Being in Florence for over two months now, I’ve had the chance to struggle, succeed, and overall experience life in an almost entirely new way. Although it was not easy at the start, I think I have found my footing and been able to adapt. Although this has come with a set of unique challenges
For me, the hardest things that I have had to adjust to are the slower-paced and more relaxed way of living in Italy. Growing up in New York City and going to school in the heart of Pittsburgh, I am used to the fast-paced, rushing, and busy way of life. However, here, people walk more slowly, take their time doing things, especially when it comes to meals. People even talk slower. This took some getting used to at first, but it is not a bad thing, and I have even come to love it. I feel relaxed and never pressed for time, and overall, I just have more time.
As for navigating new life in my academic career, it has been mostly smooth. I enjoy all my classes, and they do not have as much work as I am used to, leaving me with plenty of free time to explore everything Florence has to offer. That is not to say I do not put care and effort into my classes or that they don’t demand it, it seems as if the Italian professors prefer a smaller number of assignments that are completed with care. Rather than constant, smaller assignments. I do not think one style is necessarily better than the other; they are just different. This took a little getting used to at first, but luckily, all my professors made the transition feel smooth.
Lastly, I have now come to have many interactions with Florentine locals and many other students studying abroad. This has given me a number of new perspectives to think about and has impacted my global mindset. Interacting with locals offers a great perspective into not just their way of life, but how they think and behave, which differs from the people back home. I have also interacted with numerous classmates, some of whom are from Pitt, while many are not. Talking to students from other universities has also been a valuable experience, as they had different introductions and expectations coming into Florence and come from all around the US, which is amazing to hear about. Overall, my time here has broadened my global perspective and given me new looks at life!?