Advertisement
Published: February 5th 2018
Edit Blog Post
Two gals enjoying some coco-colaIt is crazy to think that it was only a little over a week ago that I was still in Firenze walking along the cobblestone streets of this beautiful city. While I am happy to be back in the states with my family and friends, I already find myself missing the people, food, and amazing views of Florence. I also think back to my very first post, I was so excited but also very nervous about studying abroad. I was apprehensive about traveling out of the country for the first time, and also traveling a far distance without my family, as well as making new friends. I knew almost no one on this trip, so I was wary that I would be able to make friends in such a short period of time. While there were many hardships I encountered while traveling it was an experience I believe I needed in order to grow as a person and learn how to be more independent. I enjoyed every moment in Florence and am so grateful for the great friends I made along the way, the awesome teachers in my program that helped put this trip together, and the amazing faculty of AEF
Hannah can't hangthat have given me this incredible opportunity.
What I learned most about myself is that it is important to stay positive and to not let my anxiety from being in a foreign place get the best of me. I found myself at times struggling being in an environment where most people could not understand me and where I could not understand them. I had to really learn to be more patient and realize that I cannot get overwhelmed by things that are out of my control. One of the biggest struggles I had while abroad was being sick for most of my time in Italy. As I previously mentioned in an earlier blog, being under the weather really made it difficult to stay positive and I really had to push myself to not let it ruin my trip. Even though it was not the highlight of my trip, it really taught me to be more independent, I had to take care of myself, otherwise I would have never gotten better. I also realized that sometimes life does not work in your favor, sometimes you get sick while traveling, you get lost, people disagree, and plans change. It is important
Roomie & Lizz loveto remember that only you can determine how you feel about a situation. I could have complained every single day I was sick, or was unhappy about something, (which I did a few times, no one is perfect) but instead I tried my best to see the best out of every situation. I was given this incredible opportunity that some people only get to dream about, and if that isn't something to positive about, I don't know what is.
Being in a different country also made me realize that just because people do things differently than I do, does not mean that it is wrong. Life in Italy is much more different than life in the United States. It is much more laid-back, shops close earlier, and the people in general are very friendly and welcoming. While it was hard to adjust to a different culture I find myself missing certain aspects of it. I miss the personal conversations I had with the people in the smaller, locally owned shops, and how helpful they were to my friends and I. My favorite memory of this was when a group of us randomly walked into a paper shop and we
My heartwere immediately welcomed in by the owner, Gianni, who was so kind and sweet. He even gave us a personal tour and demonstration of how he does marble printing. I found this really sincere and special because even though we are from different countries and cultures, we were still able to connect and still have common interests even though we come from very different backgrounds and experiences.
After having this experience I would most definitely travel again, without a doubt in my mind. Exploring Italy has only made me realize how little I know about other cultures and even myself for that matter. I had no idea I would be as interested in art and architecture as I was when we toured museums and historical landmarks. Some of my favorite memories come from hearing and learning about everything Elizabeth taught us in the Uffizi, the Accademia, the Vatican, and the countless other museums and monuments I had the opportunity to see. This trip has me already wanting to plan my next visit, even though there were some low points, it is so easy for me to brush off when I think about all that I learned and the wonderful
As you can see, we take art very seriously.people I met. They are memories I will cherish forever. If I were to give advice to a prospective student I would say go for it. Don't let money or fear stop you from experiencing different parts of the world. Be prepared that it all won't be lollipops and rainbows, it takes some time to adjust to a different culture, and you should always talk to someone if you are having problems, but it is so worth it in the end. Firenze will forever have my heart, and I cannot wait to return.
For the last time,
CIAO!
STEPS
1.27 - 358
1.28 - 4,451
1.29 - 1,996
1.30 - 4,023
1.31 - 1,330
2.01 - 2,897
2.02 - 3,789
2.03 - 2,345
Advertisement
Tot: 0.06s; Tpl: 0.011s; cc: 9; qc: 50; dbt: 0.0309s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1;
; mem: 1.1mb