I am currently studying in Florence, Italy for the 12-week program that is offered. My program started with a travel week that was 8 days long and consisted of early days and late nights, traveling around the country and seeing a large range of what it has to offer. This is the first time I have ever been out of the US, so beginning with a week of travel was a bit overwhelming for me, but it was also one of the best experiences I have ever had. The week kicked off in Rome where our group stopped by a bunch of the major sites including St. Peter’s Basilica, the Pantheon, the Colosseum, etc., but quickly moved on to places that are less focused on in typical tourist trips. We visited a variety of gardens that were built in different periods, went on a wine tour, entered Etruscan ruins, and had a beach day in Cinque Terre. I went into this experience completely alone, without knowing anyone that would be in my first week or anyone in Florence. I came out of the first week with some of the best people I have ever met, and we have already planned separate trips together. I have been in Florence for a little less than a month now, and I can absolutely say that coming here has changed my perspective on life completely. I am incredibly grateful for being here and can’t wait to document more excursions and experiences.

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