Written by Sophia Xie, University of Virginia | ISI Florence Fall 2025

Have you ever imagined studying in a city where your walk to class takes you past Renaissance buildings, local markets, and the smell of coffee? This was the dream that led me to Florence. Choosing a study abroad city can seem overwhelming – at least, it was for me. Out of the many cities across the world, how do you narrow it down? I’ll walk you through five key points to consider before applying and committing to your future study abroad program, and why Florence ended up being the perfect fit for me.

Know What You Want Academically

Studying is a key part of the study abroad experience – after all, it’s in the name. It’s important to consider what courses will count towards your major or minor. Will you receive credit for your degree, or would you rather explore something completely outside your usual focus? Both approaches are valid, but it’s helpful to have a plan for how the semester abroad will contribute to your academic schedule. You should connect with your school’s study abroad office or class registrar to learn what classes will be accepted for credit.

As a pre-med chemistry major, I knew I wanted to take a break from the heavy STEM course load and pre-med requisites. I decided to focus on earning credit for my psychology minor. I was able to determine which UVA classes were equivalent to the ISI psychology classes, so I could keep track of my minor progress and confirm I’d be able to complete all the requirements by the end of my four years. I also knew I wanted to take an elective course to learn more about Italy and its traditions. I was intrigued by the variety of art, history, and practicum courses ISI offered, and I felt confident I’d find something that sparked my interest.

Consider Your Lifestyle

There’s a lot to think about when it comes to how your lifestyle might fit into a new city. Do you prefer the energy of a bigger city or the charm of a smaller town? Do you have a fast-paced lifestyle, or are you more laid-back? What’s the nightlife like, and does this matter to you? Does the city offer the kind of everyday experiences you enjoy, such as parks for running or museums to explore? Is your city known for being walkable, or will you have to rely on public transport to get around?

For me, Florence is the perfect balance of a dynamic city with something new happening every day, while still maintaining the feeling of a local community. It’s perfectly walkable, which was important to me as I love to immerse myself in my surroundings on foot. Florence’s flat terrain and beautiful views by the Arno River are ideal for my morning runs, which have become one of my favorite daily rituals. The different daily, weekly, and monthly markets are an easy reason for me to get out of the apartment and browse for vintage finds or unique trinkets to bring home. And then there are the famous outlooks of the city, like Piazzale Michelangelo and Ponte Vecchio, which are always great places to watch the sunset with friends. Overall, Florence has everything to support my lifestyle, and that’s a big part of why it already feels like a second home.

Location and Travel Beyond Your City

Another key factor to consider is how easy it is to travel out of your host city. Is there an airport or train station easily reachable? What are the surrounding areas like? Are there any interesting and doable daytrips? And don’t forget the weather – will it be rainy, hot, windy, or snowy? While you can’t predict exactly what will happen during your semester abroad, predicting how you might handle different conditions is a good way to gauge your compatibility with a city’s locality and climate.

I liked Florence’s centrality within both Italy and Europe. It made traveling to other countries relatively simple, whether for a weekend trip or a longer break. Furthermore, there are so many interesting cities in Italy to visit that I sadly won’t have enough time to visit all of them. Most are easy and affordable to reach from the Florence Santa Maria Novella train station, which makes day trips super convenient. I knew Italy was a country I was especially excited to explore, so being able to make quick trips from Florence was a huge perk.

Reality Check: Financials and Housing

When dreaming about studying abroad, it can be easy to get caught up in the excitement of picturesque views and bucket-list travel. But let’s pause for a quick reality check, because the affordability and housing of a city can seriously impact your experience. Consider the cost of living in the cities you are interested in. Rent, groceries, and transportation can drain your budget quickly if you are not prepared for what’s going to come. Doing a bit of research on other students’ experiences living in a city will give you important insight and help you budget realistically.

Housing often depends on the program you choose to commit to. Will you be living in a dorm, with a host family, or in an independent apartment? Different programs in different cities will offer their own options, each with pros and cons. Personally, I knew that I didn’t want the stress of searching for accommodation on my own, which is what some programs expected. Living in a centrally located apartment in Florence set up by ISI Florence was the perfect fit for me. It gives me flexibility to explore the city while also providing the peace of mind that comes with guaranteed housing.

Personal Goals & Aspirations

Ultimately, one of the final and most important things to consider is your personal goals. What do you hope to gain from this experience? What are your biggest aspirations while studying abroad? Looking past some of the more difficult logistics and planning, what do you truly want for your study abroad journey?

For me, I knew I wanted to go to a city completely unfamiliar – where I knew no one, didn’t speak the language, and could immerse myself in interests opposite to my current major. Going to a city with such a rich Renaissance history has always been a dream of mine, and it felt like a chance to experience something totally different from life back at home.

Studying abroad should feel personal. It will hopefully provide you with unique, surprising experiences that you would not get anywhere else. There is truly no right or wrong answer to which city you decide on, so don’t stress too much. A little planning goes a long way, but in the end, your mindset will shape your experience more than anything else. Simply choose the city that you believe will excite you, challenge you, and help you grow.