Leaving for Florence marked my first time stepping outside the United States, and the reality hit me hard as I hugged my family goodbye. It wasn’t nervousness that overwhelmed me; it was a profound sadness at the thought of being away from them for so long. As I walked through the airport, the excitement of my adventure mingled with the weight of leaving my loved ones behind.

Upon arriving in Rome for my connecting flight, the cultural shock became apparent. Not being fluent in Italian was humbling, especially when I found myself lost and unable to ask for help. Navigating the airport without knowing the language made me acutely aware of my surroundings. Even a simple trip to the grocery store felt daunting. Standing in the aisle surrounded by unfamiliar products, I relied on pictures to guide my choices. These early moments, though overwhelming, taught me the importance of patience and resourcefulness. I had to find creative ways to navigate through the language barrier, and those small victories like successfully buying groceries felt like major accomplishments.

Through SAI activities, classes, and mutual friends, I soon found a wonderful network of people. One of my roommate’s best friends, a kind and warm-hearted person from Egypt, had a significant influence on my journey. Learning about her language, culture, and perspective on life opened my eyes to viewpoints I never knew existed. We had long conversations about everything from family dynamics to different traditions and values. Her insights have made me reflect on my own cultural assumptions and helped me realize how much I have to learn from others.

One of the highlights of my early days in Florence was participating in a scavenger hunt organized by SAI. My roommate and I were hesitant at first, but we decided to join in. I’m so glad we did! We bonded over the adventure and ended up winning a rooftop wine tastingperfect for celebrating our newfound friendship and excitement about being in this beautiful city.

Sharing my American culture with my friends has enriched our connections, particularly when it comes to our everyday lifestyles. I quickly learned that Italians often don’t have dryers or air conditioning, and the absence of ice in my water was a small but notable adjustment. These differences sparked conversations and laughter, allowing us to appreciate both the quirks of our own cultures and the beauty of others. Culinary adventures have been another highlight of this experience. I’ve tried countless kinds of pasta and pizzas, each meal a new exploration of Italian flavors. Sharing these meals with friends has made these moments even more memorable, turning simple dinners into shared experiences of discovery.

Florence’s community fosters connections among diverse individuals. Engaging with this community has allowed me to meet people from around the world, creating a sense of belonging in this stunning city. Organizations like SAI have been invaluable, offering support and facilitating connections, ensuring newcomers feel welcomed and included. Thanks to them, I’ve been able to navigate my new environment more confidently, with resources and opportunities to engage with people from all walks of life.

Living in such a diverse environment has profoundly changed my worldview. I’ve learned to approach situations with curiosity rather than judgment, embracing cultural differences with an open mind. Conversations with friends from various backgrounds have expanded my understanding of global issues and human experiences, showing me that despite our differences, the core desires for connection, understanding, and belonging remain universal. My Egyptian friend, for example, taught me that what I thought was a “universal” way of doing things like the importance of family can look vastly different from one culture to another, yet still carry the same emotional weight.

My experiences in Florence have deeply shaped my understanding of diversity. Each friendship I’ve made has added a new layer to my life, enriching my journey in ways I never anticipated. Through these connections, I’ve gained a greater appreciation for the many layers that make up the human experience and I’ve learned to celebrate those differences, knowing they are what make us stronger.

Written by: Andrew, Fall 2024 Florence student, from Miami University