While studying in Florence, I am developing and gaining many hard and soft skills that will benefit me both academically and personally. One of the most obvious skills I have been strengthening is my foreign language proficiency. My Italian has improved significantly, thanks to both my “Italian: Here and Now” course and the immersive experience of living in a city where Italian is spoken daily. In class, we focus heavily on grammar and vocabulary, which gives me a strong foundation. However, the most impactful learning happens outside of the classroom; on the streets, in cafes, at markets, and during everyday interactions. I find myself constantly thinking about how what I’ve learned in class applies to real-life conversations. I’ve picked up on common phrases, greetings, and expressions that allow me to communicate more naturally, making me feel more connected to the culture. There truly is no better way to learn a language than by being surrounded by it, engaging with locals, and using it in everyday situations.
Another hard skill that has flourished during my time in Florence is my painting ability. I have always had an interest in painting and have done some watercolor work at home, but here I have been focusing on oil painting. Oil painting requires much more precision and attention to detail, which has helped me develop patience and a more detailed eye. It’s a slow, deliberate process that requires layering, blending, and making careful choices about color and texture. Beyond just improving my technical ability, painting has become a peaceful activity each week allowing me to disconnect from the busyness of life abroad for a few hours.
In addition to the hard skills I’m developing, I am also enhancing many of my soft skills while living abroad. One of the biggest personal growth areas for me has been adaptability. Every day presents a new situation that requires me to adjust, whether it’s navigating a different public transportation system while traveling, trying out a new café with unfamiliar customs, or handling unexpected changes in plans. Even after three months here, I still find myself in new and unfamiliar situations that require quick thinking and flexibility. I have learned to embrace change and see it as an opportunity for growth rather than a challenge.
Another essential soft skill I have been refining is time management. With so many opportunities to travel, explore, and experience new things, it’s crucial to balance responsibilities effectively. Most weekends, I am traveling to different cities or countries, which leaves very little downtime to complete schoolwork and other necessary tasks. During the week, I have had to become more organized, ensuring I plan time for my classes, exercise, errands, and social activities while still making time to appreciate Florence. Some weeks are more challenging than others, such as when my mom visited me. I wanted to spend as much time with her as possible, so I adjusted my schedule accordingly by completing my assignments in advance and waking up earlier to go to the gym before class rather than after. Being able to adapt my schedule while still fulfilling my obligations has been a valuable lesson in prioritization and efficiency—skills that will serve me well in the future.
Studying abroad has given me more than just an academic education; it has been a transformative experience that has strengthened my abilities in communication, organization, creativity, and adaptability. Each day presents new opportunities to grow, and I am grateful for the ways Florence has helped me expand both my hard and soft skills in ways I never expected.
