It has almost been two months since I have moved to Florence to study abroad. At this point I am more used to a Florentine day than I am to a Pittsburgh day. I think one of the most interesting things I have gained from being here everyday is the confidence I have in the city. I may not exactly know what street I am, but for the most part I know the neighborhood and how to get around and get home.

Studying abroad is great don’t get me wrong, but I think it’s very romanticized. Like yes I love the experience I have had so far but there are a lot of challenges here. I feel like no one ever talks about how lonely studying abroad can feel. I have a lot of friends here but they’re not my closest friends. I have known them from clubs, classes, some of them I actually just met when I came abroad. It’s weird to think that the same people who I eat with, talk with, TRAVEL THE WORLD WITH are people I didn’t even know existed.

The best way I have gone about getting comfortable and used to my surroundings is just by accepting the moment as it is. There are going to be days where it rains and you get lost, not be able to find your way around, and that’s okay! It is something that comes with studying abroad. By feeling like an outsider and a little confused abroad, I know I am doing something right. It’s totally natural to feel strange in new environments.

Something I have been doing as well has been taking some time to myself. I have to admit I have been overwhelmed a lot since I have gotten to Florence. It’s a lot to take in and as someone who was raised in Pittsburgh and went to School in Pittsburgh, it’s hard knowing that if I truly needed something or was struggling, that my closest ones were not going to physically be there. During the days I would find myself feeling overwhelmed by this, I would end up taking walks on my own and discovering what I enjoy in Florence without any outside influence.

More of the story! Studying abroad is a lot different than you expect but it’s good to see it as a good thing and accept the experience you’re about to get.