Studying abroad in Florence has been one of the most exciting and eye-opening experiences of my college career so far. Living in a new country naturally comes with moments of adjustment, but it also creates opportunities to learn about different cultures, routines, and perspectives. During my time here, I have had to adapt to several aspects of daily life in Italy, from language barriers and new classroom dynamics to subtle cultural norms in everyday interactions. While some of these differences felt challenging at first, they have ultimately helped me grow both academically and personally.
One of the most immediate adjustments was the language barrier. When I first arrived, everyday conversations felt intimidating because I knew very little Italian. However, as the weeks have gone by, I have learned so much through practice and immersion. I can now order food, ask for things in shops, and even hold short conversations. It may seem like a small step, but being able to communicate in Italian feels incredibly rewarding and reminds me how important it is to step outside of my comfort zone.
Food culture is another noticeable difference. Meals here are made with fresh ingredients, mornings often start with a cappuccino and pastry, and dinners are typically much later in the evening. Florence has so many great coffee shops and brunch spots that there is always somewhere new to try. Since our classes are in the heart of the city, my friends and I often spend time exploring local shops or grabbing gelato between classes.
The academic environment has also been different from what I am used to in the United States. Classes are smaller and more traditional, with a strong emphasis on participation and discussion. At first, I struggled with the more open-ended instructions for assignments compared to the detailed guidelines we often receive on Canvas at home. Over time, I realized that speaking directly with my professors helped clarify expectations. These conversations showed me that professors here value hearing students’ perspectives and understanding the material, rather than simply following a strict rubric.
Despite these differences, adapting to the culture has felt natural. I believe the most important thing is approaching the experience with openness. If you have an open mind and an open heart, you can go anywhere. Italian people are incredibly friendly and welcoming, and even greeting someone with a simple “ciao” and a smile can go a long way.
One cultural aspect that stands out to me is the importance of greeting others when entering a room or shop, even if you do not know them. I appreciate this sense of kindness and respect. As the daughter of immigrant parents, this value feels very familiar because it is also deeply rooted in Latino culture. Growing up, greeting others respectfully was always expected in my household, so seeing this practice here feels comforting and meaningful.
These experiences have also made me reflect on my own identity. Many of the values I see here, like respect in everyday interactions, warmth in conversation, and a strong sense of community, feel similar to those present in many Latin cultures. Even the Italian language shares similarities with Spanish. Although the cultures are not identical, there are moments when the language, values, and interactions feel familiar, and it has helped me feel seen during my time here.
I am very grateful for the cultural immersion I have experienced so far and look forward to continuing to learn and grow during the rest of my time in Florence!
