Dear Pre-Departure Me,
Right now, you’re probably staring at your half-packed suitcase, wondering how you’re going to survive four months away from home, unsure whether you made the right choice choosing to study abroad. Unsure of what is to come, and anxious about all the new people you are going to meet. Curious as to what being by yourself for four months is going to be like. I remember all of these thoughts and many more, but soon you will embark on one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. These worrying thoughts will pass and you will soon understand why everyone talks so highly about their time studying abroad.
I have grown so much during my time here in Florence and am very grateful for everything that I have been able to see and experience. I have learned how to be present in the moment and to truly take in everything that I am experiencing. Rather than constantly thinking about what’s next or trying to capture everything through a camera lens, I have learned how to appreciate each and every little thing that I am doing, to ask questions, and to explore things that I have never seen before. This has enriched my experience tremendously. One of the biggest ways I’ve grown is in my sense of independence. Before coming here, I wasn’t sure how I’d manage being on my own in a foreign country—figuring out transportation, budgeting for myself, navigating unfamiliar customs and languages. But what once felt intimidating became empowering.
My advice to you, and what I wish I had understood prior to my arrival, is that everything will work out how it is supposed to. Yes, there have been many struggles during my time here, and yes, there were moments when I felt uncomfortable or even questioned my decision—but in the end, everything worked itself out. Those difficult experiences, while challenging in the moment, were just as essential to my journey as the positive ones. I wish I had known to embrace the uncomfortability that comes with studying abroad, and to push myself outside of my comfort zone more.
What most surprised me about my global experience was how many Americans I would be around during my time in Florence. While it was nice to see some familiar faces, It was definitely a shock to see just how many American students study abroad in Florence. I had expected to be fully immersed in Italian culture, constantly engaging with locals and adapting to a completely new environment. Instead, I often found myself in social circles that felt like an extension of home. Even just walking to class you will notice the mobs of Americans filling the streets. I had to make a conscious effort to step outside of that familiar bubble, to seek out more authentic interactions and push myself beyond what felt comfortable.