During my time abroad in Florence, one of the most challenging aspects of adapting to the culture has been adjusting to differences in communication styles and daily routines. In general, things move at a slower and more flexible pace compared to what I am used to. Schedules feel less structured, and expectations are not always clearly stated. At first, this was frustrating, especially in my classes, because I am used to clear instructions and efficiency. I often found myself unsure of what was expected of me, which pushed me out of my comfort zone and made me more creative with my work for classes. 

Since being in Italy, I have started to adjust to the people and the overall way of life here. One of the biggest differences I’ve noticed is the pace of daily life. In the United States, I am very used to the hustle and fast-paced lifestyle, where everything feels rushed and structured. In contrast, life in Italy feels much slower and more relaxed. People take the time to enjoy what is around them and appreciate the beauty of everyday life. While this was difficult for me at first, I am learning to slow down and embrace this mindset, especially by taking time to notice small moments like the sunsets on the Arno River. 

I am managing well overall, but it hasn’t been without difficulties. I do get homesick and miss my family and friends. I also miss what is going on back at school at the University of Pittsburgh, as well as the people I worked with in my internship, and my sorority friends. Being away from my friends has been hard at times, but having some of my best friends here as a support system has been awesome. Also, having my mom and sister visit really helped me feel more grounded and supported. Another thing that has helped is joining my program’s soccer league, where we play against other international universities in Florence. This has allowed me to meet new people I never met before, feel more connected, and create a sense of community while abroad.

Navigating cross-cultural situations has been one of the most valuable parts of my experience. I’ve learned to be more patient, especially when dealing with language barriers, and more open to different perspectives. These experiences have helped me become more independent, adaptable, and confident.

Overall, while adapting to a new culture has been challenging, it has also been incredibly rewarding. I am learning how to grow by stepping outside of my comfort zone and embracing new experiences.