Before I arrived in Italy, I was quite nervous about how I would be treated as a transgender student. I am attending Florence University of the Arts and taking a course on wine appreciation and gallery exhibition and curating. It was very difficult to find resources online before my trip about how I might be treated, so I want to provide that to other people.

Professors and staff at Florence University of the Arts have all been incredibly respectful. I have yet to have a bad experience with the University. The people of Florence are less friendly than Americans culturally, but this means they are not very invested in your personal life. I would say that studying abroad with a diverse gender identity is nerve-racking, but once you are settled in it can be liberating. As far as I can discern, Florence is quite similar, if not more progressive, in its views on gender than the U.S. As a study abroad student, I am also housed in the center of Florence which is catered almost entirely to tourists. Even though I am unsure of how the Italians here might view me, there are almost always tourists around who I understand the views of.

I think the biggest thing to consider is how you may be housed, I came here and am staying with a long-time friend. As a trans person, this makes it a lot less intimidating, but I think the same could apply to anyone with a diverse identity. I also encourage anyone who is nervous about their identity abroad to, after confirming their host country is safe for them, step out of their comfort zone. It can be really worth it.

If you ever have any concerns about your study abroad program or host country, your study abroad advisor is a great resource and support. You can find your advisor on the Mizzou Study Abroad web page.

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Learn more about this blogger’s study abroad program: Florence University of the Arts