The Top 10 Things I've Learned While Studying Abroad

Since I don't want to study for finals, I decided I would make one last blog post before leaving what I now consider my second home. The past 4 months have gone by so much faster than I ever imagined and it's hard to believe that I will be back in America in a few days. I've learned so much while going through this experience and words can't describe how thankful I am to have been able to live and study in Italy.

Throughout this semester, I have learned a vast amount about myself and the world, and here are just a few points:

1- The world is such a small place...I can't count the number of times we ran into people that were graduates of ISU or lived in Illinois or were friends-of-friends. I became friends with someone here that lives in Alton, Illinois and KNOWS WHERE I WENT TO HIGH SCHOOL! People who live in the same state as me don't even know that. You really never know who you might meet.

2- I can get myself around any city via subway, train, bus, or on foot. Although I am still directionally challenged, I am so much more confident that I can go anywhere on a whim and figure out where to go or what to do...I honestly feel like I could win Amazing Race (it's a long shot, but it could happen).

3- There are more good people in the world than bad. I have met amazing people, especially in Florence, just walking down the street.

4- Carbs can be your best friend!

5- I have the best family, friends, and boyfriend in the world. I would not have been able to go through this entire experience without them.

6- I don't need to be connected to my phone 24/7. Not being connected everywhere I went made me realize how much I miss out on because I'm looking at a screen.

7- You never know how something really is until you try it yourself. I've always had this mindset about food, but I've learned to do this in other aspects of my life as well.

8- I have learned to be patient. Italians don't move very fast when doing anything. I have also learned how to wait without the entertainment of my iPhone.

9- You can sleep when your dead...all you need is about 6 hours. Don't get me wrong, I like sleeping in, but the days I got up and walked around Florence are the days that I learned the most about the city because I would get lost on purpose and then eventually find my way back. We all had this mindset when we were in different cities as well. I'm so happy that we gave up an extra hour of sleep to go get in line early to see things that many people won't ever get to.

10- I learned Italian...sort of.


My friends and I have been to 22 cities and 8 countries throughout the semester. It has been the trip of a lifetime and leaving is bittersweet, but I know I will be back sooner than later! Ciao Italy!


Here are just a few pictures of us during our last few weeks in Florence:

1-2: We rode segways! I ran into a bike that was sitting in front a restaurant full of people...Angela ran into a car..and Danielle almost got ran over by a horse (she actually burnt rubber). Nicole didn't run into anything but at one point her Segway just wouldn't stop and she was riding at full speed. The entire situation was hilarious and I'm so happy I did it here. We didn't have to sign a waiver and only one person needed a license and we didn't have to wear helmets..Italians are crazy!

3-6: We went to a Florentine soccer game, which was really fun but of course the only time it actually thunderstorms here is when we're outside. Their fans are so loud and crazy! They made us get purple shirts so we wouldn't get harassed.

7-8: We went to one of the best restaurants this week and we're sad that we just now found it! We had homemade spaghetti and the best gnocchi of my entire European experience!

9-16: These are from a few weeks ago at Notte Bianca, which a celebration around the entire city to start off the summer season. The city was awake until 6 am and a lot of stores stayed open and there was entertainment in all of the Piazzas. It was like a giant church picnic!

17-18: This coffee is from the Gucci museum and is the only Gucci product to my name. I'm also really going to miss the amazing sandwiches from the fresh market and all of my favorite sandwich shops... I think I eat pesto and oil on everything now.

19: This is my Italian teacher Francesca. I am really going to miss her..she is the sweetest lady and a really good teacher. We're going to be pen pals.

20: We finally got a picture of the bambinis that live next to us! The little boy's name is Matteo and he flirts with us when he sees us by the window.