Living and working in Florence over the past few weeks has given me the chance to experience Italian culture beyond the food, landmarks, and tourist attractions. While those things are certainly part of the experience, I have found myself paying more attention to the everyday habits, values, and ways people interact with one another. These aspects of culture are often less obvious, but they have taught me a lot about adapting to a new environment.
One thing I connect with most in Italian culture is the importance of relationships. In Oman, spending time with family, friends, and the wider community is a big part of everyday life. I have noticed something similar in Italy. Whether it is people sitting together in cafés, families gathering for meals, or coworkers taking time to talk before getting down to business, there seems to be a strong emphasis on human connection. It reminds me of home and has made adjusting to life here much easier.
The part of Italy’s “deep culture” that I find most interesting is its approach to time and daily life. Compared to the US, where I have spent the last few years studying, people here seem less focused on rushing from one task to the next. There is more emphasis on enjoying the moment and giving people your attention when you are speaking with them. At first, I found this a little unusual because I am used to keeping a schedule and trying to make the most of every hour. Over time, I have started to appreciate the slower pace and the value of taking time to enjoy experiences rather than constantly thinking about what comes next.
I noticed this during my internship at MArB. Early on, I expected meetings and discussions to be very direct and focused only on the task at hand. Instead, conversations often included personal updates, discussions about different ideas, and time to get to know one another. At first, I wondered if this was making things less efficient. However, as I became more involved, I realized these conversations helped build trust and made teamwork much easier. People were more comfortable sharing ideas and asking questions because relationships had already been established. It showed me that there are different ways to work effectively.
The most challenging part of navigating cross-cultural situations has been understanding different communication styles. When people come from different countries and backgrounds, they often have different expectations about how conversations should happen. Sometimes what feels normal to one person can be interpreted differently by someone else. I have learned that it is important not to jump to conclusions and instead take the time to understand where people are coming from.
Being part of a program with students from different countries has also made me think more about my own identity. I have found myself explaining aspects of Omani culture that I normally would not think twice about. At the same time, I have learned a lot from listening to other people talk about their own experiences and traditions. These conversations have made me more aware of both the differences and similarities that exist between cultures.
Overall, my time in Florence has helped me become more adaptable and open-minded. I have learned that adjusting to a new culture is not about changing who you are, but about being willing to understand different perspectives. The experience has made me more confident in unfamiliar situations and has shown me the value of keeping an open mind when meeting people from different backgrounds. I think this is one of the most important lessons I will take away from my time abroad.
