Step 1: Calm down!

I was quite nervous getting ready to leave from Washington State to Florence. Though I had been out of the country before, it had been quite some time since I had done any extensive traveling. So many thoughts were running through my head; what will it look like, what will the people be like, how will I adapt, what if I get lost, what if there are huge language barriers? Even though it’s normal to be anxious about any trip, especially when studying abroad, I almost psyched myself out and caused myself to be more nervous than necessary. I had to remind myself of how awesome of an experience it’s going to be, I have support from friends and family, and SAI is a fantastic provider program. Just tell yourself: You got this!

Step 2: Get excited!

This is the experience of a lifetime! You will dream about every day of your time in Florence for the rest of your life. You’ll be telling your friends and family about this for years to come. It’s one thing to dream about traveling, it’s another to actually do it. Being abroad for a good amount of time to really get a taste of the culture, the history, the people, and of course the food is amazing because you get to know Florence in a way that not many travellers do. You’re going to learn so much about yourself and the world around you and give yourself a leg up in the world because you have experience that not many have. Get pumped!

Step 3: Be ready!

Plan ahead! Pack light, but also pack smart. I pretty much only packed summer dresses for my whole six-week program, but the entire first week it was pouring rain. I had to buy an umbrella from a street vendor and let my shoes air dry for two days. I would suggest bringing at least one item of clothing for every situation. For the summer, at least one pair of jeans, a windbreaker/rain jacket with a hood, tennis shoes, shoes for running through the rain or looking cute on a warm summer day, and clothes that are versatile and can be worn for different kinds of weather and occasions. This will save you room when it comes to packing. You can always buy things here, but it’s also good to be prepared. When you arrive, try to get yourself on Florence time as soon as possible to avoid jetlag. The sooner you get on schedule, the better. Check out the area you will be staying in and do a Google Maps street view of your apartment and what’s around it. Connect with your roommates via social media so you can start building a relationship with them. This really helps with planning things to do, like going out and traveling! It’s good to also do your research of Florence. Learn about the transportation system, cultural norms, and if at all possible try to learn survival phrases such as “do you speak English, where is the bathroom, please/thank you, hello/goodbye (formal), how much, where is…” If you try, they will too.

Step 4: Enjoy!

Take the time to just enjoy your time! Get a taste of everything, literally! Go out of your way to do things you won’t be able to experience anywhere else. Go to the markets, haggle at the leather market, try the wine, try the meat, try the cheese, try every flavor of gelato, go on a walk and get a little lost, get to know the city. It’s an amazing city with something around every corner. Step outside of your comfort zone; it’s where you grow the most. Make the most out of your experience and it will be one you will cherish for a lifetime!