Wow, it’s been a long time since I’ve written. I got caught up with my life here in Florence, which has become increasingly more natural to me. I’m at the point where I can expertly weave my way through hordes of tourists, speak some basic Italian, and get to most places without using Google Maps. Perhaps most importantly, I know how to identify a gelateria that sells quality gelato from a mediocre tourist trap. It’s a rewarding feeling, and yet, inevitably, I still sometimes experience moments of culture-shock and homesickness.
This post will be relatively short because it’s already the halfway point, aka midterms, and while the workload is significantly smaller than at DU, I’m still pretty busy. On the subject of classes, it’s been so refreshing to take classes that are purely for enjoyment, rather than requirements for my major. I’m taking Italian Renaissance Art, The Origins of Western Literature (in which we read The Iliad, the Odyssey, and the Aeneid), Florence Sketchbook, and Intermediate Italian. All of them will allegedly transfer back to DU as elective credits, except for my literature class, which counts for my English minor.
It’s quite obvious that most people aren’t here for academic rigor, though, including myself. There’s a pressure to have the best times of our lives in the short amount of time we’re here, and my study abroad program seems to understand that pretty well. Except for Italian, my classes only occur once a week, and are much less stressful than DU. I’ve found that there is a much better work-life balance here than in the American school system, which has allowed me to spend many of my weekends traveling or exploring all that Florence has to offer.
However, I can’t lie and say that I don’t miss aspects of the U.S, especially the culture and activities surrounding autumn. For all of the history and beauty in Florence, my biggest complaint is the lack of trees and green spaces here. It makes me appreciate the lushness of DU’s campus, and how it beautifully reflects the changing seasons.
Since this is my first time outside of the U.S., I’ve gained more of an appreciation for certain aspects of my home country, but I’m also much more aware of its shortcomings than ever before. For instance, the food. Produce and groceries are so much more affordable in Italy, and yet the quality is infinitely fresher and healthier than in the U.S. And don’t even get me started on the differences in health care.
Gaining these new perspectives has broadened my understanding of the world and confirmed the importance of spending time in foreign countries. I also feel much more like an adult, as I’m learning to navigate a new country, culture, school, and living situation. It can be overwhelming and exhausting at times, but I know that I’m gaining insight and making memories that will last a lifetime.