Eager to step into the footsteps of a college student who has experienced life abroad? We recently caught up with AIFS Abroad student Paulina, a Journalism major with a minor in Creative Writing from the University of Texas at Austin. She spent a May Term studying abroad in Florence, Italy — the birthplace of the Renaissance — at our Global Education Center.
Read on to learn more about her study abroad experience with AIFS Abroad and the impact of being an international student in Florence during May Term.
Choosing a Study Abroad Program Destination & Term
Deciding when and where to study abroad can be a challenge for a lot of students (our team can help with that!), but no matter where you go, you’re in for the adventure of a lifetime! Paulina chose Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance and one of Italy’s most iconic cities. Hear more about why this Italian hotspot was ideal for her short-term program experience:
“Italy has always been a destination I have wanted to go to. The food, history, landscapes, and people cannot be beat. Florence is a great study abroad town for many reasons:
– It is a very heavy English-speaking city.
– It is very fairly priced compared to bigger cities such as London or Paris.
– It is completely walkable! You don’t need public transportation whatsoever.
– There are so many fun spots that are known for study abroad students to get together, so it’s a great opportunity to meet other Americans doing the same thing!
– Its central location in Italy makes it the perfect area to travel to other cities or countries from. You’re only a couple of hours in train rides away from amazing cities like Amalfi Coast, Rome, Milan, etc.”
But, why study abroad in Florence during May Term specifically?
“I chose to study in the May Term because [it] was the perfect amount of time for me, personally. Studying abroad for a whole semester would make me too homesick and I don’t think I could last! But 3 weeks is just enough time — it actually made me warm up to the idea of staying longer.
A May Term also fit perfectly in my academic schedule, since I am pursuing a summer internship and a class. I will say, Florence in May got busy. In the beginning of the month it wasn’t too bad, but I could tell tourists were starting to pour in towards the end. However, I think that’s just the price you pay when visiting Europe between the months of May to August.”
Academics in Florence
One of the most exciting parts of studying abroad is taking unique, experiential courses at your host university or institution! It allows you to be in a different learning environment than you’re used to back at home, and can broaden your perspective.
Through AIFS Abroad, Paulina’s May Term course was taken at our very own Global Education Center, which is located in the heart of the historic center within walking distance of landmarks like the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, Accademia and numerous local shops and restaurants. Our local dedicated staff are also on-site, including a Program Director and Student Advisors to help scholars adjust to life in Italy — a huge component of why Paulina loved her experience so much.
“I liked how involved the staff were in every aspect. They were very approachable at the front desk and even when we did things like tours or weekend trips.”
In Florence, AIFS Abroad participants at our Global Education Center take classes alongside other college and university students from various home institutions across the United States. We prioritize small class sizes to encourage individualized learning opportunities. Paulina shares:
“Everyone in my program was with AIFS. My class only had 4 students total, but I loved it.”
Studying abroad presents a unique opportunity to take courses in a new setting. Whether you have requirements to fulfill to complete your degree or are looking to enroll in electives that simply pique your interest, there are tons of amazing learning opportunities! In Paulina’s case, her May Term program allowed her to take one 3-credit course applicable to her major and future career with AIFS Abroad.
“I took only one course since it was a May Term, and that was Street Photography. I absolutely loved our professor, Alessandro Galatoli. He taught us so much about photography and how to use a DSLR camera in just 3 weeks. Because my major is Journalism and I am going to pursue a career in broadcast news, it is important for me to learn photography, which is why I took the course. Little did I know I would learn so much more!”
Transitioning into a new academic setting can be an exciting challenge! While you’re used to life as a college student on your home university’s campus being a certain way, life as a student abroad isn’t going to be an exact replica of that experience — including in the classroom. Paulina’s Street Photography course in Florence provided her with a hands-on learning opportunities and impactful ways to engage with her local surroundings.
“This class was nothing like I’ve taken before. My professor made the material very engaging to where everyone was able to practice photography in real life scenarios. He also took us to the best lookout spots in Florence!”
Language Learning
Fun fact: It’s not a requirement to be fluent in a foreign language to study abroad! While some course options may require a certain level of proficiency, we can accommodate language learners of all levels on our programs. If language immersion scares you a bit, you can always choose to study abroad in an English-speaking country, but we encourage you to push yourself out of your comfort zone if you’re at all interested. It can be incredibly exciting to learn a new language as a student abroad — both inside and outside of the classroom!
Paulina made the most of language learning opportunities during her three weeks in Florence, with an effort to practice her Italian skills whenever she had the chance.
“I got lucky because most Italians in Florence, at least in the city center, speak English as well. Many signs and restaurant menus were in English, so I didn’t have too much trouble regarding immersion. However, obviously some places still were authentic Italian. In these instances, I would try my best with the few Italian words I knew like thank you, hello, you’re welcome, have a good day. I think it’s important to know some basics if you’re ever in a scenario you would need it, and everyone in Italy is so welcoming to learning their language!”
Housing
Did you know all AIFS Abroad programs include housing? Typical options include shared apartments, student residences/dorms, and living with a local family in a homestay. Paulina’s accommodations in Florence were in a centrally-located shared apartment with four other students, a perfect opportunity to bond with others from her program and gain independence.
“It was amazing. The ceilings were beautiful, we had a great view of the church across from us, and we had great amenities like AC and renovated bathrooms…. We definitely lucked out with our location, as well. It was right in the historical center and city center which was great for going to school and doing other things like going to restaurants, shops, etc. I shared a room with my friend and then the other room had 3 girls in it. It all worked out because we were all friends by the end of it.”
Making Friends Abroad
College is often the first time many students are out on their own, forging friendships with other students that can become almost like family. Because of this, it can be understandable that some are on the fence about doing a study abroad program alone or consider holding off applying until a friend is available to go with them. Obviously the more the merrier, but we recommend that you study abroad when it’s convenient for you. Chances are you’ll forge new friendships once abroad, like Paulina did as a student in Florence with AIFS Abroad.
“I didn’t know anyone going, which I think is what people should do! I only knew of one girl that I was mutual friends with. I reached out to her a couple weeks before and I asked to room together, and I’m so glad that I did. We instantly clicked and she introduced me to the other girls she knew and the 5 of us hung out all the time, the rest of the program. In my photography class, the only girl in it happened to be in the same sorority as me but at a different school, and we became great friends. I think it’s definitely an adjustment to meet so many new people at once, but more often than not, everyone else is going to be in the same shoes as you. Just be open to making friends and meeting new people! Don’t be shy, be yourself and don’t put too much pressure on other peoples’ experiences.”
Social & Cultural Activities
Each and every AIFS Abroad program includes social and cultural activities, as well as excursions — and our May Term study abroad program in Florence is no exception! These co-curricular experiences are an amazing way to learn outside of the classroom, and for students to get to know their host region and its culture. Students in Florence can choose from a variety of activity options, but Paulina loved our program-led tour of one of the world’s most iconic museums: The Uffizi Gallery.
“My favorite tour was the Uffizi Museum. It was the most breathtaking museum I have ever been to, especially when I got to see the famous Venus painting. Our tour guide, [who is] also professor that works for AIFS, was amazing! He knew so much history about each painting and I was entranced during the whole tour. I highly recommend to anyone that’s interested in art or history to sign up for every museum tour that AIFS offers.”
Culture Shock & Cultural Immersion
When you first arrive to your study abroad destination and start to transition into your life overseas, odds are you may experience a little bit of culture shock. That said, it can be different for each student! Some experience it more or less than others. At times, program length can have an impact — some (again, not all!) students on short-term programs can experience less culture shock than those on longer term programs. Paulina said she didn’t experience a ton of culture shock for the few weeks she was on a May Term program with AIFS Abroad in Florence, but she was definitely impacted by the Italian pace of life.
“I will say, everyone in Italy is so much more easy-going than us in America. I wish I could live like that all the time! They also eat dinner way later, like around 10. I am used to waking up early and having dinner around 5, so this definitely took some getting used to.”
But what did Paulina love most about the culture in Florence or Italy at large? She shares her favorite elements or experiences, both in every day life and unique one-off adventures.
“I don’t know if I can pinpoint a favorite, but as a Catholic, being able to sit in these magnificent churches and pray was amazing. One day I prayed at the church next to my apartment, and realized there was a priest next to me. This moment was so special because I was catching something I had never seen before, in this empty and beautiful church.
[Additionally,] Florence was filled with rich history and truly looked like a picture out of a storybook. Its old architecture and cobblestone streets were so fun to walk around every day. Additionally, every Italian that I interacted with was so kind and welcoming. I wish to be more like that when I meet others!”
Growth Through Education Abroad
There’s no shortage of growth that happens when you study abroad. Whether you choose to go overseas for a full semester or for just a few weeks like Paulina, you’ll see an immense change in yourself and your future goals.
“I truly broadened my perspective on life by seeing how other individuals across the world live their lives and how different it is from living in America. I definitely have future goals to go back to Italy and other European countries. I could even see myself living in Florence for an extended period of time!”
Final Thoughts
Paulina’s final words of wisdom for future study abroad participants? Take advantage of all the opportunities that come your way.
“My advice would be to take in every moment! If you have the opportunity to sign up for fun excursions from AIFS, do it! […] You won’t regret signing up, but you will regret not signing up (in my opinion). For instance, on my weekend trip in Venice, I got sick one of the days. While I was stuck in my hotel room of course I was sad, but I don’t regret going to Venice! I’m so thankful to have seen it and it was one of the most beautiful cities I have visited.”
Are you a student who’s ready to take the leap and study abroad on a May Term program in Florence like Paulina did with AIFS Abroad? We’d love to help you start your journey!
Here at AIFS Abroad, we know a thing or two about helping college students and pre-professionals study and intern abroad. Our programs are incredibly inclusive, which takes a lot of the stress out of planning. From coordinating your housing to providing things like cultural and social activities, excursions, comprehensive insurance, 24/7 emergency support, on-site staff, and more, you’ll take comfort in knowing you’ll have support throughout your entire experience abroad.
