Wandering around Florence

Studying abroad with CIS in Florence was one of the best experiences of my life. From the moment I arrived, the staff made me feel supported and welcomed. Martina and Romina, in particular, were incredibly kind and helpful—whether I needed travel advice, restaurant recommendations, or help navigating unexpected challenges, they were always there.

One of the things I loved most was the variety of cultural immersion activities CIS offered. One of the first activities I did was the hike to Piazzale Michelangelo, which became one of my places. CIS introduced us to this breathtaking viewpoint early on, and I ended up returning many times during my stay. They also had trips to places like Rome and Arezzo, attended local operas, visited museums, and participated in other local activities. The staff joined us for these excursions, making the experiences feel even more personal and connected.

The city of Florence itself was amazing. It was easy to navigate, incredibly beautiful, and full of life. I loved wandering the streets, stumbling upon musicians and artists, and taking in the rich history and art that seemed to be around every corner.

This experience also allowed me to grow on a personal level. I had never traveled alone before, and I learned so much about myself. I know how I like to travel, what pace works for me, and how to problem-solve on the fly. From figuring out train tickets to adjusting plans after flight delays, I became more confident in my own abilities to problem solve in stressful situations.

However, my time there was not perfect. There were some bumps along the way. A major storm caused a small flood in our apartment, and we lost power temporarily. It was stressful, but the CIS staff sent help and made sure to check in after the fact. There was also a situation where some neighbors felt unsafe, but CIS took it seriously and responded by installing security cameras and hiring a guard to ensure everyone felt secure. Personally, I never felt unsafe, but I thought CIS handled the concerns well.

Overall, I would definitely recommend the CIS Abroad program to anyone who is interested. The program was thoughtfully designed, the staff were exceptional, and there were many opportunities for cultural immersion in the city. Even with a few bumps along the way, I felt supported and truly at home wandering around Florence.