Living in Florence has been an absolute blast, but adapting to the culture has definitely taken some getting used to. One of the biggest adjustments for me was the slower pace of life. I am a type-A person, and I like things to run on schedule. Arriving somewhere and realizing “on time” is more of a suggestion here than a rule took a little patience. For example, last year I had 30-minute increments written into my schedule for eating. I’m used to days being packed with back-to-back commitments. In Florence, things move a little differently. Restaurants encourage you to sit and enjoy a meal rather than rush out the door, and many businesses close for a few hours in the afternoon. At first, I found this frustrating because I was used to grabbing food to go or eating while walking somewhere. Over time, though, I have started to appreciate the slower rhythm. It has forced me to take a step back and enjoy the moment instead of constantly thinking about the next thing on my schedule.
The language barrier has also been a challenge at times. Even though I am taking Italian here, it can be difficult to apply what I’ve learned in real conversations. People speak Italian so fast! Either way, it is a good way to practice what I learn in the classroom and I am definitely improving.
In the classroom, one of the biggest challenges has been balancing schoolwork with the opportunity to travel. It can be tempting to plan trips every weekend, so staying organized is key to keeping assignments from piling up. Some of my coursework is also more open-ended than what I’m used to. For example, drawing assignments can take as much time as you decide to give them. At first, I found that a little confusing because there isn’t always a clear “right” amount of time to spend on them. To manage this, I’ve tried to stay organized with a schedule and set personal deadlines so I don’t fall behind while still making the most of my time abroad.
Interacting with locals and other students in the program has also shaped my experience here. Italians are generally very friendly and willing to help, even when there is a language barrier. Sometimes conversations involve a mix of Italian, English, and hand gestures, which actually works better than you might expect. Also, Google Translate is always here to help! These interactions have made me more patient and more willing to step outside my comfort zone. Spending time with people from different backgrounds has also made me reflect on my own habits and personality. I’ve realized that while I still like to stay organized and productive, it’s okay to slow down sometimes and enjoy the moment. Florence is a great place to practice that habit.
