You Gotta Go Abroad!

How Going Abroad Can Completely Transform Your Life

This past semester, I spent four months studying in Florence, Italy, and it was truly the best thing I’ve ever done for myself.

Deciding to go abroad was a huge step for me. I had never been out of the country and attend an in-state college, so I’d always stayed close to home. Even though I was going with my three best friends, I didn’t know any Italian, had no experience living abroad, and had never been away from home for that long. I was excited, but I was also very anxious.

The moment I arrived in Florence, I was in awe of the beauty and freedom around me. Every weekend, we traveled to new destinations to explore, learn, and immerse ourselves in the culture. During the week, I attended classes at ISI Florence. Adapting to Italian culture was challenging, but incredibly rewarding. It broadened my horizons in ways I could never have imagined — from seeing new places and meeting new people to learning from Italian professors with different perspectives.

This experience taught me so much about myself. I learned how to navigate challenges as an American traveling in Europe, adapt to new cultures, manage my money, use public transportation, speak some Italian, and approach the world with open eyes.

As Immerse Education explains, “Studying abroad is an adventure that pushes you out of your comfort zone. It’s an opportunity to face new and exciting challenges…These experiences help build resilience and adaptability…Overcoming these challenges not only enhances your problem-solving skills but also boosts your confidence, preparing you for future obstacles.”

If you have the opportunity to study abroad, I highly recommend taking it — it will change the way you see the world and yourself.