Studying abroad in Florence, Italy was one of the most transformative experiences of my college education. Before leaving, I thought I knew what to expect because I had already been to Europe twice before. I was familiar with the excitement of traveling, seeing historic cities, and experiencing different cultures, but living abroad independently was a completely different experience. I wasn’t just visiting Italy for a few weeks— I was building a life there, navigating a new city on my own, making new friends, going to class, grocery shopping, figuring out transportation, and learning how to feel at home somewhere so far from home. Being able to experience Italy in this way was both challenging and amazing. It pushed me far outside of my comfort zone and gave me a new sense of independence and confidence. Things that initially felt intimidating, like navigating public transportation or figuring out what to do when something didn’t go according to plan (shoutout Trenitalia), eventually became normal. I learned that being independent doesn’t mean always knowing what you’re doing; it means being willing to figure things out along the way.

My global theme is culture and politics. Living and learning in Italy allowed me to fully immerse myself in the cultural landscape of the country, and there is truly so much nuance to Italian culture that I would have missed otherwise. Beyond simply living there, I furthered my understanding through courses like Intercultural Communication, International Relations, Cultural Anthropology, and even Pairing Food and Wine. Across all of these classes, I gained a deeper understanding of the country I was living in. Italian history and culture are some of the richest and most complex in the world, and within that history come both highs and lows. When many people think of Italy, they think of Rome and the great emperors, and while that is certainly an important part of the country’s history and beauty, there are also periods of insecurity, political instability, and dictatorship, particularly under Mussolini in the 20th century. Italy is, in many ways, surprisingly similar to the United States. It experiences housing inequality, significant wage disparities, and major internal cultural differences. One idea that came up repeatedly was just how regional Italians are. People often identify more strongly with their region—for example, being Tuscan if they are from Tuscany—than with a broader national Italian identity. Experiencing these differences firsthand helped me understand how culture and politics are deeply connected to the communities and places people come from.

Outside of the classroom, I was able to experience this cultural diversity through travel. While Italy itself gave me countless opportunities to explore new cities, foods, traditions, and landscapes, I also had the chance to travel to Morocco, Spain, Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. Each country offered a completely different experience and challenged me to look at the world from a new perspective. Traveling independently also taught me how much I am capable of doing on my own. I learned how to navigate airports and train stations, plan trips, solve problems when things did not go according to plan, and feel comfortable exploring places I had never been before. Some of my favorite memories came from the moments that were completely unplanned—getting lost, finding a small restaurant, meeting someone new, or simply walking around a city with no real destination. Even though I had traveled internationally before, this experience made travel feel completely different because I was responsible for creating the experience myself.

One of the most meaningful parts of studying abroad was the friendships I made. I arrived in Florence not knowing exactly what to expect, and I ended up meeting people who became such an important part of my experience. There was something special about forming friendships while everyone was simultaneously navigating a new country and creating a life together. We explored Italy, traveled to other countries, shared meals, celebrated birthdays, and made memories that I know I will carry with me long after college. Looking back, studying abroad was so much more than simply spending a semester in another country. It challenged me to become more independent, broadened my understanding of culture and politics, and introduced me to people and places I never would have experienced otherwise. I returned home with a deeper appreciation for travel, cultural exchange, and the importance of seeing the world from perspectives other than my own. Most importantly, I came home more confident in my ability to navigate the unknown, and I know the perspective and independence I gained abroad will continue to shape me for years to come. There isn’t a day I don’t think about going back, I truly left a piece of my heart in Florence.