Italy

By Cynthia T.

Published June 25, 2026

For as long as I can remember, I have always considered myself coffee's #1 fan. Or so I thought. After coming to Milan, however, I have realized that I am placed far behind the nonnas and nonnos. I have encountered such a strong culture around coffee here. In Italy, coffee is not treated merely as…

By Rian N.

Published June 18, 2026

I visited the Uffizi Art Gallery in the city center of Florence, Italy. This gallery is home to thousands of paintings and sculptures from the Italian Renaissance. The gallery was built in the 16th century and was originally used for government offices. Later, it became a home for the art collections of the Medici family.…

By Zoe W.

Published June 12, 2026

Ciao from Milan! I’m currently in my third week abroad, and I’ve already experienced so much of what makes this city so special — stunning cultural sites, incredible food and some truly great people along the way. But surprisingly, one of my favorite moments here hasn’t been at a museum or landmark. It’s been in…

By Daniela G.

Published June 10, 2026

When I landed in Florence, I expected beautiful architecture, amazing food and unforgettable memories. What I did not expect was how deeply this experience would change my perspective on health care, culture and even myself. Studying nursing ethics in Florence gave me the opportunity to learn in a way that no class in the United…

By Belle-Ange G.

Published June 9, 2026

Our first full day in Taormina! We explored the city, browsing the street vendors before walking through history at the ancient Greek theater, a Roman amphitheater where gladiators not only fought but also lived. https://flic.kr/p/2shSD6J Exploring the Greek ancient theater. Spent the day hiking Mount Etna! We learned from an archaeologist about the unique Etna…

By Isabel J.

Published April 17, 2026

This past week many people celebrated Easter. Considering Italy is a Catholic country, the traditions for celebrating the rising of Christ are quite extensive and are rooted deep in history. Specifically in Florence, there is a ceremony in the main Duomo called Scoppio del Carro and thousands of people gather around to watch. Essentially a…

By Isabel J.

Published March 9, 2026

When I arrived in Florence, Italy, two months ago I had never used public transportation on my own before. Very quickly after moving in I realized the importance of being able to use the busing system though. Getting around on the trams and buses is a lot of trial and error, partially because I don't…

By Devin D.

Published Feb. 17, 2026

Although we were warned in orientation that there would be reverse culture shock upon coming home, I didn’t quite understand it in the moment. It wasn’t until I touched back down it Atlanta, Georgia, from Rome that it really hit me that I just spent a semester in another country, with people I didn’t know…

By Amani P.

Published Feb. 11, 2026

Before I studied abroad, it didn't occur to me that I would be spending Thanksgiving in Italy. I think that I was so focused on the fact that I would make it back for my birthday and Christmas, that Thanksgiving faded away in my brain. Really, all of our brains. We didn't notice until it…

By Isabel J.

Published Feb. 2, 2026

Today marks the two week point in my semester abroad experience. I arrived last Monday in Florence and moved in with 20 girls for the next 16 weeks. Within my time living here so far I have picked up and attempted to adopt new habits in my daily routine to better fit in with Italian…