My experience studying abroad in Florence, Italy, in the Fall of 2024 was one I will never forget. I was able to experience a rich culture and immerse myself in the artistic atmosphere of Italy’s history, and I will always cherish these memories. However, I admit I struggled at first with adjusting to being so far away from home and from my community at school.  

Photo captured in Florence in front of Neptune’s Fountain in the Piazza Della Repubblica. I loved coming to this square to grab lunch in between classes. 

The iconic David sculpture by Michelangelo at the Accademia Museum. One of my favorite pieces I saw while in Florence. 

Moving to a new country and not coming with any friends from home proved to be a struggle for me in the first month, especially being in a long-distance relationship and away from my LGBTQIA+ community. My mental health was low, and I felt I was abusing the opportunity I had been given to study abroad because I was focused on what I was missing out back home. However, one thing that really helped me through this was the art in Italy.  

A picture of my travel journal that I would fill with various artifacts I collected and other abroad entries. This was taken in Boboli Gardens which I loved going to for journaling.  

At the Uffizi Gallery, soaking up the timeless beauty of Botticelli’s “Primavera.” 

As a studio art minor, I was able to take classes while studying abroad and using that as an outlet when I was feeling low was a huge help for me. Painting pieces that reminded me of home, and my loved ones helped remind me that I had people who cared about me and wanted me to soak up the experience I was given.  

A painting I made while taking classes in Florence. These trinkets reminded me of my girlfriend and my home. 

I'm giving my girlfriend a kiss from afar. She went with me everywhere I went, and it was a fun way to take her on trips with me. 

Other hobbies and activities that greatly aided my mental health were calling my girlfriend and family, but only once a week. Giving myself time to explore while knowing I would be able to share these adventures with those special people, instead of honing on the homesickness I felt, allowed me to connect with my surroundings and live in the moment.  

A beautiful fresco ceiling at the Giardino di Palazzo Medici Riccardi 

A picture taken at the CEA CAPA Farewell dinner with all of the friends I made abroad! 

Another thing that helped me was journaling and getting a chance to reflect on the feelings I was having. Writing down my worries allowed me to contextualize them and to recognize that I could leave those feelings in a journal instead of carrying them with me. Also, keeping up with familiar habits and routines such as journaling allowed me to thrive in my new environment.  

This picture was taken in Reykjavik, Iceland! It was my biggest adventure with a friend I met while abroad, and it was one of the most memorable journeys I took while abroad. 

Lastly, meeting new friends and exploring new cities allowed me to acknowledge that the difference in experiences I had abroad was not a negative one. I learned that I am a creature of comfort but enjoy adventure when I allow myself to step outside of my comfort zone. Once I truly embraced my discomfort with risk-taking, I realized I did not have to go so far outside of my comfort zone to experience adventures and to feel fulfilled.  

My sister and I were in Ravello when she visited me over Fall break. I was so grateful to see some of my family while I was abroad. 

The friends I made abroad really aided in my experience, and I eventually felt welcomed once again into a community that I was previously so focused on missing out on. My final piece of advice would be to trust the process and to have patience with the experience and yourself.  

This post was written by Drew Valentino, a CEA CAPA Alumni Ambassador from Cal Poly, and studied abroad in Florence, Italy.