First Impressions
When I initially went to Italy, I was both excited and scared. When I came to Florence, I kept asking myself, “Is this happening?” “Am I ready for this?” and “I can’t wait to eat pasta!” The energy was very different from what I was used to. It was slower, but it was full of life. I had to find my way through the airport, ride the train to Florence, and lug my suitcase through the cobblestone streets. It all felt like a dream. The first thing I noticed was the style of the people who lived there and the beauty of the buildings at every turn.
What I like best about the host location
The atmosphere is my favorite thing about Florence. You can see beauty, history, art, and excellent food all around you. I love walking around and getting gelato with my friends every day. People here don’t hurry. They sit down for coffee and meals together, and I’ve learnt a lot about being present and taking things slow. I’ll miss that the most: the speed, the warmth, and the magic that happens every day.
Schoolwork
Taking lessons while living abroad has been a pleasant surprise. We discuss our personal lives and the culture around us more in class. All of my classmates also attend the University of Alabama, which makes me feel at home, but this trip has allowed us all to get to know each other better. We learn a lot outside of school, which is a significant distinction. For instance, we’ve had guest speakers, trips to sites, and tours of different cultures that all connect to our studies of communication. The hardest part has been staying focused with so much happening around me (gelato vendors and piazzas, for example), but I’ve loved every minute of it.
Trips
We have already traveled to the Tuscan countryside, a leather upcycling studio, and a sustainable mushroom farm. They were all great. One of the best things we did was spend a day visiting Pompeii. Walking among historical ruins while learning about history and how to engage with people was great. The boat trip to Capri was just as good. The water had a beautiful turquoise color, the breezes were lovely, and the views were the nicest I’ve ever seen. These trips have significantly enriched the curriculum and made me even more grateful for the distinct differences in Italy.
Getting Ready to Go Home
I’m happy and sad that my time in Italy is coming to a close. I have a lot of memories, postcards, handmade jewelry, and olive oil. When I first got here, I was scared and unsure. Now I feel more secure, connected, and a little more Italian. I will miss the food, the views, and my friends, but I know I will leave with more than I came with.