Grazie e ti amo Italia. Studying abroad consistently pushed me beyond my daily comforts and invited me to a unique immersion filled with culture, art, and community. Juggling the excitements that come with moving to a new city, traveling to the spectacular wonders of the world, and meeting a plethora of new people can be challenging, and that is okay! You want to explore every corner, meet new people, and build lifelong memories. Simultaneously, you want to work actively to be present mentally, physically, and emotionally to savor these unique moments.  

Finding stillness in motion. One of my favorite hikes along the beautiful roads of Oltrarno. 

Local markets are scattered throughout the city. Fresh produce is the heart of Italian cuisine and culture. 

While creating special memories, pushing yourself into new adventures, and finding new hobbies, it is essential to also prioritize and incorporate acts of self-care into daily and weekly routines. By mindfully engaging in activities, like staying active and spending time in nature, you will create a balanced life while living abroad and ensure you can develop enjoyable memories to look back on for years to come.  

Life in Italy just makes you smile. My mama loves it here! 

Famous for music and culture, Italian bands unite locals and tourists alike at Piazzale Michelangelo, creating moments of joy and connection. 

Florence is unique in that it is best known for its stunning architecture, historic buildings, and timeless artistic masterpieces. History is woven into every windowpane, every door frame, and every smile you pass while walking along the charming cobblestone streets. Florence is known for its walkability; you can walk across one of the many bridges and enter an entirely different neighborhood. The beauty of Florence’s walkability is that movement and staying active become more than just a physical activity—it transforms into a way of engaging with the city. In Florence, every step takes you through centuries of history, making even the simplest walks feel like an immersive and spiritual experience.  

While Florence isn’t particularly known for its greenery, I made it a personal goal to seek out hidden pockets of nature within the city. Each day, I explored new spaces, discovering small green oases nestled between Renaissance architecture. One of my favorite activities was running along the Arno River, where the reflection of the Ponte Vecchio glistened in the river beside me. I cherished special moments with friends at Piazzale Michelangelo, gathering together to watch breathtaking sunsets over Florence’s cityscape. We danced alongside locals to live music, feeling completely present and appreciative of Florence’s magic.  

Florence’s unique art is woven into the cityscape. This piece is a gentle reminder that love lives in every corner of Florence’s bustle. 

Sisterhood in Florence. I am forever grateful to CEA CAPA for bringing me to my favorite people. 

Beyond the oases I found within Florence, like Cascine Park, Boboli Gardens, the Rose Garden, and Piazzale Michelangelo, I found immense joy wandering its lively streets. Window shopping, calling loved ones, and admiring the twinkling city lights became a way to treat myself. Every street was quirky in its own way, holding space for hidden cafés, beautifully crafted leather shops, or talented musicians performing enchanting Italian songs. Living in such a vibrant and culturally rich city, with endless opportunities for movement, exploration, and connection, allowed me to embrace the challenges of studying abroad while finding balance, fulfillment, and joy in every step of the journey. Finché non ci incontreremo di nuovo. Ti amo, Florence. 

The beautiful Arno River. Whether you're walking across it, running beside it, or enjoying a picnic along its banks, it's always a magical experience. 

Buon Natale! Christmas in Florence is truly special—don’t miss the festive markets and sparkling trees throughout the city!