Studying abroad in Florence has been an incredible and eye-opening experience where I have learned so much about the city and myself. There are aspects of Italian culture that I’ve found challenging to adapt to as well. One of the most significant cultural differences I’ve encountered has been the more relaxed, slower-paced lifestyle, particularly when it comes to time and punctuality. In Pittsburgh and the U.S., I’m used to a fast-paced environment where deadlines are strict, and people are expected to be on time or even early for things. In Italy, time seems to have a more relaxed view on this. This has been an adjustment, as I am a very punctual person, and if I am not early, I would consider myself late. To manage this, I’ve had to adopt a more flexible mindset, reminding myself they focus more on enjoying moments of life, rather than simply being on time. By embracing this more laid-back attitude it allows me to appreciate the moments around me and live in the moment rather than stressing about every little detail.

Outside the classroom, adjusting to a different way of life has been very interesting. Navigating Florence, especially with the language barrier, can sometimes feel daunting. While taking Italian: Here and Now has taught me a lot of the native language, I have also picked up on a lot of Italian phrases from eating at restaurants, shopping and simply exploring the city. Since the city center has a lot of tourists, it can become easy to fall into the trap of finding places that speak English and have a lot of other Americans. Especially when visiting parts of the city that do not have as many tourists, the language barrier is greater. I’ve learned that many locals have patience and appreciate that you are trying to learn their language and adapt to the culture instead of shying away from it. I take this as a great opportunity to discover Florence and Italy as a whole in a more authentic way and fully immerse myself in the culture.

Overall, while there have been moments where adapting to my host city has been daunting, my time in Florence has been incredibly rewarding. The challenges I’ve faced have only  pushed me to grow as a person, and I would not be able to have grown in this way without them. It is important to remember the importance of wanting to grow and learn as well as taking challenges head on to be able to grow from them. I am excited to see what Florence has in store for me next!