The fear of the unknown paralyzed my overly active emotions for months leading up to leaving for Florence. This was a dream of mine that I was getting to experience! Overwhelmed, I genuinely did everything I could to not think about it. I was nervous that something would happen and I didn’t want to be let down. I know that’s a crazy thing to say, but I was so full of emotions I didn’t know how to feel about the experience. I was excited, terrified, nervous, grateful, as you can see every emotion under the sun. It did not fully hit me that I was going abroad for four months until I got here, so you can only imagine how my adjustment went!

The view from our prize for participating in the SAI scavenger hunt!

I do not speak Italian, nor am I able to understand any of the verbal dialog to hold a conversation or express what I want to say to others. This terrified me, therefore after I arrived in Florence, I was absolutely terrified to leave my apartment. I was worried that someone would attempt to interact with me, and I would simply be clueless. The first two weeks were the hardest for me, I was very hungry too! However, I realized that I had the opportunity to be in this beautiful place that most students never get to have. So, I told my over dramatic self to get over the fear and go outside! I never expected that a lot of the locals here would be so happy to hear you say ‘Ciao’. I have learned that my fears were silly and every interaction I have had in Florence has been very pleasant.

The view of the Duomo from the Oblate Library

The best way for me to get through the adjustment was to push myself to do things I was scared of doing. I made myself go to the market and attempt to speak to the locals. I also made myself go to the grocery store, I won’t even do that back home, so this is a huge deal for me! Going to the market and the grocery store were the hardest at first for me, but now I can do it all of the time without hesitation. I can now enjoy going to a cafe, or even a restaurant! Had I not faced my fear and overcome the anxiety I held within for the months leading up to Florence, I would have never been able to enjoy Italy properly.

The view of the Ponte Vecchio!

It is okay to feel nervous and scared when coming to Florence, it’s natural. The best advice I can give is to step out of your comfort zone, this is the best way to fully embrace this amazing experience while being abroad. Do crazy things, eat out every day, get coffee anytime you want; every time you want it! Remember to explore all of the beautiful places here, admire the beauty! Just fully enjoy and immerse yourself in this beautiful culture.

Written by: Emiley, Fall 2025 Florence student from University of South Carolina