Moving to a new country is an exciting adventure, but it also comes with its challenges. When I packed my bags for Florence, I thought I had prepared for everything, but I soon realized that you can't understand certain aspects of studying abroad until you experience them. Here's what I prepared for, what I didn't expect, and how I've adjusted to my new life abroad.
Before arriving in Florence, I did my best to familiarize myself with Italian culture. I also contacted people I knew who had studied here before about the best places to eat, shop, and explore in Florence, making a list of their recommendations. Thanks to CIS Abroad, I felt prepared for some of the main aspects of moving abroad. They provided guidance every step of the way. The CIS Abroad website is full of information, covering everything from packing tips and budgeting advice to academic resources and much more.
CIS Abroad also provided us with several orientation sessions throughout the process of preparing to go abroad and transitioning to life in Florence. They provided detailed directions and made navigating my new city much less stressful. I've been here for a month and a half now, and my program coordinators have consistently provided us with helpful resources as well as check-ins to see how we are adjusting.
However, no matter how much you prepare, there are always surprises when adjusting to a new place. One of the most significant adjustments for me was getting used to my day-to-day life in Florence. The city is understandably different from what I was used to back home, from the way people interact with one another to the pace of life. While I had planned for sightseeing and cultural experiences, I hadn't fully thought about the small routines that would shape my everyday life. Simple tasks like grocery shopping or using public transportation felt overwhelming initially, but I became more confident and independent over time. Establishing a daily routine, like finding my go-to coffee spot in the morning or figuring out when to go to the grocery store, helped me feel more settled and at home.
Another challenge I didn't anticipate was homesickness. While I expected to miss my family and friends, I didn't realize how small moments, such as seeing a photo of them on social media or celebrating a holiday away from home, would bring sudden waves of sadness. These little spurts of homesickness come at unexpected times, but staying in touch through video calls and messages has helped me stay connected.
While CIS Abroad provided valuable guidance, there were personal aspects of studying abroad that I had to figure out on my own. Deciding what to pack was a challenge at first. I only had so much room in my suitcase, so I had to carefully choose what I wanted to bring. Luckily, I found many helpful videos online from students who had previously studied abroad, which made it easier to decide what to pack. I also had to establish my own routine, balancing school, exploring Florence, and maintaining relationships with loved ones back home.
Finding the right balance between staying present in my new surroundings and keeping in touch with family and friends was important. I still struggle with this from time to time, but I've learned that scheduling regular calls with friends and family and sharing stories about my experiences has helped me feel more connected while still experiencing everything Florence has to offer.
Adjusting to life abroad is a mix of excitement, learning, and unexpected emotions. While I prepared for many aspects of study abroad, some things could only be figured out along the way. Despite the challenges, living in Florence has been an incredible experience, and each day brings new opportunities to grow, adapt, and appreciate this adventure.
Interested in studying abroad in Italy? Check out all of our study abroad and intern abroad programs here!
Blog by Ellie Jones
Indiana University - Bloomington
Semester in Florence - Florence University of the Arts