Looking back over my months studying and traveling in Italy, I feel an intense bittersweet twist in my heart. Spending a semester abroad was the scariest, most challenging, most joy-filled and most rewarding experience I have ever had, and my only regret is that it lasted only four months.

I have been home for one month since I landed back in the states, but it feels like yesterday that I was shopping at the central market for vegetables, eating gelato on Via de Neri, and walking through piazzas full of people from every corner of the world. Every day held something new for me to see or taste or learn, whether in my daily life or through my classes. My art classes opened my eyes to a different way of learning. Not only did I develop my artistic passions and abilities in drawing, painting, and photography, but I learned how to think about accomplishment and progress in a way that I hadn’t been exposed to in my usual biology classes at home. Living independently of my family and friends was at first extremely difficult, but I adjusted with time. In fact I think that that is one of the most profound changes I experienced while abroad – growing up and becoming more independent. I feel so much more prepared to live on my own and step out of college now, and I am proud of how I grew while in Italy.

The relationships I built while living in Florence are totally invaluable to me now. Taking classes together, adjusting to a new home, going through ups and downs and having to rely on each other, and especially traveling to unforgettable places truly forges a bond that can’t be explained. I can’t wait to see my friends again in the near future and to continue to share life experiences together.

I am so thankful for this last semester in Italy. There are not words expressive enough to convey the depth of my gratitude for the unforgettable experience of my time in Florence. My future looks different because of my time abroad, and I can’t wait to travel and learn even more in the future.

—Erin, Gustavus Adolphus College