Settling into my apartment in Florence definitely took some getting used to. For one, I quickly learned there are no elevators in most buildings here, which means I’m getting my daily steps in – especially since I’m on the 7th floor! It’s a small challenge, but it’s part of the experience. The showers are smaller than what I’m used to in the U.S., and there’s no dryer – just a small washer. At first, I thought it would be a hassle, but I’ve adjusted, and it feels pretty normal now.

One of the best things about my apartment is its location. I’m living near Gucci Plaza, so it’s just a 5-10 minute walk to many of the places I need to go in the city. It’s also great that I’m staying in an apartment where locals live, not just other students or tourists. It really helps me feel more connected to the city and its culture. Florence feels so much more like home when I’m walking through the streets alongside locals rather than just passing by on a tourist bus.

SAI has been great in making the adjustment process easier. Right away, we had the chance to go on a hike to Michelangelo’s Square, where the views of Florence were incredible. You can see the entire city spread out in front of you, with its iconic terracotta rooftops and stunning buildings. Afterward, SAI took us to a local gelato spot called Voidli, which had some of the best gelato I’ve ever had. It’s a hidden gem – the kind of place I’d never have found on my own – and it felt so authentic. That was just one of the many ways SAI has shown us the local side of Florence. It’s not just about seeing the big tourist spots; they really make an effort to show us the hidden, personal parts of the city.

They also organize free weekly activities and weekend trips, which have been a fantastic way to explore the city. One of my favorites so far was the street food tour. We visited five different restaurants, trying everything from pizza and pasta to gelato. I loved the casual vibe of the tour; it wasn’t rushed, and we really got to soak in the local flavors. It was a great way to sample local dishes, discover new favorite spots, and meet other students who are also eager to experience everything Florence has to offer.

Another highlight was a 3-hour cooking lesson with SAI, where we learned to make pear and ricotta ravioli and fettuccine pasta from scratch. I’d never made pasta before, so it was incredible to learn the whole process. We even got to prepare tiramisu for dessert, which was a total game-changer – there’s nothing like making your own dessert from scratch! Sharing the meal with friends afterward felt like the perfect end to a hands-on experience. Cooking together brought us all closer and gave me a deeper appreciation for the food culture in Italy.

Overall, SAI has made it easy to explore Florence while connecting with new people. The activities and trips are great for getting to know the city, and the chance to learn new skills – like cooking – has made this experience feel even more worthwhile. I’m constantly amazed at how much there is to do and see here, from casual gelato trips to cultural hikes, cooking classes, and more. Each week feels like a new adventure, and I’m looking forward to seeing what else this semester has to offer. I’m ready for whatever comes next – because with SAI, I know I’ll always have opportunities to dive deeper into the heart of Florence.

Written by: Sylvia, Spring 2025 Florence student from University of South Carolina