She Strengthens

Living La Vita: My Unforgettable Experience in Florence, Italy

A Leap of Faith Abroad

I still reminisce about my junior year of college, when I embarked on an incredible journey to Florence, Italy. It was 2014, and I was determined to make the most of my time abroad. As a freelance writer, I was fortunate to have a steady income stream, which allowed me to focus on soaking up the Italian culture.

The Freelance Life

Before moving to Italy, I had already established myself as a freelance writer for an online newspaper, which I found through Craigslist. This experience proved to be a lifesaver, as it enabled me to continue working remotely while abroad. The lack of widespread WiFi in Italy, however, presented a challenge. I often found myself typing away at the local Burger King or tapping into the public library’s internet connection – a feat that required some creativity and perseverance.

Tuition and Living Arrangements

Fortunately, my study abroad program, offered in partnership with my college in America (New Hampshire Institute of Art), covered the cost of my round-trip flight to Italy. Additionally, I had a meal plan arrangement with a local café, Quelo’s, near Piazza Santa Croce, which included lunch in my tuition. I shared a three-bedroom apartment with four other people, which helped keep costs low. My college roommate and I split one room, while two boys from a Long Island university shared another, and an Italian student had his own small room.

Budgeting in Italy

Living in Italy required some adjustments to my budget. Groceries were relatively affordable, with a bag of pasta costing only 35 cents. I split my weekly grocery bill of $25 with my roommate, which included toiletries and other essentials. By the end of the program, we managed to reduce our bill to just $7 each per week. Transportation costs were minimal, as I walked everywhere, including the 10-minute walk to the grocery store and the 20-minute walk to school.

Aperitivo: A Florentine Tradition

One of my favorite aspects of Italian culture was the aperitivo tradition. For around $6 or $7, I could enjoy a cocktail and access an unlimited buffet of meats, cheeses, pasta, and other finger foods. The Aperol Spritz, a mixture of prosecco and Aperol, was the popular drink of choice during aperitivo.

Acclimating to Florentine Life

I adored the pedestrian-friendly nature of Florence, where cars were scarce and people walked freely in the streets. This encouraged a sense of community, as I would often run into friends at sidewalk cafes. The Italian culture values socializing and enjoying life, which resonated deeply with me.

The Challenges of Moving Abroad

While I didn’t experience significant culture shock upon arriving in Italy, I did face some obstacles. One notable challenge was during a trip to London and Paris, when my phone was stolen near Montmartre. However, the biggest shock came when I returned to America, where everything seemed oversized compared to Europe.

Advice for Aspiring Expats

For those considering a move to Florence, I recommend saving as much money as possible and making an effort to befriend locals. Europeans are warm and welcoming if you can make them laugh, especially Italians. Opening a credit card or two before leaving can also be helpful, although it’s essential to note that Italians prefer cash transactions.

The Visa Process

Acquiring a student visa required a visit to my local consulate, which cost $130. I opted to visit the consulate in Miami, which added a fun day trip to South Beach to my agenda.

Surprising Expenses

While the expenses themselves weren’t shocking, the way they were delivered sometimes caught me off guard. For instance, buying a bus ticket required a visit to a local tobacco store, and museum tickets often involved a lottery process with long lines. It was essential to be flexible and adapt to these unique quirks.