I usually tackle uncomfortable situations head on, but moving to Florence alone has been the biggest adjustment of my life. And that’s coming from the kid who moved schools sevens times as a kid! The people, culture, and lifestyle in Florence are just so different than what I am used to in Pittsburgh. And yes… I expected this difference, but there are some things I just did not expect.

For starters, the work-life balance in Italy is extremely difficult to manage as a study abroad student. The excitement of travel and exploring new places can easily triumph your commitment to classes, and you really need to put your foot down and ensure you stay on top of things. There is always a pressure to keep going nonstop. There’s that subconscious voice telling you that “you only study abroad once!” so you have to make the most of it. Once I figured out a good balance (which took me a month!), I was able to keep my energy and still have fun here!

My biggest fear of studying abroad was that I would be alone. Unlike a lot of the people I have met here, I decided to study abroad by myself not knowing anyone else in my program. I even did random roommate assignments! I actually started making TikToks vlogging my everyday life here so that I could build an online community and meet people in Florence that way. This has worked way better than I ever could have imagined. Through TikTok, people from all over the United States and even some local Florentines asked to hangout and explore new places. I have honestly made some best friends here who I will undoubtedly keep in touch with for years and plan future trips with.

I have grown and matured so much being here. I am out of my comfort zone and I will never be afraid of stepping out of it ever again in my life. Everyone in these pictures from above are people I met while solo traveling. And there are quite literally hundreds more people who I have met and formed close relationships here. The world is so small that I am sure our paths our going to cross again.