As I begin my 5th week here in Florence, I have noticed many aspects in which I find very in tune to what I identify with. I very much enjoy a slower paced life where I can enjoy my time and really soak in every experience. This is something that I have found Italians prioritize. They tend to have slower dinners, join their friends at a cafe before work and enjoy their morning coffee together, walk almost everywhere, etc. Their way of life is a lot more relaxing and not nearly as fast paced as the lifestyles we live in the States. I have really enjoyed adapting into this lifestyle while I have been here and have found it really suits me and what I value.

While I have been here in Italy I have found that non-verbal communications and gender to be the most difficult aspects on “deep culture” to assimilate. Italians tend to be more open and get into deep conversation upon first meeting. This is something that I am not really used to at home and found it uncomfortable at first. I am not the most open person, so when professors and locals ask why did you do this or what is your life like etc. I was caught off guard. Being here has helped me become more open and not afraid to share personal thoughts and experiences. When it comes to gender, Italians still prefer more of a traditional structure when it comes to gender roles. You don’t really see women on their way to work in the morning or working in high priority jobs. When I tell locals that I am here as a business student they seem very shocked that a young women would be doing that. This was eye opening to me because in The US it is very common to see women in these professions.

I feel that I have been navigating cross-cultural situations quite well. I have been looking back to how things were when I first arrived and it is definitely noticeable that I am more comfortable with the Italian way of life and overall cultural differences. I feel more confident speaking with locals and going to restaurants and areas of town that aren’t catered to tourists. This experience has helped with learning about other cultures and appreciating the differences from my own. I like how immersed I am here and how I have to overcome challenges often. I am excited to see what aspects of the Italian culture I will adapt in my life when I back home.