Our Featured Alumni

Ciao! My name is Livi Mazerolle, I am a current junior at Williams College, majoring in English and Art History. I am on the track team at my college and spent the Fall, kind of, training in Florence! I had an amazing time with ISI and would be more than willing to answer any questions about life abroad, Florence, ISI, or anything else!

My favorite experience abroad was a trip I took early on in the semester. I knew it would be my favorite trip from the moment I left. The trip that took the cake for me was a weekend in the Dolomites with one of my roommates. The two of us took two trains, a bus, and a taxi to our trailhead in Cortina d’Ampezzo. Although there were many moving parts (literally and figuratively) this was one of the easiest travel days of the semester. From the trailhead we hiked an hour and a half to our home for the next two days, Rifugio Croda da Lago. We spent two nights with this wonderful family who ran the small, cozy hut. At the Rifugio, we were joined by other hikers stopping along their journeys. We did an 8-mile hike through the Dolomites, ate home-cooked meals, took a dip in the freezing cold pond, and, my favorite, had an afternoon in the sauna/cold plunge. It was the most relaxing, beautiful, and mindful trip. I would recommend everyone to visit the Dolomites while they are in Italy. I went in late September right after peak season ended and it was already pretty cold, so I would recommend visiting in the summer, early fall, or late spring. 

Say yes to everything! Say yes to that €20 flight to a random city, say yes to going out with new friends, say yes to participating in community activities. Life abroad presents itself with so much newness and unfamiliarity. My advice is to lean into that – in the grand scheme of things, your time abroad is short, and before you know it you will be back to the comfort of what you know and are familiar with. While you are here, bask in the uncomfortableness and unknown, you only have it for so long. This semester is a time for you to explore. Put yourself first and create as many memorable experiences as you can, and all that is required from you is saying yes.

Hey! I’m Isaac, a current Junior at the University of Connecticut where I’m studying English and Psychology. Outside of my major, I enjoy studying languages, writing screenplays, writing articles, watching movies, and more. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions regarding anything relating to studying abroad (or any of the other topics listed above). I greatly enjoyed my time abroad and would be happy to share my experience and answer any questions or concerns you may have.

Favorite moment in Florence: 
It’s certainly not easy to pick one favorite moment, but I will say my day in the countryside of Tuscany picking chestnuts and eating delicious homemade pasta and tiramisu would be hard to beat. I was lucky enough to be able to venture outside of the city center where it was calmer, and I was surrounded by more nature.

Advice to future students: 
The biggest advice I could give future students is to do their best to get a base in the language before arriving. Not only is it very practically useful, but it elevates your time abroad greatly. Being abroad in Italy is your opportunity to be immersed in another language, which is the best way to learn one, but it isn’t possible if you don’t put in the time and effort to do so. It also enables you to better connect with the locals and allows you to feel more comfortable venturing out.

I am currently undecided and thinking about majoring in psychology or business. Studying abroad has been a life changing experience and I plan on traveling a lot more after I graduate.

Favorite Moment in Florence: My favorite moment was definitely spending all day at the Christmas market. It was such a fun event to go with friends because you were able to get into the Christmas spirit and get to look at all the stalls. The food and hot chocolate were incredible and my friends and I were able to listen to music all day long while playing cards. Little moments like these that aren’t crazy events really leave the best memories because you’re really able to get to know the people that you meet and build a deeper connection with them.

Advice to Future Students: If I were to give any advice to someone studying abroad it would be to try and get out of your comfort zone. Studying abroad is a unique experience and you should try and make the most of it. Try to talk to new people, especially the locals, and participate in the school events. At these events, you will get to know Italian students and learn more about the culture in Florence. Also take advantage of the opportunity that you have to travel, whether that be traveling in Italy or somewhere else in Europe. It is a lot more affordable than the States and you meet many new people and experience many new cultures. While you should take the opportunity to travel you should also envelop yourself in the Italian culture and community. Keep in mind that studying abroad expenses can add up so try and keep track of how much money you’re spending. Traveling abroad has been one of the best experiences of my life, and I would recommend you try and get the most out of it, whether that be traveling or immersing yourself in Italian culture, or both!

Hi! I’m Lauren Ade, a current junior at Penn State University, class of 2026. I am majoring in Psychology (B.A.) with minors in Child Maltreatment and Advocacy Studies and Rehabilitation and Human Services. Upon graduation, I plan on attending graduate school and pursuing a career in clinical psychology with a focus on children. Please, please feel free to reach out with any questions about studying abroad in Florence! I absolutely adored my time abroad and would love to share all my tips and recommendations!!

Favorite Moment in Florence
It’s essentially impossible to pinpoint one exact moment in time that has been my favorite in Florence, so I’ll share a collection of little moments/experiences that have absolutely been highlights of my time abroad: people-watching while sitting alongside the Arno River, making friends with the staff at Bongusto (student discounts there!!), getting to pet at least 2 dogs a day (they are all over the city!), having breakfast and chatting with the lovely staff at Forno Ghibellina (BEST bakery in Florence), browsing gorgeous artisan jewelry in shops sprinkled around the city, eating a panino from Schiacciateria De Neri in between classes, aperitivo (try the Hugo spritz), sunsets at Piazzale Michelangelo, pistacchio gelato nearly every day, Carnevale baked goods like Frittelle, the church bells going off throughout the day, site visits with my art history courses to essentially all the museums and churches in Florence, the incredible architecture and rich history throughout the city, rainy days spent journaling about all the trips and experiences I’ve had abroad, afternoons lounging in the Boboli Gardens, and all the incredible people- locals and fellow study abroad students- I’ve met along the way.

Advice to Future Students
My biggest piece of advice to future students would be to try and say yes to everything! It can be really scary and feel isolating at first being in a new country, with new roommates, and a new “campus” but try to step outside of your comfort zone and say YES to all opportunities coming your way! Go to the ISI student-led events, say yes to that new person who invited you to dinner, go on impromptu day trips, and be open to everything! I found that by doing this, Florence quickly became home, as I had tried so many new places around the city, met people who quickly became my closest friends and travel buddies, and got exposed to all of the opportunities and connections that ISI grants us as students! So while I encourage you to take the leap, I also would say make sure you are taking care of yourself and engaging in lots of self-care and rest. Life is busy abroad so prioritize your well-being, everything else comes next! And lastly, don’t compare your study abroad experience to others around you: spend your time doing what YOU want, because, at the end of the day, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you deserve to cater to yourself!

Hi! I am a junior from Abington, Massachusetts, studying Business Management and Psychology at Roger Williams University in Bristol RI. I chose to study in Florence for its dedication to arts and culture and for a chance to learn more about the world around me. After I graduate, I hope to find a career that encourages me to travel, or maybe start my own business! 

Most memorable experience: 
I have so many memorable experiences throughout my time in Italy, but my most memorable experiences here in Florence have been when my friends and I make dinner and sit down at the kitchen table together. Sometimes, we’ll just boil some pasta and talk about our day, and other times we’ll plan to all make something and sit down together. The night before Valentine’s Day, my roommates and I had our friends over for a girl’s night. One of my friends brought over a meat and cheese board, and we ordered heart-shaped pizzas from Gusta Pizza, and made pasta and meatballs from scratch. I made chocolate-covered strawberries and raspberries and we had our own Valentine’s Day dinner. We listened to music on our old radio and played card games with a deck we found in our kitchen. Going to authentic Italian restaurants is an essential part of studying abroad in Florence but being able to test out new recipes with my friends, have a home-cooked meal, and have a good night in is so much fun! 

Advice for incoming students: 
Challenge yourself! You’re in a new city with all new people and it’s fun to try things you typically wouldn’t do at home. It’s easy at first to be scared and want to stick to doing the same things with the same people. I ended up doing a lot of exploring alone, sitting at cool restaurants by myself, and learning a lot about how I interacted with the world around me. I also pushed myself to meet new people and go places that I wouldn’t typically go to. Try new foods, talk to the people in your classes, and talk to the locals at your favorite restaurant or shop. At the same time, it’s important to give yourself a break every once and a while or you’ll burn out. It’s so easy to compare how you spend your weekends to what everyone else is doing, but so much of the experience here is learning about yourself, so it doesn’t matter what anyone else is doing. Definitely take advantage of your time here because it goes by so fast. 

Background:
Hi! My name is Jordyn, I am currently a junior at the University of Rochester. I’m majoring in Psychology and double minoring in Business and Brain and Cognitive Science. After I graduate, I plan to pursue a graduate degree in either clinical or forensic psychology. 

My favorite memory in Florence:
When reflecting on my favorite memory in Florence, many unique moments come to mind. However, one of my favorite days was when I went with some friends to watch the sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo after we finished class for the day. We spent the time sharing stories while trying to locate all of the familiar landmarks visible from the city overlook. After we finished, all of my friends came to support me as I played soccer for the ISI team in a local tournament against other institutions in the city. That evening, our team got our very first win and then we all went to get gelato to celebrate! 

Advice for future students: 
Overall, my experience in Florence has been absolutely life-changing. Although it can be intimidating to study abroad, one piece of advice I would give is to be present and savor every moment. I’ve learned that when I remind myself of this, it helps bring purpose to everything I do. Take pictures, videotape, journal, draw, strive to not let any moment or event go unnoticed. ISI truly offers countless opportunities to make your mark in this city. Along with that, I would also advise to always be open to change as you will grow a lot through this experience. This experience has not only taught me more about different cultures and lifestyles but has also taught me many new things about myself as a person and what I want for my future. Lastly, I would advise to prioritize gratitude. In a completely new setting with new people and situations, it is so easy to get caught up on the little things that may go wrong while living here. However, a simple reminder of where you are and the wonderful experience you are able to have can make a big difference. 

Hi! My name is Anna Sofia and I am a junior majoring in Psychology at the University of Maryland. I am from Boston, Massachusetts, and after graduation, I hope to get my Master’s in Industrial/Organizational Psychology abroad. 

My Favorite Moment in Florence 
My day-to-day life in Florence as a whole has been the highlight of this experience but if I had to pick one it would be my walks up to Piazzale Michelangelo with my friends to enjoy the beautiful view of the city at sunset. Spending quality time with my friends while appreciating the panoramic view was always such an enjoyable and relaxing experience. 

Advice for Future Students
My advice to someone studying abroad in Florence is to appreciate and take advantage of everything the city you are living in has to offer. Florence is such a unique and beautiful place and there is so much to see and experience. While traveling within Europe is just as exciting and memorable, doing daily activities you enjoy in Florence during the week, like hiking up to Michelangelo or going to your favorite cafe, are what makes the city feel like home. I would also advise you to do everything you can to fully immerse yourself in the local community and Italian culture. There is so much to learn and ways to grow, you just have to be willing to seek out opportunities and step outside of your comfort zone! 

Bio
I am currently a sophomore at the University of Connecticut, graduating class of 2026! I’m majoring in Physiology and neurobiology with a Pre-PA track. After I graduate I plan on continuing my education and attending a Physician Assistant program, hoping to be a Pediatric.

Favorite Moment in Florence
I’ve had so many amazing moments during my study abroad adventure that it’s tough to choose just one! But if I had to, I’d say it was the day my friends and I decided to watch the sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo after class. The view from up there is just breathtaking, especially as the sun starts to dip. It’s like the whole city comes alive with color. We found a spot to sit and watched as the sky turned all shades of pink and gold. It was magical. Afterward, we went to our favorite restaurant, Ristorante Accademia. The people there always make us feel like part of the family. It’s this cozy little place with the best food in town! To top it all off, we got gelato on our way back to our apartment. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day. Back at our apartment, we snuggled up and watched a movie together. Moments like these, where we’re just hanging out at our favorite spots in the city and enjoying each other’s company, are what makes studying abroad so special.

Advice to future students!
The best advice for incoming ISI students is simple: step outside your comfort zone. Meeting new people, embracing different cultures, and trying new experiences are what make studying abroad truly unforgettable. Keep an open mind, stay true to yourself, and be willing to explore beyond your familiar surroundings. By doing so, you’ll make lifelong connections, learn valuable lessons, and create memories that will last a lifetime. So don’t hesitate to take that leap – it truly turned out that studying abroad was the best decision I ever made.

Hi! My name is Allison Moses and I am a junior majoring in marketing at Penn State University. Studying abroad has been a life-changing experience and I hope to continue my travels after I graduate!

Most Memorable Experience:
My study abroad was filled with so many amazing memories and people. One of my favorite memories in Florence has been sitting in the Santo Spirito square with my roommates and the friends we have made here. This semester we have been blessed with so many sunny days where my friends and I would sit in the square. We would play cards, recap our weekend travels, and plan our upcoming weekends together. It was here that I built new friendships with the best people!

Piece of Advice:
The best piece of advice I could give is to build relationships with the locals! Making friends with your neighbors, local restaurant owners, and even the ISI staff members is one of the best things you can do. I have been given so many amazing recommendations of things to do here and in Florence that I never would have discovered on my own. I have also been given tips and advice for my weekend travels that have helped me make the most of my time here. Building these relationships has also made me feel much more comfortable here in Florence. Knowing I had people to talk to or even just wave to on the streets has made me feel at home here!

Bio: Hi! My name is Erica, and I was born and raised in Northern New Jersey. I’m a junior at Harvard studying Economics and Psychology. I was keen on studying abroad because I wanted to challenge myself and experience a new culture. I chose Florence not only because carbs are my favorite food group but also because I love Italian architecture and coffee!

Favorite Moment in Florence: My favorite moment in Florence was the first time I walked up to Piazzale Michelangelo and went through the Giardino delle Rose (Rose Garden). I loved how you could see everything even on the journey up to Piazzale Michelangelo. I liked the walk there better than the actual destination because of the beautiful nature and numerous benches you could sit on to take in the Florence skyline.

Advice to Future Students:
My advice to future students is to bring a journal with you wherever you go in your abroad experience and allow yourself the opportunity to pause and reflect! You will be challenged in new ways but also grow so much more than you thought possible. Be kind and patient to yourself, and celebrate all wins, big or small. You’ll have days where you miss home and days where you couldn’t imagine being anywhere else than in Italy. Embrace all the emotions and experiences that come your way because that volatility is part of the charm and benefits of studying abroad.