My name is Pia DiGesualdo, and I just finished my study abroad in Florence, Italy, in the Fall of 2024. I had the absolute best time, an experience that improved my life drastically. In the summer before my fall abroad, I was nervous about my life for the next few months and what this massive change would entail. A new city and travels with new languages, cultures, customs, friends, and adjustments all felt like a whirlwind of excitement and nerves. The new friends I met abroad are some of my best friends, with whom I still keep in close contact. We had some fantastic memories and traveled to many different countries together. I got the chance to reunite with a friend from high school and met people from all over the United States and the world, creating new friendships that I hope will last a lifetime. Living in a new city was different initially, but I quickly settled into my new routine. It is essential to remember that you are not alone. There are thousands of students just like you who have made this massive change.
It was easy to travel anywhere, everything was close and relatively cheap. I traveled to Austria, Slovakia, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Switzerland, Greece, Hungary, Croatia, Spain, and the Netherlands. My favorite places I traveled were Switzerland and London. Everyone speaks English in those two countries and were willing to help us with questions or struggles. There will sometimes be bumps in the road, but there is always a fix and someone there to advise. The cultures are beautiful abroad and I found the food spectacular. I have several allergies, and each country I traveled to was very accommodating and understanding of my needs. Because of this I could still try foods native to the cultures I was visiting.
I chose Italy as my abroad location as I know a bit of Italian and my family is Italian. It is also a popular tourist destination and study-abroad location for students, making it a great place to make friends and connections. Florence is a beautiful city with its history, art, and architecture, which also led to my decision. My favorite part of this experience was my ability to meet new people, travel to lovely countries, experience beautiful cultures, and try new things! I also learned a lot about Italian culture firsthand through my coursework, which I could not do in the States. There wasn't nearly enough time I spent there I loved it. Abroad brought out a new side of me while living and studying, immersed in a new culture, and I cannot wait to travel again!
Global Fairfield offers a wide variety of programs and opportunities with Florence University of the Arts. If you are interested in exploring our options, visit our website for more information!
