Semester Abroad In Florence

Studying abroad in Florence, Italy was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I knew I wanted to be apart of a program that would let me experience Italian culture beyond just being a tourist, and this program was the perfect fit for me. I lived in an apartment with five other students. We lived by a tram stop which made getting into the city very easy.

One of my favorite parts of the program was volunteering at a local elementary school, where I helped to teach first graders English. At first, I was nervous because many of the kids spoke little to no English, but it allowed me to grow in many ways. I learned how to slow down, use gestures, and communicate with kids of different ages. The kids were so sweet and excited to have me in their classroom. Seeing their excitement when I would present a powerpoint each week was a highlight of my semester.

The program staff were also incredibly supportive and welcoming. They always gave great advice on navigating Florence, helped us to plan where to go on the weekends, and checked in regularly to make sure we were adjusting well. I never felt like I was on my own if something came up.

If I could change one thing, I wish there had been a little more structure for connecting students with locals outside of volunteering. While I made amazing friends within my program, I do wish I was able to build a connection with Italian students my age.

Overall, this experience gave me more independence, confidence, and perspective than I ever expected. I left Florence not only with unforgettable memories, but also skills I will carry into my future career!