the study abroad series
Hello, my darling!
I am so excited to welcome you to my new series where I reflect on one of the most incredible things I’ve ever done: studying abroad! Whether this inspires you to take the leap or gives you some helpful tips for your own adventure, I’ll be here to guide you along the way.
In 2022, I packed my bags and moved to Firenze, Italy. It was my very first time visiting Europe and the first time I’d ever been so far from my family and friends for so long. Honestly, I had no idea what to expect. All I knew was that this was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.
When my friends and I were deciding where to study abroad, I didn’t have a strong opinion. They had traveled more than I had and had a better idea of what would make for an amazing experience. After some back-and-forth, we landed on Florence (or Firenze, I shall say), and let me tell you—it was the absolute perfect choice.
The fabulous florence
Why Studying Abroad Is Worth It
I know everyone says studying abroad is “life-changing,” but it really, truly is. It’s not just about visiting beautiful places or checking things off your bucket list (though, that’s definitely part of it). It’s about stepping out of your comfort zone, learning to live in a completely different culture, and discovering so much about yourself along the way.
Even if you don’t have the chance to travel every weekend or live in an apartment 20 steps from the Duomo (still can’t believe that was my reality), just living in a new country and experiencing a new way of life is worth it. It’s an opportunity I’ll forever be grateful for, and I think everyone should take the leap if they can.
Why Florence?
Okay, I might be a little biased since this was the city I was lucky enough to call home for four months, but I genuinely believe Florence was the perfect place to study abroad.
The Perfect Size
Florence is just the right size. It’s small enough that you can walk everywhere and really get to know the city, but big enough that it never feels repetitive. I loved being able to explore every corner while still discovering something new every day.
The Perfect Location
Florence is perfectly located, making it easy to explore Italy and the rest of Europe. I spent almost every weekend traveling to different places, and Florence was the best home base to come back to. The calm, laid-back vibe during the weekdays balanced out the hustle and bustle of traveling on weekends.
My Day-to-Day Life in Florence
I had classes from Tuesday through Thursday, about six hours a day. Let me tell you, I got so lucky with my school and the classes they offered! I took courses like:
Food, Culture, & Lifestyle
Art & History of Florence
Sculpture
Oil Painting
Creative Writing
For one semester, I got to live out my dream of pretending to be a creative arts student, and it was everything.
Most weekends, I was traveling to other cities or countries (seriously, I think I stayed in Florence for only three weekends total). But even with all the traveling, I loved coming back to Florence during the week. It felt like my little home away from home.
What’s Coming Next in This Series?
In this series, I’ll dive into topics like:
What to pack
Things I wish I’d done differently
Planning weekend trips
My Florence highlights
How to make friends while abroad
...and so much more. If there’s something specific you want me to talk about, let me know! I can’t wait to relive this experience and share all the details with you.
Until next time,
Xoxo,
Avalon