A Swiss dream come true! Lunch spot on top of Mürren during Spring Break

Hello everyone! My name is Isabella Gilmore, and I am from San Diego, CA. Spending the spring semester studying abroad in Florence, Italy, was one of my life’s most meaningful and transformative experiences. I discovered new passions, built incredible friendships, and learned to navigate life in a new culture with an open heart.

Teaching English at a local elementary school

One of the most impactful parts of my time abroad was volunteering at a local elementary school just 15 minutes from the Florence city center. I worked with a class of energetic 4th graders every week, helping them learn English through creative writing and speaking activities. I coordinated lesson plans with the teacher and was even allowed to lead the class. The students were bright, kind, and endlessly curious. They asked the funniest questions and always kept me on my toes! On my last day, they surprised me with drawings and handmade gifts, followed by so many goodbye hugs I could barely make it out the door. I’ll never forget their joy, their laughter, or the warmth they showed me.

Shadowing position at a local Periodontal Office

Alongside teaching, I also had the opportunity to shadow a periodontist and dental hygienist at a local dentist’s office. Watching a gum surgery on my very first day there was something I’ll never forget! Even with the language barrier, I quickly found that facial expressions and body language bridged the gap. I learned front and back office duties and gained a better understanding of how dental care operates in a different country. These experiences have given me a deeper appreciation for the global side of healthcare, and I’m excited to bring what I’ve learned with me into dental hygiene school this fall and eventually to my future patients.

Kraków, Poland

Spring break brought more adventure when my friends and I traveled 10 hours by FlixBus to Chamonix, France. There, we skied down epic trails, ate the most delicious croissants, played cards with fellow travelers in a hostel, and explored every corner of the mountain town. It was exhausting, exhilarating, and unforgettable.

Beautiful day exploring Venice, Italy

If I could give any advice to someone planning to study abroad, it’s this: take a deep breath and savor the little moments. Whether you missed a train ride or you’re watching the sun dip behind the hills at Piazza Michelangelo (exactly where I fell in love with Florence), those moments of beauty, chaos, and quiet strength will stay with you long after the semester ends. And don’t be afraid to say yes—yes to dinners, to weekend trips, to late-night gelato runs. You never know which “yes” will lead you to the friendships and memories you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

Weekend trip to Ibiza island

Florence will always have a piece of my heart, and I’m so grateful for the people, places, and lessons that shaped my time there. Grazie!

Written by: Isabella, Spring 2025 Florence student from UNC Chapel Hill