Semester in Florence - Florence University of the Arts

My chapter in Florence has become a highlight in throughout my college years. This time kept me grounded yet challenged me which reshaped how I take on the world. Florence holds so much beauty and history to see everyday giving me chance to slow down and take in the moments. These moments also required me to adapt to a whole new speed of life. This city wasn't just a place I came to for an education, but a place that built my independence and confidence in handling a new culture. Right at the start, my daily life required problem-solving. I had to adapt to the new responsibilities at hand, navigating public transportation, and mainly the cultural differences. Some tasks I would've thought were easy sometimes came with unexpected challenges, teaching me how to stay calm under pressure. Being away from my family which is my support system, forced me to depend more on my own judgment, becoming one of my stronger skills that I will continue to use after this experience. Never being so far from my support system, Florence created a deep sense of independence. I had to make big decisions on my own, academics to traveling. I built trust in myself to move forward and getting comfortable with uncertainty. Gaining this new feeling, I felt empowered and building confidence through my daily actions. Every moment navigating this foreign city reinforced my trust in my own capabilities. Outside of every day life, being in Italy gave me a chance to explore Europe. From Florence, I was able to go to places such as Paris, London, Morocco, Barcelona, and many other cities across Italy. Traveling to these places grew my view of the world and exposed me to different ways of living. Each location offered new moments, lessons, and memories. Returning to Florence was a great place to come "home" too. It was such a grounding place, where I could reflect and process what I've taken in from the countries right next door. The biggest lesson Florence taught me was resilience. Of course it was experience of a lifetime, but there were moments of discomfort and uncertainty. I dealt with those moment by turning them into a chance to grow. I looked back at the challenges I faced as an essential part of my personal development. Rather being scared of discomfort, I recognize is as progress. At the end of my time, this experience was transformative. It gave me room to grow while gaining lifelong skills. Florence was not just a place to study abroad, it became my second home. The lessons I learned, the challenges I had to over come built my mentality today. Reminding me that if I want to grow, I have to step beyond comfortability and allow myself to evolve.

My fall 2025 semester abroad was wonderful. I was based in the wonderfully beautiful and lively city of Florence and I got to travel all around Europe, to places that I have always dreamt to visiting. CIS Abroad is a great program to go through. The team here in the states and the on-site directors were so helpful. They always answered the questions I had and walked me through the process of applying to the program, applying for my visa, and so on. As on on-site, the directors did a nice job at making us feel welcome and helping us settle into our new home for the next four months. Going abroad gifted me a new perspective on life that I will forever hold in my heart, and in my everyday life.

I had such an amazing time in Florence. The food there was better than any other city I visited. I also found that the people in Florence were so helpful when it came to local sports, and also helpful with the language.