Studying abroad is an opportunity to discover a new passion while learning about a new culture.  As a SAI student in Florence,  I discovered my passion for Calcio(football/soccer) and experienced the significance of the local regions. Prior to my study abroad experience, I attended a few matches in the U.S. and watched the World Cup. Nothing prepared me for being part of the excitement  of attending Fiorentina’s matches at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.  Quickly, I became a Fiorentina fan which I continue to be as a SAI alum.

It also was exciting to see Fiorentina’s iconic Viola (Purple) displayed throughout the city of Florence.  The love for  Fiorentina  is woven into the fabric of the city itself. The team’s color can be seen on flags, scarves, jerseys, and posters all over the city, whether it is a matchday or not! Being surrounded by such passion drew me in and I haven’t let go. 

 Every time I return to Florence I search for the latest “merch” and wear it proudly, there and at home in the U.S. As a retail management major at University of South Carolina, I took fashion oriented courses in Florence so I can really appreciate from both a fan and business perspective, Fiorentina’s influence on local fashion.  In a relatively short amount of time, I’ve amassed a rather large collection of purple football jerseys ranging from the modern on-field styles to the classics worn in the 80s and 90s. My weekends ever since I returned home have been structured around wearing one of my jerseys and watching La Viola(the purple) play. 

This passion for European football has only continued to grow.  I am following teams from all across Europe and have started to include their matches in my international travel plans. The most recent was a match where Olympique Lyon played Paris FC in Paris. 

My advice to those planning to study abroad is to take the time to move beyond what is unfamiliar and dig deeper to find a new interest such as cooking, painting, or sports. That new interest may become a life’s passion, like Calcio has become for me. My passion gives me a unique connection to my time abroad with everlasting memories. 

Written by: SAI Academic Relations Assistant and SAI Florence alumni, Brett, from the University of South Carolina