong goal of driving a Ferrari :) So worth the 100 euro.

Overall, this semester really shaped me as a person and made me 100% more confident in myself. Who knew I could fly 5,000 miles, adapt to a new environment, new people, new food and new way of life all by myself!? I feel so accomplished and happy with how this whole experience turned out. I will encourage any college student who has not left America to do it, because it pushes you as a person. It's hard no doubt, but in the end you feel like you can do anything. Italy has made me want to go home and be motivated- work hard, and really start establishing my career and finishing strong in school.