Traveling the World and Finding Myself Along the Way: The 3 Biggest Things I’ve Learned while Studying Abroad in Italy

Blair Konczal is a student at Kansas State University and an ISA Featured Blogger. Blair is currently studying abroad with ISA in Florence, Italy.

Hello! Don’t mind me just hanging out on the streets of Dublin for St. Patrick’s Day!

When I came to study abroad I came in with the mindset that it was such a great opportunity to see and travel the world. I never imagined that studying in Florence would teach me so much  more about myself as it is doing.  Here are the three biggest things I’ve learned since I’ve been here:

Foray out of Florence: Zedd Concert in Germany

Blair Konczal is a student at Kansas State University and an ISA Featured Blogger. Blair is currently studying abroad with ISA in Florence, Italy.

This past weekend I left the beautiful city of Florence to check out Germany. The weekend included traveling between 4 different cities, a 40 person hostel, 7 forms of public transportation, a castle, and last but not least a concert in Cologne, Germany.

Nymphenburg Palace aka my summer home.

The 5 Biggest Differences Between Italy and the States

Blair Konczal is a student at Kansas State University and an ISA Featured Blogger. Blair is currently studying abroad with ISA in Florence, Italy.

1. Lifestyle Pace – In the states I feel like I’m always on the go. I feel like I’m perfectly scheduled from the time I wake up to the time I go to bed without ever stopping to relax. Here in Italy you take your time to do everything. Heck, there is a time from 2-4 PM called “Siesta”. Literally all you do is nap. And napping is one of my specialties. You won’t find anyone on the streets, and stores close down. It’s awesome. Point Italy.

The beautiful city of Florence!

A Farewell to Florence: Learning How to Saying Goodbye

Samantha Philbrick is a student at University of New Hampshire and an ISA Featured Blogger. Samantha is currently studying abroad program in Florence on an ISA Fall 1 program.

My last week in Florence was ridiculously hard.

It wasn’t the five crushing finals threatening to drive me crazy by keeping me up until early in the morning studying for. It wasn’t packing up everything from the last five months into two airport approved suitcases in time to catch my 6am flight. It wasn’t the projects, presentations, and reviews that had to be completed before the 15th. It was hard saying goodbye to the city and the people I had formed this incredible bond with over the course of my study abroad program.

Top 10 Reasons Why I Fell in Love With Florence

I’ve made friends with everyone here, from the man who makes my espresso every morning, to the staff at my favorite grocery store, to the man who lives a floor below me who I ride the elevator and exchange recipes with each each week.

Foot Twitching to Florence

Samantha Philbrick is a student at University of New Hampshire and an ISA Featured Blogger. Samantha is currently studying abroad program in Florence on an ISA Fall 1 program.

Amazing view of Florence

I sat on the bus to Florence nervously tapping my foot for the four hour bus ride. Would I like it? Would I feel safe? Would my apartment be OK? Would I like my roomies? Would I be able to find my classes? Would it be clean? Would I like it?

Most importantly: Would it feel like home?

Florence: What They Don’t Tell You Before You Study Abroad

Jacquelyn O’Malley is a student at The College of New Jersey and an ISA Featured Blogger. Jackie recently returned from studying abroad in Florence on an ISA Summer 3 program.

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I thought I had it all figured out.  I read the pre-departure packets, bought the Italy for Dummies book, and Googled the “Must-Do’s of Italy.”  In my obsessive-compulsive-list-making mind, I thought I knew exactly what I would learn during my four-week stay in Florence.

How incredibly silly of me.

It all hit me after the trip, actually.  I was cleaning out my desk and stumbled upon a manila folder with the three letters “ISA” scribbled across the top.  As I picked it up, the complimentary “Firenze” book filled with images of the Duomo, the Blue Grato and good old David himself fell right into my lap.

But it was strange, when I looked a picture of the Duomo, I wasn’t thinking about its Gothic arches or golden doors.  Instead, I remembered running circles around the darn thing, clutching my map and squinting my eyes in search of my apartment.  And when I saw a picture of the Blue Grato, I wasn’t recalling the facts I learned from the tour guide; instead I remembered my heart racing as I faced my fears and jumped into its deep, salty water.  On the next page was a picture of The David, but when I saw it I didn’t think of his finely chiseled abs of marble.  Instead, I could taste the sweet cappuccino my new friends and I sipped at 7 a.m. as we braved the lines to enter the museum.

They tell you that studying abroad will allow you to experience a different culture, learn some history and maybe even pick up on some of the language.  But what they don’t tell you is that studying abroad is one of the best ways to learn about yourself.  I learned that I can depend on myself when I’m feeling lost.  I can find the courage to take risks and try new things.  I can put myself out there and make long-lasting friendships.  So if you’re anything like me, go ahead and make your “Things I Want to Learn” list, but I can assure you that you’ll learn so much more than you can fit on that little piece of paper.

Last Stop – London!

Last stop-London

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ISA Featured Blogger Chyna Bardarson, participating on the ISA Florence Summer 2 program, and has made it to London! Listen for her helpful hints and tips if you plan on visiting this city of royalty. You can continue to follow Chyna’s journey throughout Europe at chynachoice.com.

Top 5 Off-the-Beaten-Path Places in Florence

Jacquelyn O’Malley is a student at The College of New Jersey and an ISA Featured Blogger. Jackie is currently studying abroad in Florence on an ISA Summer 3 program.

1. Giuliano Ricchi‘s Jewelry Studio (12 Piazza S. Spirito)

When I overheard a classmate talking about her €6 bracelet made out of a Euro coin, I had to find out how to get one for myself.  Thankfully I discovered Florence’s hidden gem right across from the Santo Spirito Church.  At first, I felt a little strange knocking on a stranger’s resident building but I was immediately relieved of any apprehension as I entered studio.  Not only does he make his famous Euro bracelets, but he also sells his signature hand-crafted bracelets, necklaces, jewelry boxes and picture frames that he also sells in Neiman Marcus catalogs.

2. Fiesole

Impressed with the view from Piazzele Michaelangelo?  Then you need to take a trip to Fiesole, a small hill town just 15 minutes outside of Florence.  Take Bus 7 to the last stop at Piazza Mino de Fiasole and enjoy the sunset as you dine at a local restaurant.

3 . Museo Salvatore Ferragamo (Via de’ Tornabuoni, 2)

Florence is home to the most brilliant artists of all time.  We have Giotto, Donatello, Botticelli, and how can we forget Salvatore Ferragamo, the shoe-God himself.  I had amazing time visiting the Ferragamo Museum, where I got to see the originals of his shoe collection.  It also serves as a tribute to Marilyn Monroe, who famously wore his shoes and dresses that are on display throughout the museum.

4. Secret Bakery

Craving a late night snack?  A lot of bakeries start preparing at 1 a.m. and if you’re lucky and super, super quiet, they’ll sneak you a fresh-out-the-oven chocolate filled croissant through their bakery window.  Half the fun is finding an open bakery on your own, so I won’t spoil the fun.  But I will give you a hint: head towards Santa Croce and follow the sweet smell of freshly baked bread and cupcakes.

5. Arno Dam

The Arno River is the second most important river to Italy next to the Tiber.  To get a closer look at the powerful river, you can actually walk out on to the Arno Dam and view the it flowing beneath the Ponte Vecchio.

What NOT to pack for Florence

Jacquelyn O’Malley is a student at The College of New Jersey and an ISA Featured Blogger. Jackie is currently studying abroad in Florence on an ISA Summer 3 program.

I’m a self-diagnosed over-packer.  Beach trip?  Better bring my winter coat!  Going skiing?  I’ll pack a few bathing suits, you know, just in case.  So much to nobody’s surprise, I completely overpacked for Florence.  If I could re-pack, here are the top 6 items I would have left behind:

1. Jeans/Sweatpants/Sweatshirts- I’ll put this simply.  In July, Florence reaches 105 degrees by day, and 85 by night.
2. Heels-  After one attempt at wearing your black stilettos on Italy’s cobblestone streets, I can assure you that they won’t make another appearance for the remainder of your trip.  It’s a lot smarter to pack one good pair of wedges and a nice pair of flats instead.
3. Sheets/Towels-  In Florence, there’s a Coin store, which is a lot like our version of Macy’s.  Located right by the Duomo, it has plenty of cheap linens that will allow you to save money and space in your suitcase.
4. Shampoo/Conditioner- At every turn there are Pharmacy’s with plenty of recognizable brand names, like Pantene.  Just look for a light up green cross on the side of the building, and that means there’s a pharmacy.
5. Hair Dryer/Straightener- Even with the converter, these items just don’t work like they do back in the States (a close call with lighting my hair on fire let me figure this one out).  Either make peace with your curly hair or buy a cheap dryer/straightener at a pharmacy or Coin.
6. Backpack/Bag- With the world’s largest leather market right outside your door, it’s going to take a lot of willpower to pass up on shopping.  I gave in and bought a satchel, which turned out to be the best purchase I’ve made.  The leather bags and satchels are super useful throughout your trip, and they are all reasonably priced as well (especially if you mention you’re a student!)