You'd be surprised how much Italian you can pick up on with a background in Spanish.
Also, as far as the bigger cities go, you don't really need a whole lot of Italian speaking skills because a lot of people in the bigger cities are bi-lingual so they're pretty good about speaking English. But of course, it's fun to communicate with the locals in their own language :)
welcome to Firenze ! Ciao Meredith ! looking forward to reading further notes on your italian experience. Firenze is a cool city and I am sure you will love it. All the best and maybe see you there.
Saluti da Firenze
Paolo
My name is Meredith, obviously, and I am a junior this year at Alma College studying abroad in Florence, Italy. If you have never been to this marvelous city I suggest you come here because it is AMAZING!!! If you would like to know more, just ask! =)... full info
Maruszan
non-member comment
I read it!
...you expected me to put more down? I give it a 7.