Living in Florence has been an amazing experience, but there are definitely parts of the culture that have taken some getting used to. One of the biggest challenges has been adjusting to the different sense of time and structure. In the U.S., things tend to be very scheduled, especially in school or work environments. Here, things often feel more flexible and less rushed. At first, that uncertainty made me a little anxious because I am used to having very clear instructions and timelines. However, over the past few weeks I have started to appreciate the slower pace and the way people here seem to value enjoying the moment rather than constantly rushing. I try to stay open-minded and remind myself that things are just done differently here. What has helped the most is talking with classmates and locals. I have also started making my own structure by planning out my time so I can stay organized even when things around me feel a little more relaxed.

In my classes and my consulting experience, there have been moments where instructions have not been as clear as I expected. Instead of stressing about it, I have been trying to take more initiative, asking for clarification, double-checking expectations, and observing how others approach their work. It has definitely pushed me to be more independent and confident in speaking up.

Navigating cross-cultural situations has honestly been one of the most interesting parts of being here. Interacting with locals and with other students from different countries has made me realize how many small habits and assumptions come from my own culture. At the same time, it’s been rewarding to share experiences with people who grew up in completely different environments.

These interactions have also made me reflect more on my own identity. Being outside of my normal environment has helped me see which parts of my personality and values are really important to me. Overall, even though there have been moments of confusion or adjustment, those challenges have made the experience much more meaningful and have helped me to grow.