By Herbie P.

Published July 20, 2023

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…

By Jordan M.

Published July 7, 2023

I think a super important topic to discuss before studying abroad is budget. This can be a weekly, monthly or even a categorical budget. There are several initial costs to think of as well as everyday living costs you would normally have to consider at your home university. First Easter Break…

By Olivia R.

Published July 4, 2023

My name is Olivia Roth, and I have spent the last three weeks eating gelato and frolicking around Florence, Italy. The Italian culture is rich in art, music, food and history. I got to be immersed in it while also advancing my knowledge toward my degree, nursing BSN. Let me walk you through my three-week…

By Maddie R.

Published May 26, 2023

Four months later, I am coming to the end of my study abroad journey in Rome, Italy. Over the past semester, I have learned so much about myself, the people around me, and Italian culture. That’s a lot of learning outside of school, on top of school. It’s safe to say that I am exhausted.…

By Gibson H.

Published May 23, 2023

This month, I got to experience spring break in Europe. They actually have a 2-week spring break, so my friends and I got to travel around and visit Switzerland and Italy! Our flight to Geneva, Switzerland was $40, and our train ride from Geneva to Italy was $80! It has been an incredible experience to…

By Sophia M.

Published May 17, 2023

My time in college is genuinely spent grinding. I would say one of my most significant character flaws is working too hard (future employers, I’m looking at you). Although that is kind of a joke, I do think there is some truth to my downfall: a usual inability to relax. I love to work and…

By Maddie R.

Published April 3, 2023

One thing that comes with studying abroad is the inevitability of being alone, probably more often than you ever have been in your life. At this point in my semester, I have spent time in three countries alone: Italy (obvs), France and Switzerland — in that order. And I can say that every time I…

By Maddie R.

Published March 15, 2023

This month, I had my school’s spring break — early, I know! I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to visit Nice, France; Madrid, Spain; Sevilla, Spain; and Lisbon, Portugal…in nine days. That breaks down to about two or three days in each location since I only spent about 12–15 hours in Madrid. National…

By Sophia M.

Published March 8, 2023

So... my phone got stolen. Moreover, my phone got stolen while I was visiting Barcelona. But it happens, and it's just a phone. I am studying in Florence, so Barcelona is not a place I can navigate myself very well. Watching yourself adapt quickly to what you do when you don't have GPS or general…

By Sophia M.

Published Feb. 13, 2023

Writing a blog entry about Florence feels like writing a love letter. More specifically, a love letter to the city, the people, the language, the culture and this chapter of my life. And just like with love, there is no way to describe what it feels like. Along the river Being in Florence feels like…