While abroad in Florence, I engaged with the local community through everyday experiences like shopping at local markets, visiting neighborhood cafés, and building relationships with people in my area. Living in such a walkable city allowed me to feel like part of the community rather than just a visitor. I also connected with locals through sports, especially soccer, which helped break language barriers and create meaningful interactions. These small, daily moments made my experience feel immersive and authentic.

My favorite class while abroad was a Family Business and Entrepreneurship course focused on Italian companies. I loved learning how culture, tradition, and family dynamics influence business decisions in Italy. Being able to connect what we learned in class to real businesses I saw around Florence made the material feel especially relevant and engaging. It gave me a new perspective on business beyond what I had learned in the U.S.